What Are the Best Warm-Weather Care Tips for Reptiles? 6 Ways to Keep Them Healthy

There's nothing quite as boiling-hot as a Texas summer. And while it seems like reptiles would thrive in hot weather, it’s a little more nuanced than that.

Unlike mammals, reptiles rely on their environment to help regulate their body temperature. Excessive heat can be dangerous for our scaly friends. While every species is different, every pet reptile should have access to:

• A cool area between 70-85°F
• A basking area between 100-110°F or, for some species, even higher

The team at Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital wants to share 6 reptile summer care tips to keep them safe and healthy.

1. Make Outdoor Time Safe

As a general rule, most smaller reptiles should have a climate-controlled glass terrarium indoors. But larger reptiles like tortoises, monitor lizards, and iguanas can live outdoors in Texas. You must pay careful attention to their enclosure, though.

Outdoor enclosures must provide:

• Shaded areas to prevent overheating.
• Proper hydration with fresh water sources and misting if needed.
• Secure fencing and shelter to protect against predators and escape attempts.
• Temperature monitoring to make sure the reptile has a warm basking area but also a cool retreat.

Even in Texas, sudden cold snaps or extreme heat waves can be dangerous. Always be prepared to bring reptiles indoors during temperature extremes or storms.

If you take an indoor reptile outside, limit their exposure to early morning or late evening when temperatures are milder. Make sure they have a shaded area and never leave them unattended. Direct sun can cause an outdoor enclosure to overheat within minutes.

2. Monitor and Control Indoor Temperatures

For indoor enclosures, the key to keeping reptiles cool is to maintain a stable room temperature. Use air conditioning or fans to keep your home from getting too hot. If specific areas of your house have windows or get extra warm during the day, avoid placing your reptile’s enclosure there.

A cool, shaded room gives your pet’s enclosure the best chance of maintaining a stable temperature and preventing overheating. Consistent temperature regulation, in turn, helps reduce stress, support healthy digestion, and prevent dangerous heat-related illnesses.

3. Make Hydration Your Mission

High temperatures can quickly lead to dehydration. Always provide your scaly friend with fresh, clean water. We recommend changing the water every day, and keeping an eye on the dish to make sure it doesn’t go dry during particularly hot days.

Depending on the species of your reptile, you might also need to mist their enclosure to keep humidity levels balanced. Chameleons, geckos, and iguanas, for instance, need consistent misting to stay hydrated. Make sure you know what your pet needs for optimal health!

4. Use Extra Cooling Aids in Enclosures

A great way to support reptile summer care is by adding cooling elements to their habitat so they can cool off whenever the need strikes.

Place ceramic tiles inside your reptile’s enclosure for a cool resting surface, or freeze water bottles and position them outside the tank to gently lower the temperature.

Cooling mats can also give your reptile relief on the most scorching-hot days.

5. Adjust The Feeding Schedule

Reptiles often eat less when temperatures are high. But they still need food to stay healthy! The solution is to feed them during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening, rather than in peak afternoon heat. That way, your pet can eat in comfort and spend their energy resting during the hottest hours.

6. Never Leave a Reptile in a Hot Enclosure

Whether it's indoors or outdoors, a reptile enclosure can get dangerously hot if it isn't monitored. Avoid placing tanks or terrariums in direct sunlight. Use a hydrometer and thermometer to check the temperature and humidity levels inside the enclosure.

If your reptile's enclosure is outside, make sure it has shade, proper ventilation, and a temperature-controlled area.

Need extra help getting your reptile ready for summer? Whether you need tips for keeping reptiles cool or making sure they’re in peak health before the heat hits, our friendly team at Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital is here for you. Reach out to us at (817) 953-8560 to schedule an appointment!