How to take care of a bearded dragon while on vacation?

When going on vacation, it’s essential to ensure your bearded dragon is well cared for. Adult bearded dragons can go without food for a week, but baby bearded dragons need daily live food. Here are some suggestions for taking care of your bearded dragon while on vacation:

  • Leave herbs and edible plants in the enclosure for adult bearded dragons.
  • Arrange for a pet sitter to feed baby bearded dragons live food daily.
  • Consult a vet before leaving your bearded dragon alone for an extended period.
  • If you decide to take your bearded dragon with you, ensure you have a suitable travel enclosure and supplies.

It’s always best to have someone check on your bearded dragon while you’re away, even if it’s just once a week. This ensures their well-being and provides peace of mind during your vacation.

The Importance of Proper Care for Your Bearded Dragon’s Health and Well-Being

Tia holding Lizzy
Credit: Katie

Bearded dragons are hardy reptiles that can thrive in captivity if provided with proper care. However, they are also delicate creatures that can suffer from a variety of health issues if their needs are not met.

As an owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure their well-being at all times. Leaving your bearded dragon alone for an extended period without proper care can lead to stress, dehydration, malnutrition, and other health issues that can impact their quality of life.

Not only is it important for the physical health of your bearded dragon to receive proper care while you’re away, but it’s also essential for their mental well-being. Bearded dragons are social animals and enjoy interaction with their owners or other people.

When left alone for too long without adequate stimulation or attention from humans or other animals, they can become lonely or depressed. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide them with human interaction or socialization opportunities even when you’re not around.

Preparing for Vacation

Plan Ahead and Make Necessary Arrangements for Your Bearded Dragon’s Care

Fatty The Bearded Dragon
Credit: Ross Storr

When planning to go on vacation, it is crucial to plan ahead for the care of your bearded dragon. Leaving your pet unattended or with someone who does not have experience taking care of bearded dragons can result in significant health issues or even death.

Therefore, it is essential to research and make necessary arrangements beforehand. Depending on the length of your vacation, you may have several options available to you.

One such option is hiring a professional pet sitter. Look for a sitter who specializes in reptiles and has experience taking care of bearded dragons.

Another option is boarding your bearded dragon at a reputable facility that specializes in reptile care. Whichever option you choose, make sure that they are knowledgeable in the proper care techniques required by bearded dragons.

Find a Trusted Pet Sitter or Boarding Facility That Specializes in Reptiles

Bearded dragon - Pogona Vitticeps
Credit: De Attard

Finding a trusted pet sitter or boarding facility that specializes in reptiles can alleviate some of the stress when leaving your beloved bearded dragon behind while on vacation. Start by asking family and friends if they know of any reliable pet sitters familiar with reptile care or check online reviews for local pet sitters that specialize in caring for exotic pets.

If you prefer boarding your bearded dragon at a facility, check with local veterinarians, animal hospitals, or pet stores where they often keep lists of recommended reptile boarding facilities. Be sure to ask about their experience working with bearded dragons and verify their credentials before making any commitments.

Provide Detailed Instructions on Your Bearded Dragon’s Diet, Habitat, and Any Special Needs

Before leaving for vacation, provide detailed instructions about how you want your bearded dragon cared for while away. Write down everything about their diet, including how much and what types of food to feed them, the frequency and amount of water they need, and any supplements they require. Include instructions on how to maintain your bearded dragon’s habitat while you’re away.

This should include the right temperature range, humidity levels, and lighting schedules required for your bearded dragon’s environment. You may also want to provide a checklist for any special needs or preferences of your bearded dragon.

Planning ahead is crucial when leaving your bearded dragon in someone else’s care while on vacation. Finding a trusted pet sitter or boarding facility that specializes in reptile care and providing detailed instructions will ensure that your pet receives proper care while you’re away.

Habitat Maintenance

When preparing to leave for vacation, it’s important to ensure that your bearded dragon’s enclosure is clean and well-maintained. This includes removing any uneaten food, feces, and shedding skin from the enclosure.

A deep clean should also be done prior to leaving. Use a reptile-safe disinfectant to clean all surfaces within the enclosure such as walls, rocks, branches, and other accessories.

Setting up automatic timers for lighting and heating is also critical when taking care of a bearded dragon while on vacation. The lighting schedule mimics natural sunlight cycles and should remain on for 10-12 hours per day; using timers will help maintain this schedule.

The temperature inside the enclosure should stay consistent between 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and drop down slightly during the nighttime hours; once again automatic heating systems can help ensure this consistency in your absence. It’s crucial that you leave enough food, water, and supplements for your bearded dragon to last throughout your vacation period.

Be sure to provide enough fresh leafy greens such as kale or collard greens along with a variety of vegetables such as squash or carrots. In terms of protein sources – crickets or mealworms are good options but make sure they also have access to fresh water at all times whether it’s through the use of a simple water dish or drip system.

Health Monitoring

Instructing Your Pet Sitter or Boarding Facility to Monitor Daily Health

When you leave your bearded dragon in the care of someone else, it is essential that they monitor its health daily. The pet sitter or boarding facility should be able to recognize signs of illness, stress, or other problems and take prompt action.

It is important to communicate clearly with them about what to look for and what steps they should take in case of an emergency. Make sure to provide detailed instructions about your bearded dragon’s diet, environment, and any special needs.

If your pet has a history of medical issues or requires medication, make sure your caretaker is fully trained in administering it. Use charts or written instructions if needed to help them understand how to care for your reptile friend.

Contact Information for Your Veterinarian in Emergencies

No matter how well you have prepared for your bearded dragon’s care while you are away, there is always a chance that an emergency may arise. Therefore, it is crucial that you leave contact information for your veterinarian with the pet sitter or boarding facility. Make sure they are aware of their location and phone number so they can reach out immediately if something goes wrong.

It may also be helpful to give permission for any necessary veterinary treatment in case of extreme emergencies where time is critical. Be clear about what limits there are on spending for medical treatment by ensuring that caretakers know how much money can be spent without getting authorization from the owner first.

Communication with Pet Sitter/Boarding Facility

Keeping in Touch

Staying in touch with your pet sitter or boarding facility is crucial to ensure that your bearded dragon is receiving the proper care it needs. Make sure to provide them with a way to contact you, whether it’s through email, phone, or text message.

Let them know how often you would like updates on your bearded dragon’s health and well-being. This way, you can rest assured that your pet is being looked after properly.

Asking for Updates

When checking in with your pet sitter or boarding facility, ask for detailed updates on your bearded dragon’s health status. Inquire about its eating habits, activity level, and general behavior.

If any concerns arise during their care period, make sure they contact you immediately so that the issue can be addressed promptly. Having open communication will not only give you peace of mind but also ensure that any potential problems are handled efficiently.

Conclusion

Taking care of a bearded dragon while on vacation requires careful planning and preparation. It’s essential to find a trusted pet sitter or boarding facility that specializes in reptiles and provides them with detailed instructions on your bearded dragon’s diet, habitat needs, and any special requirements.

Ensure their enclosure is clean before leaving by setting up automatic timers for lighting and heating to maintain proper temperature and light cycles. By following the steps mentioned above, you’ll enjoy a stress-free vacation knowing that your beloved pet is receiving appropriate care while away from home.

Remember always to keep communication open with the caregiver so that they are aware of any changes in the health status or behavior patterns of your bearded dragon. With these measures put in place beforehand, there will be no need for worrying about anything other than enjoying yourself during vacation time.