Wondering if your bearded dragons need water bowls?
Bearded dragons are known for being a very hardy reptile species that can live in a wide range of habitats. They are native to Australia, but they have been introduced to many other areas around the world as pets or exotic animals.
Their natural habitat is hot and dry with little rainfall, which means that it’s not uncommon for them to go without water for long periods.
So what’s the deal with these weird-looking creatures and their water bowls? Why do they need them at all? Are water bowls just a silly accessory, or do they actually serve an essential function? Let’s find out!
Do Bearded Dragons Need a Water Bowl?
Yes, bearded dragons need a water bowl. Bearded dragons are desert animals and do not have access to clean drinking water in their natural habitat.
They have adapted to getting all of their water needs from the food they eat. However, this is not sufficient. So, you must provide your bearded dragon with a source of fresh, clean water at all times.
The NCSU recommends always keeping a shallow bowl of fresh water for your bearded dragons to prevent them from dehydration.
6 Signs That Your Bearded Dragon Is Dehydrated
If you’re a bearded dragon owner, you know how important it is to keep your reptile hydrated. Bearded dragons can suffer from dehydration if they don’t drink enough water.
The signs of dehydration can differ between species and individuals, but most cases have the same symptoms:
- Swollen or Puffy Eyes
Bearded dragons with swollen eyes can indicate that they are suffering from dehydration.
This symptom can also sometimes be seen in constipation situations as well. It looks similar to humans’ allergies and gets puffy eyes from mucus buildup in their sinuses.
If you notice your bearded dragon has swollen eyes, give him some fluids immediately.
- Lethargy
If your bearded dragon is lethargic, it’s probably dehydrated. That’s because bearded dragons are generally pretty active and energetic.
So if he’s been sleeping more than usual and doesn’t have the energy to climb around like he usually does, or if he seems to have trouble moving his limbs, that’s a red flag that something’s up.
- Flaky Skin
Dehydration can cause your bearded dragon’s skin to flake off more than usual. If you see skin peeling, it’s time to check on your bearded dragon’s hydration levels.
- Loss of Appetite
When bearded dragons are dehydrated, they’re often not hungry and refuse to eat. If your bearded dragon isn’t eating, it’s time to take her to the vet.
- Lack of Poop
A bearded dragon who is dehydrated will not have any poop. This is because the body cannot absorb enough water to produce feces.
- Saliva Tackiness
One sign of dehydration in bearded dragons is tackiness in their saliva. The saliva will stick to the sides of their mouths, but it won’t fall off as easily as normal saliva would.
How Long Can Bearded Dragons Go Without Water?
The amount of time it takes for a bearded dragon to dehydrate depends on the temperature and surrounding humidity.
Generally, it takes three days to three weeks for a bearded dragon that has no access to water to become dehydrated.
The longer your dragon goes without water, the more likely it will suffer from dehydration or even death.
How Often Does a Bearded Dragon Need Water?
You must provide them with fresh water every day so your beardies can stay hydrated throughout the day and night.
These lizards can easily become dehydrated if they don’t have access to enough fluids. In fact, according to the study, lack of water can cause constipation or even death in these lizards if they are left untreated for too long.
A bearded dragon typically drinks between 10 and 30 milliliters of water per day. This may not seem like much, but it is essential for keeping your pet healthy and hydrated.
Can Bearded Dragons Have Tap Water?
The answer is yes. However, you need to ensure that your tap water does not have a high level of chlorine. Chlorine is a highly toxic chemical for reptiles and amphibians and can cause severe damage to their health.
So it’s important to use bottled water instead of tap water as much as possible when caring for your bearded dragon.
4 Ways to Get Your Bearded Dragon to Drink Water
Bearded dragons are very sensitive creatures and can easily get dehydrated. You should make sure they have access to clean, fresh water at all times.
But how do you get them to drink? There are a few different ways:
- Use a Small Dish
The easiest way is to use a small dish or bowl that’s shallow enough for your bearded dragon to climb into and drink from.
You’ll want the dish to be wide enough so your bearded dragon won’t fall in, but not so wide that he’ll have trouble getting his head out of it.
- Spraying Your Bearded Dragon
Spraying your bearded dragon is a great way to get them to drink water, especially if you have a beardie that is not yet used to drinking from a water bowl.
To do this, simply spray the water onto your bearded dragon’s mouth and nose. This is similar to what a mother would do in the wild when she sprays her young with water to clean them up.
- Change the Location of the Bowls
If your lizard is not drinking water, try changing the location of the bowl, or if you have multiple bowls for your lizard, swap them out every few days so they get used to drinking from different locations around the cage.
This will help prevent them from getting territorial over any one spot and make it easier for you when it comes time to clean them out or move them around when cleaning time rolls around again.
- Add Treats As an Incentive
Bearded dragons love treats and will often do anything for them, even if it means drinking more water. Try adding small pieces of fruit or veggies to their bowl along with their usual food items.
Teaching your bearded dragon to drink water is difficult; it requires a lot of patience, but it’s not impossible. Start by placing a water bowl in front of your beardie. Now, wait for him to notice the bowl.
Do not force it and observe patiently as it approaches the bowl and begins drinking from it. After you see him drinking, reward him with a treat such as fruit or vegetables.
Repeat this process until you have successfully taught your bearded dragon to drink water from its own bowl.
Conclusion
So, do bearded dragons need water bowls? The answer is yes.
But it’s not just about the water bowl. It’s about their environment and the care you provide for them. A water bowl is a great way to keep your pet hydrated and comfortable.
It’s up to you to ensure your bearded dragon has a safe place to live and a full, happy life with you.
