How Do I Keep My Reptile from Overheating?

by Britt

Published: July 17th, 2024

Photo credit: Cocos.Bounty / Shutterstock.com

Reptiles are cold-blooded creatures, soaking up the sun to regulate their body temperature. But this doesn’t mean that they love ALL heat. As the temperatures climb outside, your reptile’s enclosure can quickly become dangerously hot, leading to serious health issues.

This blog post will be your summer survival guide, packed with tips and tricks to keep your best friend cool and comfortable all summer long.

What Happens if a Reptile Gets Too Hot?

Overheating, or hyperthermia, occurs when a reptile's body heat rises dangerously high due to outside sources, and they are unable to adjust as necessary to bring it back down to a safe level.

As cold-blooded animals, reptiles rely on outside influences for their temperature. If they are too cold, they seek heat. Likewise, if they are too hot, they seek a cooler area. However, if no cool space is available, their body temperature will continue to climb.

Overheating can lead to dehydration, tissue/organ damage, or organ failure. Just as heatstroke can be fatal in dogs and cats, overheating can also be life-threatening for our reptile friends.

What Temperature is Too Hot for Reptiles?

Each reptile species has its own ideal temperature. For example, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the Greek tortoise thrives most in temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the green iguana prefers warmer temperatures, between 84 and 91 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures reflect the reptile's typical natural environment.

You will need to research the specific species to determine what temperatures are safe for your reptile and what are considered too hot. You can do this by looking up that information online, but ensure you only trust a reliable source.

Another great way to find out your pet's ideal temperature is to speak with your exotic animal veterinarian. If you don’t already have a vet specializing in exotic animals like reptiles, this is the perfect opportunity to start your search. The Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians database is a great place to start!

How Do I Know if My Reptile is Too Hot?

While there are thermometers and other gear specifically dedicated to monitoring the temperature of your reptile’s enclosure, you should also familiarize yourself with the signs that something may be “off” with your pet.

Gear fails, and accidents happen. Your reptile may also overheat at a lower temperature than usual due to a medical condition or other extenuating circumstances. If your thermometer stopped working tomorrow, would you know the warning signs to watch out for?

The most common signs of overheating and heat stroke in reptiles include:

Loss of appetite or complete refusal to eat
Lack of or decreased bathroom activity
Heavy panting or rapid breathing
Shakiness
Wobbly/unbalanced movement or staggering
Inability to perch
Appearing disoriented
Loss of consciousness

If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them. Overheating is extremely dangerous for reptiles, even more so than the risk of getting too cold. Act fast to cool down at least one area in their enclosure to provide a safe place before the problem escalates to dangerous levels.

Tips for Keeping a Reptile from Overheating in the Summer

Heat-related illnesses in reptiles can quickly spiral into life-threatening situations. While we should be aware of the signs and symptoms of overheating, the best approach is to prevent a problem from developing. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your reptile from overheating in the summer season, including solutions for heatwaves, power outages, and more:

Have a Thermometer (and a Backup)

One of the most important things you can do when setting up your reptile’s enclosure is to ensure that it is equipped with a reliable thermometer to monitor the temperature at all times. Many reptile lovers prefer a digital thermometer that is easy to read across the room and includes a humidity gauge. The Zoo Med Labs Digital Thermometer Humidity Gauge is a great solution.

However, I also recommend picking up an analog thermometer like the Exo Terra Thermometer as a backup. You may never need to use it, but if technology fails (as we know it sometimes does), you will be thankful that you have a backup in place.

Position the Enclosure Strategically

Consider the enclosure's location. You may need to take extra precautions during a power outage or heat wave. Consider moving your reptile away from any windows or doors that may be “hot spots” for warm air or sunshine entering the room.

You may even need to move the enclosure to a different room than usual if that happens to be the coolest spot in your home. For example, basements generally run much cooler during a power outage when you can’t rely on air conditioning units.

Double-Check for Ventilation

Ensure that your reptile’s enclosure allows proper ventilation, especially during the warmer months. Still air can quickly become hot and stale, and an enclosure with poor ventilation can quickly experience temperatures much higher than the air in the room surrounding it.

Verify that your enclosure offers opportunities for airflow, like a mesh roof instead of a solid roof. Additionally, make sure that these spots aren’t covered or blocked. If your pet’s enclosure has airflow spaces on the side, you will need to check for potential blockages outside and inside the enclosure in case something has been knocked over or moved, creating a barrier.

Block Sources of Outside Heat

While it’s common sense, I can’t skip reminding you to block any heat sources or direct sunlight, like a window or door. Close any curtains to keep the sunlight out. If you don’t have curtains on a window or glass door, consider other options like hanging a sheet, posterboard, or tinfoil to block the window. It may not look the fanciest, but the concern at that point should be more focused on function than appearance.

