10 Tips on How to Keep Your Bearded Dragon Drinking Water Regularly

Bearded dragons are high-maintenance pets that require proper care, nutrition, and environment to stay healthy and active. One of the most significant aspects of bearded dragon care is ensuring they get enough water. Unfortunately, many novice pet owners overlook water consumption and don’t know how to encourage their bearded dragons to drink water.

Importance of Hydration for Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are desert-dwelling reptiles, and they are adapted to live in arid environments with limited access to water. They get most of the moisture they need from the food they eat, which means that they don’t typically drink water the way other animals do. However, water is still essential for their overall health and wellbeing.

• Water helps keep bearded dragons hydrated, which aids digestion and prevents constipation.
• Water assists in the shedding process by keeping skin hydrated and supple.
• Dehydration can lead to several health problems, including lethargy, loss of appetite, and kidney damage.

10 Tips for Encouraging Your Bearded Dragon to Drink Water

1. Provide a Fresh Bowl of Water Daily

The first step in getting your bearded dragon to drink water is to provide fresh water every day. Change the water bowl and clean it thoroughly to remove any bacteria, algae, or debris that may deter your bearded dragon from drinking. Use only dechlorinated water, such as distilled or reverse osmosis water, to fill the bowl.

2. Use a Drip System or Misting to Increase Humidity

Bearded dragons don’t like standing water or water that moves too much. However, you can increase the humidity around their enclosure to encourage them to drink water. Use a drip system or misting to create a mist that falls into the water bowl or onto the bearded dragon’s skin. This mimics natural rainfall, which can trigger your pet’s drinking instincts.

3. Offer a Variety of Drinking Sources

Bearded dragons may prefer drinking water from different sources, depending on their mood, temperature, and thirst level. Offer several drinking sources, such as shallow water bowls, dripping systems, and water sprayers, to let your bearded dragon choose their preference.

4. Add Flavors to the Water Bowl

If your bearded dragon doesn’t like plain water, try adding flavors that appeal to their taste buds, such as fruit juice or reptile-safe electrolytes. Make sure you don’t add too much flavor, as it may dilute the water or become too sugary, which can cause digestive issues.

5. Feed Water-Rich Foods

Since bearded dragons get most of their moisture from their diet, they should eat foods that have a high water content, such as fruits, vegetables, and live insects. This ensures that they are hydrated and healthy, and may reduce their dependency on water bowls.

6. Soak Your Bearded Dragon in Warm Water

If your bearded dragon is dehydrated or not drinking enough water, you can encourage them to drink by soaking them in warm (not hot) water for a few minutes. This can keep them hydrated, clean their skin, and stimulate their thirst.

7. Control the Temperature and Humidity

Bearded dragons are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, so you should maintain the optimal levels in their enclosure. The ideal temperature range for bearded dragons is between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night. The optimal humidity level is between 20 and 40 percent.

8. Monitor Your Bearded Dragon’s Urination and Defecation

One way to know if your bearded dragon is hydrated is by observing their urination and defecation habits. Dehydrated bearded dragons may produce smaller or fewer droppings, or have dry, crumbly feces. They may also urinate less frequently, or their urates (the solid white portion of their urine) may be thick or chalky. If you notice any of these signs, take action to increase your pet’s water intake.

9. Avoid Substrate that Can Cause Impaction

Impaction is a common problem in bearded dragons that occurs when they ingest non-food items, such as substrate or loose bedding, that gets stuck in their digestive tract. This can lead to dehydration, constipation, and other health issues that may affect their water intake. Avoid using loose substrate, such as sand or gravel, and opt for solid or reptile-safe substrate instead.

10. Consult with a Reptile Vet

If you’re unsure about how to keep your bearded dragon hydrated, or you notice any signs of dehydration or illness, it’s best to seek the help of a reptile veterinarian. They can evaluate your pet’s health, provide personalized care instructions, and prescribe medications or supplements that may improve your bearded dragon’s water intake.

Conclusion

Keeping your bearded dragon hydrated is crucial for their health and happiness. By using these ten tips and monitoring their water intake regularly, you can help ensure that your pet stays hydrated and healthy. Remember, don’t forget to provide clean, fresh water every day, and offer a variety of drinking sources and water-rich foods to keep your bearded dragon happy and hydrated.