Tegu Care Guide: The Dog-Like Lizard You'll Fall in Love With

Tegus are unlike any other lizard in the pet hobby — highly intelligent, curious, and capable of forming genuine bonds with their owners. Often described as the "dogs of the lizard world," Argentine black and white tegus and red tegus are known for seeking out human interaction, learning their names, and even enjoying cuddle sessions. With proper care, they can live 15–20 years. Here's your complete guide!

🏠 Setting Up the Enclosure

Tegus are large, active lizards that need spacious enclosures with deep substrate for burrowing:

• Juveniles: Start in a 4' x 2' x 2' enclosure
• Adults: Minimum 8' x 4' x 2' — custom PVC enclosures are ideal
• Substrate depth: 12–24" of a topsoil/sand/coconut coir mix for burrowing
• Basking spot: 120–130°F (surface temp) — tegus need extreme heat to digest
• Ambient warm side: 90–95°F; cool side 75–80°F
• Nighttime: No lower than 70°F
• UVB lighting: High-output 10.0 UVB — essential for health
• Humidity: 60–80% — mist daily or use an automatic fogger

🍽️ Nutrition & Feeding

Tegus are omnivores with a hearty appetite — variety is key:

• Protein (60–70%): Whole prey (mice, rats, chicks), ground turkey, whole eggs, and fish
• Fruits & vegetables (30–40%): Berries, mango, squash, leafy greens, and bell peppers
• Avoid feeding primarily rodents — leads to obesity
• Dust food with calcium at every feeding; multivitamin weekly
• Feed juveniles daily; sub-adults every other day; adults 3x per week

💤 Brumation (Winter Dormancy)

Argentine tegus naturally brumate (hibernate) in winter, typically October–March. During this period, they become inactive and stop eating. Provide a cool, dark hide (60–65°F) and check on them periodically. This is completely normal and healthy behavior.

🤝 Handling & Socialization

Tegus tamed from a young age become remarkably docile. Start with short daily handling sessions and build trust gradually. Well-socialized tegus will actively seek out their owners, follow them around the room, and even nap on their laps. Always support their full body weight — adults can reach 4–5 feet and 15+ pounds.

💊 Health & Wellness

Common health issues include obesity (from rodent-heavy diets), metabolic bone disease, respiratory infections, and parasites. Annual vet check-ups with a reptile-experienced veterinarian are essential. Watch for lethargy outside of brumation, swollen limbs, or refusal to eat.

Explore our Tegu Collection for all the premium supplies your dog-like lizard needs to thrive! 🦎