Another source of heat that is often overlooked is the crack under some doors. This isn’t going to invite direct sunlight, but it can allow warm air to come into the room, raising the temperature inside quickly. Roll up a towel or piece of clothing and place it at the bottom of the door, tucking it up against the opening to prevent airflow.

Power Down Unnecessary Electronics

Obviously, this isn’t a concern during a power outage – but if you still have power during a heat wave, take note of which electronics are running in your space. Electronic devices like televisions and computers generate heat when they are running. Depending on the type of lightbulb you are using, the same can be said for unnecessary lighting.

If anything is running in the same room where your reptile is kept, and you aren’t actively using it, shut it down.

Photo credit: New Africa / Shutterstock.com

Try Running Fans

Fans can help with airflow in the room by moving cool air past your reptile’s enclosure. Set them up so they blow the air along the glass side of the enclosure. If you have ice available, you can also place a small bowl of ice in front of the fan to cool the air it is moving.

Be careful blowing not to blow the fan directly into the enclosure. This could disturb the space, creating further problems.

If you currently have no power, there are some great battery-powered fans that are often used by the camping community. In addition to taking them camping, we keep a couple at home ready for situations like this. Several styles are available, but I love and use the O2COOL Treva 10-inch fan.

Spray Cool Water in Your Reptile’s Enclosure

Gently mist in and around your reptile’s enclosure. This will work like a cooling vest or bandana commonly used by dogs—as the water evaporates, it will lower the temperature around it. Be careful not to soak the space or use cold water that could shock your pet. Use cool room-temperature water.

Another way to leverage evaporative cooling is by using a damp towel or cloth.

Place the damp cloth against the glass of the enclosure. Keep it spread out, don’t allow it to bunch up, or it will be counterproductive. If you are using fans, position them to blow onto the towel. As the water evaporates, it will cool the glass, which will, in turn, cool the air inside.

Place Ice on the Mesh Roof

Does your reptile’s enclosure have a mesh roof? If so, it is the perfect setup for ice blocks to cool the space down. You don’t want to place ice in the enclosure where your pet can reach it, or you risk them getting too cold or into shock. However, you can place ice blocks or bowls/containers of ice out of their reach on the mesh roof.

As you likely already know, hot air rises, and cool air drops. This means the cool air around the ice block will drop into the enclosure, helping to bring the temperature inside down slightly.

If using this approach, pay careful attention to moisture and condensation. While a bit of moisture finding its way into the enclosure can be helpful, as it will act like the sprayed water mentioned above, too much could lead to trouble. Consider placing a thin cloth or towel directly beneath the bowl or container to serve as a barrier while still allowing air movement.

Introduce Water in Natural Substrates

Reptile enclosures with soil and other natural substrates allow you to create an environment like the one your pet would seek out in the wild. This is done by dampening the soil itself slightly.

The top layer of soil will dry out quickly on a hot day, but any excess moisture beneath the surface will remain. Even pet reptiles who have lived their lives entirely in captivity will instinctively know to dig or burrow down below the warm, dry soil to find the damp, cool layer below.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Reptile Comfortable

Reptiles are often viewed as easy to care for because they live in confined environments, but the temperature of your pet’s enclosure can make all the difference for its health and quality of life. This includes both minor changes that can cause discomfort and more significant temperature changes that can lead to life-threatening consequences, like hyperthermia.

As pet parents, it’s our job to familiarize ourselves with the warning signs of trouble, including changes in appetite, shakiness/loss of balance, disorientation, changes in bathroom habits, and loss of consciousness.

If you are struggling through a heat wave this summer and your home is getting too warm for you, there is a good chance it is too warm for your pets, too. Take the time to check on the temperature in your reptile’s enclosure and make adjustments as needed to keep them safe.

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Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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How Much Exercise Does a Cockapoo Need?

Cockapoos are known as one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds. Thanks to their intelligent nature and friendly demeanor, they are adored across the globe. A distinct mixture of a playful Poodle and a gentle Cocker Spaniel, these dogs are very energetic and fun. And this is exactly why exercise is so important for these pooches – it ensures a Cockapoo remains healthy and mentally stimulated. Without regular exercise, many things can go awry for these doggos. This is why you should know just how much exercise is enough for a Cockapoo, and make sure you provide a balanced daily routine for your little furry friend. How Much Exercise Does a Cockapoo Need?Even though these dogs are energetic, they are not considered sporting dogs. This means that, on average, they will be quite content with around 30 to 60 minutes of quality physical activity each day. But even so, the exact amount of time will depend on several factors, such as the dog’s age, size, and energy levels. Some dogs simply love to chill, relax, or snooze, while others prefer to zoom about to no end and that stands true for Cockapoos, too. After all, it is only natural that a young Cockapoo will need more physical activity, and an older one prefers short and less intense exercise sessions. Of course, exercise is not all about running about and jumping through hoops. There is also mental stimulation. While running, walking, and good playing will help burn that extra energy and maintain a slim physique, certain games and special dog puzzle toys will help keep their minds sharp and healthy as well.

