If you’re a bearded dragon owner, you may have wondered if your scaly friend can absorb water through their skin. With their dry, desert-adapted bodies, it seems plausible that simply misting or bathing a beardie could provide hydration.
Here’s a quick answer: while bearded dragons do absorb some moisture through their skin, this is not an adequate way for them to stay hydrated. Bearded dragons drink primarily by lapping up water with their tongues.
Bearded Dragon Skin and Water Absorption
Structure of Reptile Skin
The skin of reptiles like bearded dragons has a unique structure that allows them to absorb water through their skin when needed. Reptile skin contains beta-keratin scales that are made of proteins and fat. Between the scales is a thin layer of living skin tissue called the epidermis.
Underneath that is a thicker layer called the dermis which contains blood vessels, nerves, pigment cells, and free nerve endings.
The epidermis of reptiles is only a few cell layers thick but is still waterproof due to lipids on the outer surface. This waterproofing prevents uncontrolled water loss. However, reptiles can actively control the absorption of water into and out of their skin by regulating the tight junctions between epithelial cells in the epidermis.
When their skin contacts a water source, bearded dragons can loosen these cellular junctions, allowing water to pass through the epidermis via osmosis and into the blood vessels of the dermis.
How Much Water is Absorbed?
Studies have shown that reptiles can absorb a significant amount of water through their skin, especially when dehydrated. One experiment with lizards found that severely dehydrated animals absorbed water through their skin at rates up to 10 times faster compared to lizards with adequate hydration.
Lizards immersed just their pelvic patch in water showed an increase in body mass of 10-15% in just 24 hours due to the exceptional water absorption capability of their skin.[1]
For bearded dragons specifically, some estimates suggest their skin can account for 20-50% of overall water uptake if sufficient water is available for soaking.[2] By sitting in shallow water, bearded dragons can passively absorb water and important minerals like calcium through their skin.
This helps them efficiently rehydrate when conditions are dry.
Why Drinking is Essential
Preventing Dehydration
Water is absolutely vital for bearded dragons to stay hydrated and healthy. Dehydration can occur rapidly in these reptiles if they do not get enough water, leading to potentially serious health issues.
Some key reasons why dehydration is a big risk include:
- Bearded dragons originate from hot, arid desert environments. The high temperatures and dry air cause them to lose moisture rapidly through their skin and by breathing.
- Their diet of insects and greens contains only a minimal amount of moisture. Unlike mammals, reptiles do not get all the water they need just from their food.
- Bearded dragons are relatively inactive and do not generate metabolic water like mammals do.
- Their dry, scaly skin further contributes to moisture loss.
Studies have shown that providing adequate hydration can increase growth rates and reproductive health in captive bearded dragons. Proper access to drinking water helps them thrive.
Facilitating Digestion
Consuming enough water is also vital for allowing bearded dragons to properly digest their food. Reptiles do not produce the amount of digestive acids and enzymes that mammals do. Therefore, getting sufficient water is key for the following digestive processes:
- Softening up dry foods like insects, vegetables and pellets so they can be broken down.
- Allowing efficient movement of food through the digestive tract.
- Absorbing nutrients from food as it passes through the gut.
- Flushing out waste products from the body.
Well hydrated bearded dragons will have more regular and healthy bowel movements. Constipation is a common problem in reptiles that do not get enough drinking water.
Flushing Out Excess Minerals
An additional critical function of water for bearded dragons is to help remove excess mineral deposits from the body. Issues like gout can develop if minerals build up in tissues and joints.
Bearded dragons need to consume certain minerals like calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and growth. However, too much of these can cause problems. Water helps flush out any surplus amounts before they cause damage.
Some other ways adequate hydration helps reduce mineral buildups include:
- Diluting concentrations of minerals in the blood and organs.
- Allowing the kidneys to filter out and excrete excess minerals through uric acid.
- Preventing minerals from solidifying into painful deposits.
Providing clean drinking water every day supports the health of bearded dragons by promoting normal mineral balance.
Providing Adequate Hydration
Supplying Clean Water
Proper hydration is crucial for bearded dragons’ health. They get most of their water from their food, but also need access to clean drinking water. Dehydration can lead to serious issues like impaction. Make sure to provide fresh, filtered water daily in a shallow bowl that cannot be tipped over.
Replace it often, as bearded dragons may defecate in the water. Also, mist the enclosure 1-2 times per day with dechlorinated water to increase humidity. The ideal humidity level for bearded dragons is 30-40%.
Misting vs. Drinking
While misting the enclosure is beneficial, it does not replace drinking water. Bearded dragons often don’t recognize standing water and may not drink enough on their own. To encourage drinking, placing small droplets along your dragon’s snout and waiting for them to lick them off can help train them.
