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.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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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What Do I Do if My Cat Ingests Marijuana?

We’ve all seen the funny social media videos of pets “greening out” after ingesting some weed, but can marijuana be dangerous for your cat? While it’s typically not fatal, marijuana toxicity can create a stressful situation for both you and your feline friend. In some cases, it can also have severe consequences. This guide will share the essential information you need to know about cats and marijuana, including the common symptoms of marijuana toxicity in cats, understanding the potential risks, and, most importantly, knowing what steps to take if your cat has ingested something they shouldn’t. Plus, we’ll discuss cat-friendly CBD products and share tips for calming your cat safely and effectively. Let’s get started… Is Marijuana Bad for Cats? With the growing number of states legalizing marijuana, this is a question that we have been hearing more frequently. Is marijuana toxic for cats? Should you be concerned if you accidentally leave something out and your cat now appears to be high? The short answer is yes! Cats are particularly sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in marijuana that is responsible for the psychoactive effects (the relaxed, euphoric feeling that you experience). Plus, their small size means it takes significantly less to affect them. In most cases, if caught and addressed quickly, your cat will fully recover from marijuana toxicity. However, it can lead to long-term and even life-threatening complications. How Are Cats Exposed to Marijuana? In nearly all cases of marijuana toxicity, the affected cat wasn’t given marijuana to ingest. Instead, they get into something they shouldn’t, leading to trouble. There are several ways your cat may be exposed. If you or your friends/family smoke, ensure your cat is safely contained in another room. Even inhaling the second-hand smoke can have serious consequences. You can reduce the risk even further by placing a rolled towel along the bottom of the door to your cat’s safe room to block any smoke from entering. If you smoke outdoors, check first to ensure all windows are closed. Keep all marijuana and edibles up and out of your cat’s reach. Cats are curious creatures prone to nibbling on things they discover around the house. This includes live plants, dried weed products, marijuana-infused products, and even discarded joints. Signs of Marijuana Ingestion in Cats Most cases of marijuana toxicity aren’t identified because you see your cat nibbling on the offending product. Instead, it often starts with noticing that your cat is acting “off” and discovering the cause of trouble after a careful investigation. As cat parents, we should familiarize ourselves with the most common signs and symptoms. Knowing what to look for will allow us to identify and address the problem sooner. This includes: Drooling VomitingDilated pupils Extreme sleepiness or excitement Agitation, anxiety, or depressionExcessive vocalizationLoss of coordination or balanceLow blood pressure Slow heart rateLow body temperature TwitchingSeizures or comaSome cats will simply act "off." You know your cat better than anyone. Trust your gut, even if you can't pinpoint the exact signs or symptoms.

Strict Rules for Bringing Your Dog Across the US Border Start Aug 1st

All the Canadians who were considering bringing their pooches across the U.S. border are now facing new and very strict rules. Coming into effect August 1st, this new rule will require all owners to own vet-approved documentation that would prove that the dog was vaccinated against rabies. All those who were used to journeying to the USA will have to navigate these strict new regulations. The new rules were introduced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and prevent casual crossing of the international border with a canine. Instead, owners are required to present papers to the CDC in advance of a planned trip, and thus prove that their pooch is healthy, vaccinated against rabies, and has a valid microchip. In simpler terms, spontaneous travel to the USA is no longer possible.So, beginning this August 1st, your dog will have to be at least six months old to travel to the U.S. and fulfill all the conditions above as well. Of course, owners have to be understanding too: these new measures are there to keep the U.S. free of rabies. One additional condition on the list is a requirement that “your dog hasn’t been in one of over 100 countries where rabies is not under control, in the previous six months.”To help owners fully understand all these - and other - regulations, the CDC launched its special DogBot application that makes everything easier to understand. Even so, many owners are finding these changes radical. For years, taking your dog across the U.S. border was simple, regulated by border officials, and required few if any documents. But that is all about to change coming this August. Owners will have to complete a string of tasks before even considering travel. Vaccinations, vet visits, microchips – the list is hefty and mandatory. Many owners concluded that this new rule implies treating a dog as “chattel”, a thing you own, and not a friend and family member. But it’s not just the perception, but rather the unnecessary complications that come with it – you have to have a form filled out by a vet, to ensure that the microchip your pet has is compatible with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This brings up the question of whether the chips issued by vets are compatible with the ISO. So far, there is no explanation issued by the CDC to resolve this. The new rules also affect doggos that are younger than six months and thus cannot be vaccinated against rabies. Before, they could enter the U.S., but now this is no longer possible. Besides, the new rules and form requirements will be an additional expense for owners, who would already be burdened with the costs of travel.Needless to say, the regulations will also have major implications for breeders, show dog owners, rescue organizations, and others. “If you don’t follow CDC’s rules, your dog won’t be allowed to enter the United States,” warns the CDC. “If denied entry, your dog will be sent back to the last country of departure at your expense. Country of departure is where the last trip originated - not where the dog was born or where it lives.”