When Can a Puppy Start Eating Kibble?

One of the most exciting milestones in your dog’s puppyhood is the transition from milk and soft foods to solid kibble. This marks a major step in their growth and development and ensures that they receive all the important nutrients for a healthy life. But even so, some owners are uncertain about when exactly kibble should be introduced.Understanding the right timing for this can be crucial for their good development and overall well-being as it helps set a solid foundation for a healthy diet later on in life. So here’s what you need to know before you offer dry food to your puppy.When Can a Puppy Start Eating Kibble?In the early first few weeks of their life, puppies rely entirely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. Nature arranged it so that this milk provides all the essential antibodies that boost their immune system and nutrients that are vital for their early growth. Usually, puppies should stay with their momma and littermates until they are at least 8 weeks old. During this time, they gradually transition from nursing to exploring more solid foods.Around 3 to 4 weeks of age, however, puppies begin showing more and more interest in the food that their mom is eating, and will often nibble on solid foods. These can be softened puppy food or kibble soaked in water. This helps them to become accustomed to all kinds of different textures and flavors, which in turn prepares them for eventually switching to dry kibble and other solid foods.In general, puppies can begin eating dry kibble between 6 and 8 weeks of age. At this stage, their little teeth are developing, and they have the jaw strength needed to chew solid foods efficiently. Still, it is important to choose high-quality puppy kibble formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. Go for a formula that is based on natural, wholesome ingredients and doesn’t contain any nasty filler or artificial substances – meat should be the first ingredient on the list, followed by sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as veggies and fruit.

Study Reveals Dogs Understand Us Better if We Speak Slower

Are you trying to train your pup but feel like there is a communication breakdown? Do you worry that the language barrier could keep you from connecting and allowing you to be on the same page? While there is still a lot of study being done about how much of our spoken languages a dog can understand (or even speak with the rise of the talking buttons), a new study has revealed that the speed you speak may have a direct impact on their ability to comprehend what you are asking. The study was conducted by Eloise Deaux and her colleagues out of the University of Geneva in Switzerland. They analyzed the vocal sounds of 30 dogs and 27 humans across five languages, tracking their speech rate and the corresponding brain responses. It revealed that humans and dogs connect and respond best to very different speech tempos. In analyzing the neural responses of the two, the researchers found that dogs focus on slower rhythms while humans focus more when the rhythm is faster. As a result of this, humans generally talk much faster than their canine counterparts. According to the research, the average human speech rate is approximately four syllables per second. In comparison, the dogs studied would bark, whine, and growl at an average rate of two vocalizations per second. “What’s further interesting,” the authors of the study wrote, “is that while dogs use slow rhythm to process speech and contrary to popular beliefs, they need both content and prosody to successfully comprehend it.” ( Prosody: The rhythm, melody, and intonation used in speech and language. This refers to the speed at which you speak and the changing tone of your voice throughout your conversation.)What does this mean for you as a dog parent? Changing the speed at which you’re speaking isn’t going to magically make your dog understand your spoken language. Although, we wish it would. How much easier would it be if our dogs could understand us or reply with clear, vocal answers? It would solve SO many challenges we face in our lives together! However, understanding how your dog processes vocal communication can help you better connect with them by adjusting your speech to set our canine companions up for success. Whether you are trying to teach a new puppy basic obedience skills like sit, stay, and down or working on more advanced trick training, you can improve your chances of success by speaking slower when giving commands. The next time you kick off a training session, take a moment to take a deep breath and ensure you feel calm and relaxed. Trying to work with your dog when you are highly stressed or anxious not only increases the chance that you will feel frustrated if they are struggling to pick something up, but it can also cause you to speak faster, further reducing the chance your dog is going to understand what you are asking of them. Instead, focus on making your training sessions fun and relaxed, focusing on quality time together and strengthening that all-too-important human-animal bond. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Fall Safety Tips for Dogs

