Leopard geckos are desert animals and as such, like other reptiles, they tend to be less tolerant of water scarcity. However, they can still be dehydrated.
Signs your leopard gecko is dehydrated include dehydration noticeable changes in the animal’s appearance, such as: dry or sticky membranes, dry or wrinkled skin, flaky skin or trouble shedding, lethargy and weakness, loss of skin elasticity and flexibility, sunken eyes, and constipation. If your leopard gecko exhibits any three of these signs of dehydration you should start taking measures to ensure that your pet is getting enough water.
Note that dehydration is dangerous as it can lead to acidosis, heart and kidney failure, shock, or even cause death.
Causes of Dehydration in Leopard Geckos
Dehydration occurs when a lizard’s body cannot replace the water it loses through its normal activities.
A variety of reasons can lead to dehydration in lizards, including inadequate hydration, diseases and illness, improper enclosure temperatures, and low humidity levels.
To minimize the likelihood of your leopard gecko becoming dehydrated, try to provide adequate water throughout the day and keep enclosure temperatures appropriate for the species’ native climate. Be sure to monitor humidity levels closely, as lower levels can also lead to dehydration.
How Do You Solve the Issue of Dehydration in Leopard Geckos?
Once you spot your gecko showing signs of dehydration, take them to the vet. They will be able to determine the severity of the dehydration and recommend an appropriate technique to rehydrate them.
In cases of mild dehydration, your vet may recommend soaking your Leo in lukewarm water; always provide a bowl of water and mist the enclosure daily.
Moderate dehydration can be treated by soaking your gecko in warm water for a longer period or offering them fluids orally.
In cases of severe dehydration, your vet will inject fluids into your leopard gecko to solve the issue.
How to Prevent Your Leopard Gecko from Getting Dehydrated?
Taking the right preventive measures can help avoid dehydration in your leopard gecko, as prevention is better than cure. How do you ensure your pet is hydrated all the time?
Provide clean, fresh water daily. Clean your leopard gecko’s water bowl daily and fill it with water as this will encourage him to drink. Ensure to use organic soaps and mild disinfectants on the bowl, as strong smells can discourage your pet from drinking water.
Provide food with high water content – Feeder insects are a great way for your lizard to get the moisture they need, since their body fluids are high in water content. Another idea is to soak their food in water before offering it to your pet.
Mist your leopard gecko’s enclosure or soaking them in lukewarm water occasionally– Your leopard gecko will enjoy this type of bathing and interaction, promoting moisture intake.
Ensure the enclosure humidity and temperature levels are appropriate – this will ensure the enclosure has the right amount of moisture, thereby preventing your friend from drying out.
Why Is My Leopard Gecko Not Drinking Water?
Below are some reasons that might prompt your gecko not to drink water.
Your Gecko Prefers Water in a Different Form
Some leos are picky and may not drink water if it comes from a clean bowl every day. They prefer getting their water in another form, such as misting their enclosure or when it is coming from an insect.
Leopard geckos get their water from trees, rocks and other objects in the wild, so they will lick the water droplets off of a glass during misting as this is how they would get it in their natural habitat.
Just aim the sprayer at one side of the enclosure and set it up to only spray once at night so that the humidity is not too much.
Your Gecko Is Not Used To Their New Environment
Geckos are reptiles and as such, are naturally timid creatures that require time to get used to their new environment. It’s important not to overstimulate your gecko or force them to interact with their new surroundings too quickly, otherwise they may become frightened or paranoid.
Simply provide a safe and stimulating environment for your gecko to gradually acclimate themselves to, providing plenty of food and water if they need it. Observe your gecko closely while they’re adjusting and continue providing support as needed.
Your Gecko Is Drinking From the Moist Hides
Moist hides hold a lot of water due to condensation created by the heat lamp or heat map, and your gecko might be going there to drink the water from there. If you have yet to spot your gecko taking water from its bowl for a while, this might be the reason.
If your gecko seems perfectly fine health-wise, they are getting its water elsewhere. Geckos can go without food for a long time, but that is not the case with water. They need water in their systems frequently, or they risk being dehydrated.
Your Leopard Gecko Is Getting What It Needs Through Food.
Many insects like Dubai roaches, hornworms, and crickets are packed with enough moisture to provide your gecko with enough water they need.
Therefore, if you suspect your Leo is not taking water from their bowl and is dehydrated, you can try feeding them some of these insects as they will be enough to give them the moisture needed to stay hydrated.
Also, it’s good to know which bug to feed your gecko. Bugs can carry moisture but also be rich in fat; in this case, you should only feed them to your pet as treats or during emergencies when they don’t eat. Therefore, it’s good to be mindful before choosing the bug you want to feed your Leo.
Conclusion
It is easy to tell if your leopard gecko is dehydrated. We have discussed signs to look out for. If you suspect your pet is suffering from dehydration, take it to a vet so they can recommend an appropriate rehydration technique.
To effectively take good care of your pet, ensure they do not risk getting dehydrated by providing clean water bowls in their enclosure, feed your gecko food rich in moisture, and ensure their enclosure has proper temperature and humidity levels to avoid them drying out.
