Because sweating it out isn't their style

Summer's here, and while we're all reaching for iced drinks and beach towels, our scaly sidekicks are feeling the heat in their own way. Reptiles may be cold-blooded, but that doesn't mean they're immune to hot weather hazards. In fact, heat waves can push their enclosures into dangerously toasty territory. So, let's talk about keeping your reptile cool, calm, and comfortable when the temps are soaring.

🐍 Heat Wave Rule #1: Don't Cook Your Critter

Reptiles rely on external temps to regulate their body heat, but there is such a thing as too much sun. That cozy basking spot? It can turn into a sauna if your room heats up. Keep an eye on enclosure temps using a digital thermometer and never assume your usual setup will stay safe in a heat wave.

Pro tip: Daytime enclosure temps shouldn't rise more than 5°F above normal. If it's climbing higher-time to intervene!

🦎 Shade, Not Bake

Sunlight through a window can crank up the heat in your reptile's tank like a greenhouse. Move enclosures out of direct sunlight and consider drawing the curtains during peak sun hours. Ventilation is your friend!

Bonus points for using reflective shades or placing a small fan near (but not blowing directly into) the enclosure to help circulate air.

🐢 Hydration Station

Even desert-dwellers need hydration. Make sure your reptile has fresh, clean water at all times-and check it often, as evaporation speeds up in heat. For species that absorb moisture through the skin or need higher humidity, lightly mist their enclosure or provide a shallow soak.

Warning: Don't overdo it for reptiles who prefer drier environments. Too much moisture + heat = moldy mess.

🦖 AC (Absolutely Crucial)

If you're sweltering, your reptile probably is too. Keep the room where your reptile lives as cool as possible-use air conditioning, fans, or even a frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel near the enclosure for a DIY cooling method.

Avoid ice packs inside the tank unless you're experienced-rapid temp drops can shock your reptile.

🐊 Lights Out (Sometimes)

During a heat wave, it's okay to temporarily turn off or shorten the use of basking lamps if your reptile's tank is naturally warm enough. Just don't leave them without warmth completely-monitor temps carefully and reintroduce lighting as the room cools.

Recap: Keep Your Cool, and So Will They

• ✅ Monitor temps daily
• ✅ Provide shade & ventilation
• ✅ Keep water clean and full
• ✅ Reduce light/heat sources if temps rise too high
• ✅ Never leave them in a hot car or sun-drenched room

Heat waves don't have to be stressful-just a time to give your reptile's setup a little extra love. After all, summer should be all about chill vibes, even if you have scales instead of skin.

Stay cool and slither on! 🐍💦