How to keep dragons hydrated?

[TheRamiRocketMan]

Hi all.

My female bearded dragon has gone through 2 episodes of dehydration. Wrinkled skin, sullen eyes and lethargy. Both times we went to the vet who administered fluid injections which got her healthier but I don't want this to keep happening so how do you keep your dragon hydrated?

We've tried weekly baths (she drinks the water), misting and water bowels and still she goes through dehydration episodes.

Dragon is 12 years old, kept for 6 years.

Diet is Kale, Yellow squash, Strawberries, Carrot, Crickets and Wood roaches w Calicum and Multivitamin. Offered every 2 days.
Basking temp 36C, Hot side 32-36 (depending on the temp outside), Cold side 26. Nighttime regulated to stay at-least 23 C.
3.5' x 2' x 2' wooden enclosure.
Any tips?

 

[kingofnobbys]

Hi all.

My female bearded dragon has gone through 2 episodes of dehydration. Wrinkled skin, sullen eyes and lethargy. Both times we went to the vet who administered fluid injections which got her healthier but I don't want this to keep happening so how do you keep your dragon hydrated?

We've tried weekly baths (she drinks the water), misting and water bowels and still she goes through dehydration episodes.

Dragon is 12 years old, kept for 6 years.

Diet is Kale, Yellow squash, Strawberries, Carrot, Crickets and Wood roaches w Calicum and Multivitamin. Offered every 2 days.
<<< Looks pretty good. I think adding silkworms to the diet (nice and juicy and soft and squishy) will help add some moisture and calcium to her diet (I feed my girl one per day , and my silkworms eat fresh mulberry leaves)
Basking temp 36C, Hot side 32-36 (depending on the temp outside), Cold side 26. Nighttime regulated to stay at-least 23 C.
<<< I'd nudge the basking spot temperature up 1 or 2 degC.
3.5' x 2' x 2' wooden enclosure.
Any tips?

 

[Gormagon]

I spritz Charlie's salads with spring water when I put them in his viv. He eats 3 salads a day at 4 months old. This way he gets hydrated and doesn't even know it, LOL!!!

Salads should be offered every day.

 

[AHBD]

Hi there, your beardie is getting up there in years at the age of 12. As they age there can be specific reasons for dehydration, something underlying if she drinks regularly. You might want to cut back on the supplements a bit, they can cause kidney issues.

Can you post a few pics of her and her set up as well ? Also a picture of how much calcium powder you put on an average meal ? Here's how to post pics :

https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/ Then use the XIMG to upload them

 

[TheRamiRocketMan]

Hi everyone, thank you so much for the replies.

It turns out my dragon was suffering with premature egg rotting in her ovaries. Apparently this is a thing can happen even to healthy females as they get older. The ovaries were leaching fluid into her abdominal cavity causing damage to her organs, thus she stopped eating and stopped drinking. We've had to put her down, as the vet said that survival even with an operation is pretty much zero once fluid leaks into the abdomen.

Sorry to be really depressing and down, I'm in a state of shock at the moment and it is difficult to have to say goodbye so suddenly. Sometimes these things happen and you sign up for this when getting a pet.

I have to say a massive thanks to the community that helped her through her first dehydration. This time unfortunately she couldn't be saved.

 

[AHBD]

I'm so sorry that she had to be put down, what a devastating experience for you. I hope that your heart doesn't hurt too long, those of us who have lost a precious friend know how much it hurts. My heart really goes out to you.

 

[Gormagon]

Awe, I am so sorry for your loss! It is painful to say goodbye to our little friends, I know all to well. They have a way of getting to us that, surprises most people. Time is the only thing that can heal the huge dragon shaped hole they leave in our hearts when they go.

 

[HerpGirl]

My condolence for you and your family.

 

[SmaugyDoggy]

So sorry for your loss... I am new to the dragon world but I already love my little guy/girl a ton!

 

[TheRamiRocketMan]

Thank you so much everyone. I surprised myself with how emotional this has made me, they really are incredible animals.

 

[HerpGirl]

Thank you so much everyone. I surprised myself with how emotional this has made me, they really are incredible animals.

Yeah, they snuggle their way into your heart pretty quick