7 Ways to Tell If Your Bearded Dragon Lizard Is Thirsty

Did you ever notice your bearded dragon doing something that left you scratching your head, wondering how to tell if your bearded dragon is thirsty?

Well, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Understanding our bearded buddies’ needs can sometimes feel like trying to crack a code.

Unlike our furry friends, bearded dragons can’t exactly lap up water from a bowl or give us those puppy dog eyes when they’re parched.

Our journey today will help you decode the signs of a thirsty bearded dragon and answer all those burning questions like How do I make sure my bearded dragon stays hydrated?

So, buckle up, fellow reptile enthusiasts; let’s embark on a journey to keep our scaly friends in tip-top shape.

Table of Contents

How to Know If a Bearded Dragon is Thirsty

Here are the seven (7) signs you should take note of;

Sign #1: Wrinkled Skin

Imagine you’ve left a juicy apple on the counter for a few days. At first, it’s all shiny and firm, but after a while, it starts to shrivel up, right?

Well, the same thing happens with bearded dragons when they’re dehydrated. Their skin might start to look a bit wrinkly and less plump than usual.

A hydrated bearded dragon has smooth, supple skin. So, if you notice a change, it might be time to ask How often should bearded dragons drink water?

The answer can vary, depending on their age, diet, and environment. But as a rule of thumb, juveniles need a daily sprinkle or misting, and adults can usually do it with a good soak once or twice a week.

Sign #2: Sunken Eyes

Picture this: you’re out on a desert island, the sun’s beating down, and your water supply has run dry. You’d be pretty parched, right? And your eyes would probably start to sink a bit.

Well, it’s the same for our bearded buddies. Sunken eyes can be a sign that your dragon is a little on the dry side.

Our bearded friends’ eyes should be bright, alert, and slightly protruding. If you see a change, and their eyes start to look sunken, your bearded dragon might be silently saying, “Hey, buddy, I’m a little thirsty here!”

Sign #3: Lack of Energy

Ever tried to power through your day after skipping your morning coffee? Your energy level probably felt like a sloth on a slow day, right?

Well, that’s how your bearded dragon might feel when dehydrated – a little lethargic and not their usual active self.

Bearded dragons aren’t the most energetic creatures, unlike cats or dogs, even on their best days.

But if you notice your dragon buddy showing less interest in exploring their habitat or are not as responsive as usual, they might be trying to tell you, “Hey, I need some H2O here!”

Sign #4: Loss of Appetite

Have you ever been so parched that you just didn’t feel like eating? Well, guess what? Your bearded dragon can feel the same way. A thirsty bearded dragon might turn up its nose, or rather, its snout at food.

It might be a sign they’re dehydrated if you’re serving up your dragon’s favorite meal and they’re not digging in with their usual gusto.

Especially if this change in eating habits is combined with any of the other signs we’ve talked about, like wrinkled sk

Sign #5: Change in Color

Do you know how a plant’s leaves start to dull and lose their vibrant color when they need water? Well, your bearded dragon might do something similar.

They can’t turn brown like a thirsty plant, but their color might look slightly off.

Bearded dragons are known for their range of beautiful colors, from sandy yellows to fiery oranges. If your bearded buddy’s scales start to look dull or darker than usual, it could be a sign they’re not getting enough water.

Sign #6: Unusual Stool

Ever had a day when you didn’t drink enough water, and then when you had to… um, you know… it wasn’t as easy as usual?

Well, the same thing can happen to your bearded dragon. A dehydrated dragon might have hard, dry stools or not go as often as they usually do.

Think of water as a lubricant for your dragon’s digestive system. Without enough of it, things can get a little… backed up. So, if you notice any changes in your dragon’s bathroom habits, it might be time to revisit their hydration routine.

Sign #7: Frequent Hiding

Imagine you’re really thirsty, but there’s no water around. You’d probably want to conserve as much energy as possible. That might mean finding a shady spot and taking it easy.

Well, your bearded dragon might do the same. If they’re dehydrated, they might spend more time hiding in their habitat.

While bearded dragons do enjoy a good hide-and-seek session now and then, if you notice your scaly friend is hiding more than usual, it could be a sign they’re not getting enough water.

Hydrating Your Bearded Dragon: How and How Often

By now, you’re probably a pro at spotting the signs of a thirsty bearded dragon. But you might still be wondering, how do I make sure my bearded dragon stays hydrated?

Well, you’re in luck because that’s exactly what we’re going to tackle now.

Bearded dragons don’t drink water like cats or dogs. They usually don’t lap it up from a bowl.

Instead, they might get most of their hydration from their food, like juicy worms or fresh veggies. But there are still ways you can make sure they get enough water:

Misting: Spritz your dragon with a spray bottle. They might lick the droplets off their skin or habitat.
Soaking: Give your dragon a warm bath. They might drink the water while they’re splashing around. Just make sure it’s not too deep!
Juicy Foods: Serve up food high in water content, like cucumbers or watermelon. Remember, variety is key to a balanced diet.

As for how often bearded dragons should drink water, it can depend on their age, diet, and environment.

But generally, juveniles need a daily misting, and adults can do it with a soak once or twice a week.

Conclusion: Keep Your Dragon Happy and Hydrated

And there you have it, folks! We’ve cracked the code on how to tell if your bearded dragon is thirsty. From wrinkled skin to frequent hiding, we’ve learned the signs to look out for.

But remember, every dragon is unique. So, while these signs can guide you, you know your pet best.

Keeping your bearded dragon hydrated might seem like a daunting task. But it’s doable with a little know-how and much love.

Just remember to mist, soak, and feed them juicy foods. Your scaly friend is counting on you to keep them happy and hydrated.