You can also gently splash the water with your fingers to get their attention. Juveniles tend to drink more frequently than adults, who get more hydration from vegetables. Adults still need a water dish, however, and may drink more during shedding cycles or breeding season.
Encouraging Them to Drink
Here are some tips to get your bearded dragon drinking more often:
- Use a heavy, stable bowl that won’t tip over easily.
- Place it on the cool side of the tank.
- Change the water daily.
- Add ice cubes to lower the temperature.
- Use bottled spring or purified water rather than tap.
- Droplets along the snout several times a day.
- Gently splash the water with your fingers.
- Spray more frequently during sheds.
Staying hydrated is vital for a healthy bearded dragon. Providing clean drinking water and misting regularly gives them the option to get the moisture they need. Pay attention to their drinking habits and take steps to encourage it when needed.
With the right habitat set up and care, bearded dragons can thrive.
Signs of Dehydration in Bearded Dragons
Wrinkled Skin
One of the most obvious signs of dehydration in bearded dragons is wrinkled skin. When a bearded dragon is hydrated properly, its skin should be smooth and supple. However, when a bearded dragon becomes dehydrated, its skin will begin to wrinkle as it loses moisture.
This is especially noticeable around the neck and sides of the body. Severely dehydrated bearded dragons may have skin that appears very loose and deflated. Keep an eye out for any new wrinkles developing, as this can indicate that your bearded dragon needs more fluids.
Sunken Eyes
Dehydrated bearded dragons often develop sunken eyes as they lose moisture. Normally, a bearded dragon’s eyes should be bright, round, and protruding slightly. But as dehydration sets in, the eyes may start to appear smaller and sit more deeply in the eye sockets.
This happens because the body pulls fluid from non-vital areas like the tissues around the eyes. Sunken eyes are a sure sign that your bearded dragon is becoming seriously dehydrated and needs hydration right away. Try providing fresh drinking water and misting the tank to help add moisture.
Lethargy
Lethargy and decreased activity levels are another sign of dehydration in bearded dragons. Bearded dragons are naturally active reptiles that explore their habitat and bask under heat lamps. But when they don’t have enough fluids in their body, they often become lethargic and weak.
You may notice your bearded dragon moving around less, not wanting to play or bask, or just laying in one spot for prolonged periods. This happens as dehydration causes fatigue, muscle weakness, and low energy.
Make sure to provide hydration options like a water dish or misting to help give your lethargic friend a boost.
Constipation
Constipation is a common symptom of dehydration in bearded dragons. Their digestive system relies on adequate hydration to keep food and waste moving properly. Without enough fluid intake, bearded dragons can become “backed up” and struggle to pass stool normally.
Signs of constipation include infrequent pooping, difficulty passing stool, small and dry feces, or straining. To help with dehydration-related constipation, try providing extra drinking water and consider giving hydrating foods like melons, leafy greens, or aloe.
Also, soaking your bearded dragon in shallow warm water can help add moisture from the outside-in and stimulate bowels.
When to See a Veterinarian
Bearded dragons are generally hardy pets, but they can develop health issues that require veterinary care. Here’s some guidance on when you should take your bearded dragon to the vet:
Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration is a serious concern for bearded dragons. Signs to watch out for include:
- Sunken eyes
- Skin that lacks elasticity when gently pinched
- Wrinkles around the corners of the mouth
- Lethargy or weakness
If you notice any of these symptoms, call your exotic vet right away. Dehydration can lead to organ failure if left untreated.
Not Eating or Pooping
Appetite loss is another reason to seek veterinary care. Bearded dragons should eat daily. If your dragon goes more than 2-3 days without eating, something is likely wrong.
Constipation or lack of poop can also signal an underlying issue. Healthy dragons should pass stool every 1-2 days. If poop seems abnormal or your dragon hasn’t pooped in several days, a vet visit is in order.
Injuries or Abscesses
Cuts, puncture wounds, broken bones, and abscesses all require medical treatment. Left unchecked, these injuries can lead to infection or even death.
Signs of an abscess include swelling, redness, pus, loss of scales, and black discoloration of the skin. Abscesses must be surgically drained by a vet.
Parasites
Intestinal parasites like pinworms, protozoa, and tapeworms can make bearded dragons very sick. Symptoms may include weight loss, lack of appetite, and abnormal or bloody stool.
Your vet can check a fecal sample and prescribe medication to eliminate parasites if needed. Regular parasite testing and preventative care helps keep your dragon healthy.
Conclusion
While bearded dragons can absorb some moisture through their skin when misted or bathed, this is not sufficient for keeping them hydrated. Supplying fresh drinking water, and encouraging your beardie to lap it up, is crucial.
By understanding their hydration needs and watching for signs of dehydration, you can keep your bearded dragon healthy and thriving.
