Why do my bearded dragon's eyes look sunken? Is it dehydration?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Does my bearded dragon have sunken eyes?
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 8th, 2017
Gibbler's eye appears normal. If you are concerned about dehydration, pinch up a bit of loose skin. If it stays tented up, she is likely dehydrated. If it snaps back, she is not. You can soak her several times weekly in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20 minutes to provide hydration. Provide a shallow bowl of fresh water in her enclosure and change it daily.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 29th, 2017
Not at all. Additionally, the fat pads on her head are not noticeably sunken. She may be mildly dehydrated though, but it is difficult to assess with an image. Gently pinch some loose skin. If it stays up in a tent shape, she is dehydrated to some degree. Soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20 minutes daily.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 6th, 2018
Brumation will vary from dragon to dragon. Some may brumate for weeks, while others will "sleep" for up to 3 months (especially at low temps). As long as she isn't losing weight and has no outward signs of illness (discharge, difficulty breathing, loose stool, etc.), then monitor her. You didn't state specifically how long she's been brumating though. Confirm proper temperatures across her enclosure. If you can, gradually increase temps by a few degrees without making it too hot. You can also lengthen the photoperiod to get her waking. Be sure to offer her water or unflavored PediaLyte every few days to prevent dehydration. The warmer temps and longer 'days' should begin to bring her out of brumation. If she starts losing weight or showing signs of illness, have her examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet.
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Published on November 25th, 2017
Symptoms of both can include lethargy and decreased or lost appetite. Telltale symptoms of dehydration are sunken eyes and wrinkled skin. If you pinch up some loose skin, it will remain in a tent. Captive beardies, as well as young ones, do not "need" to brumate since temperatures are constant and food is readily available year round. If Gibbler is dehydrated, you can soak her daily for 20 minutes in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. If her condition does not improve, have her examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.
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Published on December 9th, 2017
Have her examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to confirm good health and weight. It is never recommended to allow an underweight or ill dragon to brumate. Fast her for a week prior to brumation. Allow a soak just prior to turning down the heat and light. Brumation can last from several weeks up to as long as 4 months. Soak once or twice weekly in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 10-15 minutes. Most captive beardies don't "need" to brumate since temps and food availability are constant year round.
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