The Pogona Vitticeps, more commonly known as the Central or Inland Bearded Dragon, is considered to be the hottest of all Bearded Dragon species. This Bearded Dragon species is native to parts of Central and Eastern Australia, and is one of the most popular reptile pets in the world.
The Central Bearded Dragon is known for their friendly demeanor and colorful appearance, featuring vibrant oranges, yellows, and browns in stripes or blotches. It is also known for exhibiting unique behavior such as bobbing its head and inflating its beard as a show of dominance.
In terms of heat requirements, this species is the most heat-tolerant of all Bearded Dragons, and they tend to require temperatures in the mid to high 90s during the day and in the mid 70s at night. Additionally, they need a basking area that reaches temperatures of up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Central Bearded Dragon is a highly sought-after species for many reasons, not least of which is its ability to tolerate high temperatures – making it the hottest of all the Bearded Dragon species.
What happens if your bearded dragon gets too hot?
If your bearded dragon gets too hot, it can be very dangerous for its health. The ideal temperature for a bearded dragon’s environment should be around 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking area of 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your bearded dragon gets too hot, it can experience dehydration, heat stroke, and death. Heat stroke can occur if your bearded dragon is exposed to hot temperatures for too long. Heat stroke in bearded dragons can manifest as diarrhea, labored breathing, droopy eyes, seizures, and even coma.
Other signs of overheating include excessive panting, sluggishness, listlessness, and general unresponsiveness. If you suspect your bearded dragon is overheating, you should move it to a cooler area, provide cool baths and misting it with water.
You should also make sure that your bearded dragon’s enclosure is properly ventilated and has adequate room for thermoregulation. It is also essential to maintain a thermometer in your bearded dragon’s enclosure to accurately track the temperature.
If your bearded dragon continues to overheat, seek out medical advice from a qualified veterinarian for further diagnosis and treatment.
How do you cool down an overheated bearded dragon?
If your bearded dragon is overheated, it is important to act quickly and begin cooling them down as soon as possible. Here are some tips to follow:
1. Move your dragon to a cool, shady area. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and has good airflow.
2. Gently mist your dragon with cool water. Make sure the water is not too cold, as this could shock the dragon.
3. Place a cool, damp towel over your dragon and use a fan to provide a gentle breeze.
4. If your dragon is inside, try to lower the temperature of the room by opening windows or using a fan.
5. Offer your dragon a shallow dish of cool water to soak in. This will cool them down and provide them with some relief.
6. Make sure your Dragon has plenty of drinking water available.
7. If your dragon is still too hot, you can also try putting an ice pack or a freeze pack on their back or belly. Make sure it is not too cold and that it is not in contact with their skin for too long.
It is important to keep an eye on your dragon and monitor their temperature until they are back to their normal level of activity. If your dragon does not improve or if the symptoms become more severe, then it is advised to seek veterinary assistance.
Do bearded dragons open their mouth when hot?
Yes, bearded dragons can open their mouths when they become too hot. This is known as gaping and is a normal behavior in these animals in response to an uncomfortable temperature or being overheated.
Gaping is the lizard’s way of cooling itself down. If you notice your pet bearded dragon gaping, it is important to take steps to lower the temperature of the environment. You can do this by providing more shade and airflow, reducing the basking temperature, using a fan, and misting the lizard with warm water.
It is also a good idea to monitor the temperatures in the enclosure, and make sure they are within the ideal range for your species of lizard.
Can my body heat keep my bearded dragon warm?
No, it is not a good idea to use your body heat as a primary source of warmth for your bearded dragon. Your body temperature is likely much too low to provide an adequate temperature gradient, or enough heat across your entire enclosure, to create a comfortable environment for your pet.
This is because the optimal temperature range for bearded dragons is much higher than a human’s body temperature, ranging from 95 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, fluctuations in your body temperature may result in fluctuations in the environment of your pet, which can be stressful for them.
Additionally, it is unsafe for you to be in contact with a heat source for extended periods of time. To create a comfortable environment for your bearded dragon, purchase a basking spot light, under tank heat pad, and/or other heating methods.
Do Bearded dragons need heat all night?
Bearded dragons do not need heat all night; they mostly require a cooler temperature overnight. At night, when the temperatures in their environment drop naturally, bearded dragons are capable of regulating their own body temperature by becoming dormant and sleeping.
To help them remain comfortable, a basking spot should still be provided with a temperature lower than what is needed during the day, usually ranging between 78–80°F (26–27°C). A ceramic heat bulb can be used to provide this warmer temperature without needing to be on all night.
While some people may choose to let their heat lamps remain on all night, it is important to note that this can cause serious health issues and even death due to overheating, so care must be taken to ensure their temperature does not rise above 80°F (27°C).
Can bearded dragons overheat in the sun?
Yes, bearded dragons can overheat in the sun. They need to have access to the shade and a cooler environment to prevent overheating. As with any reptile, bearded dragons are cold-blooded, so, when exposed to direct sunlight, their body temperature rises rapidly.
If not provided with access to a cool, shaded area, they could experience heat stroke. The signs of heat stroke in a bearded dragon can include excessive panting and a lack of energy. If you suspect your bearded dragon has suffered heat stroke, move them to a cooler area, provide them with plenty of liquids, and monitor their temperature.
It is also important to keep their habitat warm enough, because too much sun or too small of a temperature difference between the basking and cool sides can also lead to overheating.
How hot should my Beardies cage be?
Optimal temperature for your Bearded Dragon’s cage should be between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit (27-32 Celsius). The cool side of the tank should register around 80 degrees F (27 Celsius). The basking spot should reach 95-115 degrees F (35-46 Celsius).
Providing a temperature gradient of 10-20 degrees F (5-10 Celsius) between the cool and warm sides is ideal. This allows your Bearded Dragon to move between the two spots to regulate its body temperature.
Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the tank. Aim for a consistent range and adjust the wattage of the basking light accordingly. For added temperature control, you can also provide a ceramic heating device or heat panel to provide dusk-to-dawn heating along with a light source in the enclosure.