The summer months are a great time to let your pets get some fresh air and sunshine, but extra care must be given to ensure your reptile companions stay safe and cool. Effective summer care and a well-maintained habitat can prevent dehydration and prevent stress while keeping your reptiles safe and healthy. Here are just a few of ®Hikari’s essential reptile safety tips to keep in mind during the warmer weather.

Keep them Cool Out of Direct Sunlight

While your reptile may enjoy basking, it is important to monitor them so they don’t get overheated. It may help to assign an area away from the sun where they can cool off and to watch out for symptoms like an open mouth or skin that is hot to the touch. Placing your reptile’s vivarium by a sunny window can be tempting, but can be deadly as it raises temperatures within minutes. Be sure to monitor the temperature in multiple zones (basking, cool side, and hide) to ensure that ambient temperatures are not too high.  During the warm summer months it is a great idea to switch up your reptile’s routine and let them enjoy some monitored outdoor adventures earlier in the day.

Choose a Safe and Secure Location

Outdoor terrariums are also a great choice if you want your pet to have a temporary location to enjoy the weather. We recommend using secure screen or mesh enclosures away from direct sunlight as opposed to solid sealed glass tanks, which can alter the temperature in the sun. Do not forget to have clean water for them to cool down and shade or foliage available for them to rest. You can also use a Reptile-Safe Harness that can fit them comfortably to monitor them closely.

Be careful to place your enclosure away from grassy areas that have been treated with pesticides or fertilizers, which can be toxic if ingested. Also, be mindful of any plants or insects they consume in the area as it can lead to poising or health issues. An outdoor terrarium allows your pets to experience the more natural, seasonal cycles they would experience in the wild.

Invest in a Soaking Bowl for your Pet

As the ideal temperature ranges depends on the type of reptile that you have, it important to monitor and adjust to prevent overheating. With the warmer weather, reptiles tend to drink more water like all other animals. Some reptiles enjoy soaking a few days a week, so it is important to have clean, room temperature water for them to bathe. Make sure the water is not deep enough that they can hurt themselves, and to change the water daily.

Some reptiles, like chameleons for instance, will not benefit from a soak as their skin does not absorb water. We recommend researching whether a gentle misting or a reptile humidifier will help hydrate as opposed to a short 10 minute soak. You can also place a few ice cubes on top of their mesh (away from their resting area) or inside their water bowl to quickly evaporate and allow cool air to circulate their tank.  Slightly increasing air flow with a small computer fan at the top can also help to adjust the ventilation.

With the proper precautions in place, some time outdoors can be a great addition to your pet’s summer routine. Reach out to us at fish@hikariusa.com with any fish or reptile questions you may have.