Signs Of A Sick Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are usually robust lizards, especially after they move past the hatchling stage. Given the proper environment and nutrition, they can live to be quite old. However, just like any other animal, bearded dragons are not immune to sickness. Health issues such as gastrointestinal diseases, metabolic disorders, and respiratory problems are quite common, particularly in cases where proper care is not provided.

Reptiles are generally good at concealing their symptoms when they are sick, and bearded dragons are no exception. Since these lizards do not usually show signs of pain and illness, it is very important to equip yourself with knowledge as to the signs of a healthy animal as well as the red flags of a sick bearded dragon.

So, what are some of the indications that your beardie is in good shape? First of all, a healthy lizard is active and alert. It does not hide and withdraw itself for a long time and have clear, watchful eyes. Also, look for the tail. A full tail is a sign that your bearded dragon is healthy. Also, a good appetite is indicative of health and wellness.

Although a sick bearded dragon will generally not manifest pain or discomfort during an illness, there are a number of signs that can tell you when something is not right. Decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, sunken eyes, sores, bumps, or abrasions on the skin, cheesy yellow matter inside the mouth, broken limbs, tail deformities, abnormal feces, and labored breathing are some signs that your Beardie has health issues that need to be addressed sooner or later.

It is very important for you to observe your bearded dragon everyday even if you don’t suspect illness. Knowing how your lizard acts when they are healthy will help you determine whether your Beardie is in excellent health, feels a little under the weather, or is seriously ill.

Making a self diagnosis on your Beardie can be quite confusing. This can be attributed to the fact that some of the red flags discussed above can also be linked to other things that do not require medical attention. For example, lethargy and decreased appetite can mean that they are going into brumation (period of dormancy) and are shedding their skin. These things may also cause a bearded dragon to be constipated. With that said, it’s really important to distinguish whether the symptoms are due to illness or simply a consequence of a natural phenomenon.

There are a few health issues common to bearded dragons. Impaction, for example, is a much-discussed gastrointestinal problem by many pet owners. This condition, which refers to many different types of blockage, occurs when bearded dragons consume something that they cannot digest. Substrates such as rocks and sand may cause impaction if accidentally consumed.

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is yet another common illness that affects bearded dragons in captivity. This condition actually consists of a group of disorders brought about by nutritional deficiency, especially calcium. To put it simply, metabolic bone disease develops when a bearded dragons is unable to absorb calcium due to insufficient UVB light. Because calcium is not absorbed, the body starts to draw calcium from the bones, making them prone to fracture. If not treated immediately, it can cause softened bones and deformities.

It is a known fact that bearded dragons thrive in hot and arid environments. When a captive bearded dragon is put in an environment where the temperature is too cold, it may suffer from respiratory diseases which, if not addressed quickly, may lead to death. Swollen eyes, runny nose, and labored breathing are indicative of a respiratory problem.

Bearded dragons, in general, are vigorous reptiles with a reputation for being an excellent starter pet for new reptile owners. Remember, however, that these creatures have specific environmental and nutritional requirements which, if not provided, can make them sick.

It is generally easy to spot a sick bearded dragon. Simply observe for the healthy and unhealthy signs discussed above to help you determine whether a Beardie is in the pink of health or otherwise.