Tips to Keep Your Reptiles Safe This Summer!

Summer’s (almost!) here—and while you may be soaking up the sunshine, your scaly sidekick might not be vibing quite as hard. Reptiles are ectothermic (cold-blooded), which means their environment directly controls their body temperature. A little heat can be a good thing for many reptiles, but too MUCH heat can quickly turn fatal. 

Here’s your go-to list for keeping your reptile cool, comfortable, and safe all summer long:

1. Keep Enclosures Out of Direct Sunlight 🌞

It’s tempting to place your reptile’s tank by a sunny window or move their enclosure outdoors to give them some sun, but don’t do it without serious caution! Direct sunlight can turn a glass or acrylic tank into a deadly oven fast—sometimes within minutes!

• Avoid windows and sunbeams. Even filtered light through a window  can dramatically raise temperatures within the enclosure.

• If you're housing outdoors (even temporarily), go for secure screened or mesh enclosures with shade available—never solid-walled tanks like glass terrariums.

2. Pay Close Attention to Temps and Humidity! 🌡️

Just because it's warm outside doesn’t mean the heat in your reptile’s enclosure is safe. In fact, ambient temps + heat lamps + summer heat = potential for dangerous spikes.

• Use reliable digital thermometers and hygrometers in multiple zones of the enclosure (basking, cool side, and hide).

• Use thermostats and even consider turning off supplemental heat when ambient temps are high enough—especially overnight.

• Mist more often or add humid hides if the air becomes too dry (a common problem when AC is running indoors). Make sure not to oversaturate the enclosure, which could lead to scale rot!

3. Watch for Pesticides and Fertilizers Outdoors

Thinking of taking your reptile out for some fresh air? Awesome! Just be extra mindful about where you go.

• Lawns, parks, and gardens may be treated with pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers that can be toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Chemical runoff can occur into areas that are unsprayed, too.

• Completely avoid recently treated areas, and never let your reptile eat plants or insects from unknown places or areas you aren't sure 

4. Use Reptile-Safe Harnesses or Screened Enclosures

Reptiles and fresh air can go together, but only if you’re smart about it.

• Use reptile-specific harnesses that fit securely but comfortably (especially for beardies and tegus).

• If you’re setting up a temporary outdoor enclosure, go with screen or mesh sides to allow airflow. Solid sided containers heat quickly and can quickly turn dangerous.

• Always provide access to shade, water, and supervision. No exceptions.

5. Never Leave Your Reptile in a Car. Ever. 🚨

Even with the windows cracked, cars heat up at an alarming rate in the sun. A 75°F day can turn a car into a 100°F+ death trap in minutes.

Just don’t risk it—bring your reptile inside with you or leave them at home.

Even when AC is on, make sure you reptile's container is not in any direct sunlight!

6. Hydration (Hydrate or Die-drate!!) 💧

Warmer temps can lead to quicker dehydration. Make sure:

• Fresh water is always available (and clean—algae grows faster in summer!).

• You offer extra soaks if your species benefits from it (tortoises and turtles!)

• You’re watching for signs of dehydration like wrinkled skin, sunken eyes, or lethargy.

7. Summer Shedding: Help Them Out

With the AC running and warmer temps, the air is likely to dry out quicker during the warm season.

• Ensure humidity is appropriate during shed cycles.

• Offer rough surfaces or shedding aids (like cork bark or rocks) to help slough skin safely.

• Check toes, tails, and eyes for stuck shed—those little spots can cause big issues if left unchecked.

With just a little extra awareness, you can safely enrich your reptile's lives while avoiding seasonal dangers!