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Do you have a Leopard Gecko? Are you planning a vacation? You may be wondering what your Gecko will need while you are gone… Like most living things, Leopard Geckos need consistent access to food and water. They can only go about 2 to 3 days without water before becoming dehydrated and potentially die.
While dehydration can be very dangerous for your gecko, it can be easily prevented and avoided.
Whether you are going on vacation, or are just extra busy, it’s best to make sure your Leopard Gecko always has what it needs to live happily.
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Ensure A Happy, Healthy Gecko
All living things on the planet have basic needs that must be met for them to thrive. For a Leopard Gecko, water is essential. Here are some ideas to help you be a responsible Gecko owner, properly care for your scaly friend, and keep them hydrated.
- Use chlorine-free water.
- Use a shallow dish.
- Place the dish on the cool side of the tank.
- Provide adequate humidity by misting the habitat regularly.
- Provide fresh water daily.
The Right Water
To keep your Leopard Gecko happy, give it a shallow dish of fresh, chlorine-free water once per day.
Using de-chlorinated water is ideal, as distilled water may cause medical issues for your Leopard Gecko. Distilled water often lacks essential nutrients and minerals needed in your pet’s diet. Without those, your gecko may get very sick.
Also, avoid giving your Leopard Gecko untreated tap water. This often has extra chemicals or other substances that may be harmful to your pet.
Providing your animal with fresh water each day is the best way to care for your pet. The water should be placed in a clean, shallow dish on the cooler side of the cage.
Using a shallow dish is important because it protects your leopard gecko and prevents it, and also its live food, from drowning in the water.
Leopard Geckos may use their water to bathe, so keeping the water clean can be tricky. Refreshing the water daily and cleaning out the water dish is the best way to have clean water, and a happy, healthy pet.
What You Can Do to Care for Your Gecko?
Luckily, caring for your Gecko while you are away doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many options, that just take a little planning ahead.
Do your part and make a plan for your Leopard Gecko. This way, you’ll have no reason to stress and worry about your gecko while you’re away. You can enjoy your vacation more, and you will also come home to a healthy pet when your vacation is over.
It would be awful to come home from a getaway to a deceased pet. So here are some things you can do to plan for your Gecko.
Find a Pet Sitter
Depending on your trip, your Leopard Gecko may be okay at home on their own if they are provided enough water, and your trip is only 2 to 3 days. If it’s longer, it’s essential to find a way to care for your pet and make sure it has everything it needs to survive while you are away.
Whether you ask a friend, family member, or a neighbor, find someone you trust to take care of your Leopard Gecko while you are on vacation. It’s a good idea to leave detailed written instructions and show your pet sitter exactly how to care for your pet before you leave.
Your pet sitter should be capable of and comfortable with opening the enclosure, reaching a hand in to refill the water dish, and mist the habitat when necessary.
Another option would be to find a paid pet sitter. Someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about Leopard Geckos, who can come provide care for your critter. Researching local pet sitters is a great way to find quality care for your gecko.
Some pet stores or other facilities may allow you to board your Leopard Gecko. This means you would take your pet, and their enclosure and supplies to another location to be cared for.
With both a paid pet sitter and boarding— gecko care can get expensive. They often charge a daily fee. Be sure to research the cost, and make sure it is something you can afford.
Bring Your Leopard Gecko with You
If you are unable to find someone to care for your pet, it may be a good idea to take your Leopard Gecko with you on your trip. Although, this is not recommended for geckos who shouldn’t be held, and those that are extremely sensitive to changes in their surroundings.
Bringing your Gecko with you takes planning. Think through where you will put your pet when you arrive at your destination. Be prepared and take enough food and supplies for your entire stay.
Have you ever been carsick? It’s possible for Leopard Geckos to feel the same way when traveling. It may be smart to limit your gecko’s meals before your trip. This can help avoid vomiting and make the whole experience more enjoyable for you and your gecko.
Placing your Leopard Gecko in a smaller closable cup or container can often keep your pet safe during travel. Just be sure to make sure there are holes in the container so your animal can get enough air to breathe.
When you arrive, put your Gecko back in its habitat, and continue proper care while you are in your new location.
Do Your Part
Knowing what your pet needs is crucial. Many gecko owners can agree that it takes a lot of dedication and responsibility to meet the needs of an animal like a Leopard Gecko.
Failing to provide fresh, clean water for your Leopard Gecko can be extremely harmful, and even deadly for your pet.
Remember that Leopard Geckos can only survive 2-3 days without water, so plan ahead to make sure your Gecko is always cared for, even when you are gone.
Making that extra effort to think ahead, and ensure your Leopard Gecko’s needs are consistently met will give your Leopard Gecko a happier, healthier life.
