>>Sorry, I still don`t understand what you mean by soaking the monitors, unless they drink the water they`re put in, soaking in itself won`t rehydrate them?
>>And how would offering the dog food with added water be very useful, surely it will be a soggy "mush", and a mouse or rat contains lots of fluid, too!
>>
>>I totally agree, Varanids SHOULD be healthy, alert and active, unfortunately, that doesn`t last too long for most captives...

Soaking a depleted animal will help them feel better, aid in passing bound up urates and fecal matter, aid in getting 5 or so layers of shed off and help with giving them the drive to drink. A good long soak is something many dehydrated and almost desiccated animals will get both physical and therapeutic benefit from.

Almost like us getting into a hot bath or hot tub when we ache. While it may sound like a load of bull, it is quite true and you see the animal begin to stir and drink when they hit the water. As they gain strength and start seeking out their humid hides and water bowls on their own, you no longer do this.

As for the dog food mush, it DEFINITELY has more water content than a rodent. Inducing both water and nutrition to a body lacking both is a good way to start on the path of healing.
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Cindy Steinle
PHFaust
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