With Just a Sniff, Dogs May be Able to Curtail PTSD Episodes

Halifax's Dalhousie University finds dogs can identify the adrenaline hormone through an individual's breath.

According to ASPCA, These Are The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2023

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen – this is particularly true when it comes to pet  poisoning cases. Not only that cats and dogs have some uncanny ability to get into stuff that they’re not supposed to get into, but you also can’t always know what things could be a potential toxin to them. And believe us when we say, there are a lot of potential pet toxins in an average household!The annual report by the  ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)  only goes to prove this. Each year, they examine all the compiled data to determine which are the most commonly encountered pet toxins each year. It helps keep owners aware of the threats, and to keep vets always one step ahead. In 2023, the APCC was extra busy, having received hundreds of thousands of calls about items and substances that pets were exposed to. Incredibly, these substances totaled over 351,000!Even though they were contacted about such an imposing number of potentially hazardous substances, they managed to narrow down the most common culprits and compile the list of top 10 pet toxins in 2023, which will serve as a great reminder of what to look out for.Over-the-counter medications, including cold and flu medicines, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and vitamins and supplements. With 16.8% exposure, these medications are the number one threat in 2023. Almost every home has some sort of medications stored, and they aren’t always expertly hidden. Accidentally, pets can discover them and suffer many dire consequences if they ingest them. Human food and drink are almost equally as dangerous, with 16.2% reported calls. A lot of what we consume daily is toxic to pets. This can range from common items such as raisins, onions, garlic, grapes, or sweets, to more rare items such as protein drinks and bars, xylitol gums, and energy drinks. If your pet gets their paws on any of these, it can end up in an emergency vet visit. Prescription medications for humans are very dangerous to pets, and many reports were made in regard to inhalers, ADHD medications, heart medications, and similar. Prescription medications are often strong drugs and definitely not meant for pets.Chocolate is the number 4 threat for 2023. A staggering 13% of calls were related to this sweet. Dogs are mostly found consuming it as cats do not have sweet taste buds or the appetite of dogs. Still, chocolate is not meant for pets and can cause many side effects.Veterinary products are at number 5 with 8.3% reported exposures. Callers reported ingestion of chewable tablets or soft chews, many of them used for calming pets. Owners are urged to keep medicines locked away, as pets can like their sweet taste and go after them when you are not looking. Plants and fungi accounted for 8.1% of exposures. Dogs are inquisitive and can find these plants on their outdoor adventures. But many plants can cause a threat to dogs, so make sure to acquaint yourself with a list of toxic plants to look out for.Household products are also on this list, with 7.1% of exposures reported. Pets consumed various dangerous items, such as deoxidizer packets, batteries, and various miscellanea lying around the house. Be aware of what’s lying around that’s easy to reach.Rodenticides are a major threat to pets. People can use poisons to get rid of pests, but our pets don’t know that. If they ingest them, it can be extremely dangerous, leading to kidney failure, bleeding, and even death. When you are out on walks, always be careful what is lying around. Insecticides are almost the same. People use bug sprays, ant baits, and poisonous powders all over the place. Always make sure that the area you are in is free from anything that can be a threat to your pet. Recreational drugs are last but not least. With substances such as marijuana becoming increasingly legal, pets can come in contact with them as well. But there are also hallucinogenic substances such as mushrooms, especially psilocybin, and muscarine, which can be very harmful to pets. 

Leave it to a Frenchie to Make Medical History

LiveScience reports French bulldog puppy spontaneously regrows jawbone after cancer surgery.

How to Keep Your Cat Hydrated

Keeping your cat hydrated is an important part of maintaining their overall health, but your kitty might not be drinking enough water, and that could lead to dehydration. The good news is that you can encourage your feline to drink more, and there are ways to sneak more moisture into their daily diet. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

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