How a hot Surrey summer could affect your pet lizard
June 7, 2023
Summer in Surrey is a season that is eagerly awaited by many. However, it’s important to remember that summer can also bring about certain challenges for the pet owners of East Molesey, particularly those who own lizards. As the temperature rises, it’s important to provide extra care for your pet lizard to ensure their health and wellbeing. In this article, our Head Vet will go over some essential summer care tips for pet lizards.
Contact us to book a summer reptile check-up
How to keep your lizard in tip top shape this summer
Provide adequate hydration
During summer, lizards are at an increased risk of dehydration due to the high temperature and dry air. It’s important to provide your pet lizard with adequate hydration by offering them a clean water source at all times. Consider misting their enclosure with water or providing a shallow dish of water for them to soak in.
Regulate temperature
Lizards are cold-blooded animals, which means their body temperature is regulated by the environment. During a Surrey summer, the temperature can become too hot for your pet lizard, which can lead to health problems. Make sure your pet lizard’s enclosure is kept in a cool and shaded area, away from direct sunlight. You should also use a thermostat/temperature controller to ensure that the enclosure stays at a safe temperature range for your pet.
Provide proper lighting
Lizards require UVB lighting to produce vitamin D3, which is essential for their overall health and wellbeing. During summer, the days are longer, and your pet lizard may require more exposure to UVB lighting to produce enough vitamin D3. Make sure your pet lizard has access to a UVB light source for at least 12 hours a day.
Adjust their feeding schedule
During summer, your pet lizard’s appetite may decrease due to the high temperature so it’s important to adjust their feeding schedule accordingly and offer smaller, more frequent meals. This will help prevent overfeeding and ensure that your pet lizard is getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Our vets at Molesey Vets are happy to advise further on feeding your exotic pet.
Clean their enclosure regularly
Summer is a time when bacteria and other harmful organisms thrive, which can lead to health problems for your pet lizard. Make sure to clean their enclosure regularly and replace the substrate (bedding) frequently to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.
So, there you have it, an actionable list of what your pet lizard needs during summer. To summarise, summer care for pet lizards involves providing adequate hydration, regulating temperature, providing proper lighting, adjusting feeding schedules, and cleaning the enclosure regularly. By following these simple tips from Molesey Vets, you can help ensure that your pet lizard stays healthy and happy throughout the summer season.
Contact us to book a summer reptile check-up
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