As the leaves change color and temperatures drop, it’s important to remember that the fall season can also introduce unique safety concerns for our pups. From seasonal health concerns to potential accidents, there are many risks to consider. Luckily, there are also precautions you can take to ensure your dog stays safe and healthy throughout the autumn months.In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to the most common fall dangers as well as essential fall safety tips to reduce the risk, allowing you and your dog to enjoy the season and all your favorite fall activities.Watch for Signs of Seasonal AllergiesJust like us, our dogs can suffer from an increased risk of seasonal allergies in the spring and fall seasons. This could include fall flowers, ragweed, dust mites, mold, and more. For dogs, the most common signs of seasonal allergies include: Licking excessively (especially their paws) Itchy, red, irritated skin Excessive scratching or biting at themselves Hair lossEar infections Head shaking or rubbing their head against things Red, watery eyes Coughing or difficulty breathing While seasonal allergies aren’t a life-threatening health risk, anyone who has suffered from them will tell you they are not pleasant. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian to discuss your options. They may recommend products that can provide much-needed relief, like medicated shampoos, ear solutions, dietary supplements, and other simple solutions. Your dog will thank you! Be Careful with Corn CobsOne of the common autumn-themed decorations, you can purchase decorative corn on the cob at most grocery stores and farmer’s markets. While this is a great way to celebrate the season with decorations that can later be composted, making it more environmentally friendly, one major concern – corn cobs.Your dog may be tempted to nibble on that tasty corn, but they can’t properly digest the cob. This means ingesting a corn cob puts your dog at risk of suffering an obstruction in the digestive tract. These obstructions are painful and, unless treated quickly (often with surgery), can be fatal.If you are determined to use corn in your autumn decorations, ensure they are secured up and out of your dog’s reach.Decorate with Your Dog in MindSpeaking of decorations, switching from a natural solution (like corn) to commercial decorations doesn’t mean you’re eliminating all the risks. Many different seasonal decorations will come out this time of year – lights, fog machines, candles, inflatables, and more. Each of these items carries a risk you should be aware of.Anything with small pieces that may be ingested could pose a risk of obstruction. Additionally, if you are decorating with electrical components, pay careful attention to the location of electrical cords. Your dog may chew a cord, suffer an electrical shock, or become entangled in the cord.Finally, anything that contains a real flame should be used with care. One of the most recognizable images associated with Halloween is the glowing grin of a Jack-o-lantern, but if you’re lighting that grin with a real candle, you could be setting yourself up for trouble. Even if your dog shows no interest in trying to chew on or eat the pumpkin itself, there is the risk they will bump into it or knock it over. The same goes for open candles. This carries a risk of burns and the possibility of fires being started in or around your home.This doesn’t mean you can’t decorate for the season, just that you need to take a little extra care in making decorating decisions. Take a moment to view assess your decorations from your dog’s point of view, especially if you have a young and curious puppy. This may mean sitting on the ground for a moment to see if there are risks you didn’t notice when standing over them.Think Twice About that Halloween CostumeSpeaking of the holidays, are you considering dressing your dog up for Halloween? There is nothing wrong with including your dog in the family costume plans, but take care when choosing what they will wear. Avoid any costumes that contain small parts that could be ripped off and ingested. Additionally, steer clear of costumes with strings that could get wrapped around their necks or get caught on furniture, fences, and other outside objects.Carefully consider your dog’s comfort with various types of clothing. Are they okay with wearing something on their head? Most dogs aren’t, and that’s okay! If that’s the case, opt for a costume that doesn’t require a headpiece.If you have a dog who is resistant to wearing any type of clothing (some dogs even struggle with wearing harnesses), you could always play it safe and select a Halloween-themed bandana or a spooky seasonal collar.Watch Out for Toxic MushroomsIt’s mushroom season, one of the familiar signs that fall is here. While most mushrooms you will encounter are either non-toxic or will have minimal impact on your dog’s health, there are a few seriously toxic mushrooms that can be found across the United States and around the globe. The problem is that your dog likely isn’t a master in mushroom identification.Whether you plan on taking a fall hiking trip with your canine companion by your side or just hanging out in the backyard, always keep your eyes open for mushrooms. Add the number for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) to your phone so you can access it quickly in an emergency. After all, accidents happen even to the most diligent and responsible pet parents.

Meet Finn, the Giant Cat Who is The Size of a 9-Year-Old Child!

The world of domestic cats is about to get a whole lot bigger if this cat has anything to say about it! Although wild cats are pretty big, I’m not talking about lions or tigers. Instead, I’m referring to a loved member of a California family. Finn the cat was adopted by his loving owner, Natalie Bowman, in 2017 at just three and a half months old. Bowman knew he was going to be a little larger than most domestic cats being a Maine Coon, but she had no idea exactly what she was in for… Maine Coons are well known for their large, impressive size, standing approximately 10-16 inches tall when full-grown. Their long, busy coat and tufted feet are well-insulated and water-resistant, allowing them to survive even in harsh winter climates. After bringing the young kitten home, he started to grow quickly. It wasn’t long until Finn reached then surpassed the typical Maine Coon size. By the time he reached his full-grown adult size, he measured a shocking 51 inches long and weighed 22 pounds.

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