Chronic Dehydration
Captive reptiles rely on the keeper for all of it's needs. As with all life reptiles need access to fresh clean water to exist and thrive. Researching to find your reptile's specific water requirements is necessary to their health. Without enough fluid intake your reptile will become dehydrated. Chronic Dehydration left untreated leads to electrolyte imbalance, kidney and liver diseases, contributes to other diseases and can ultimately lead to death. Dehydration is not a disease but a symptom of an underlying factor. It is important to discover the cause and address it. Often the cause is poor husbandry but it can be caused by disease. It is always recommended to have a vet assess and diagnose any issue your reptile has.
general symptoms of dehydration
- Skin wrinkled and loses it's elasticity.
- Eyes appear dull and sunken.
- Sunken fat pads.
- Mucus membranes will appear dry.
- Lethargy.
- No appetite.
Research your specific reptile species and learn what their hydration requirements are. It is important to know how they drink. For example, some will drink from a dish while some others will not recognize standing water as something to drink. Some others will lap droplets. As with all information about your reptile, the more you research and know the better you are able to provide their needs.
Dehydration and it's results some
Basic Metabolic Processes |
General information on reptile hydration.
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Dehydration Review
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Addresses some common health issues in snakes, including dehydration
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In the section on "Methods of Offering Fluids to Reptiles" is a basic guide on the amounts of fluids
to offer reptiles in 24 hour period. All sections very informative.