Bearded dragons can suffer from various diseases and other health complications. Use this guide to learn the most common signs your bearded dragon may be sick.
Bearded dragons are well-known for being particularly hardy lizards – as long as they are properly looked after and cared for, they can be expected to live long and healthy lives. This is one of the many reasons they are considered to be among the best pet reptiles, and makes them especially popular with beginners.
But like all animals, they can still suffer from a variety of diseases and other health complications. If you want to ensure a healthy and comfortable pet, its important to be aware of this and have a basic understanding of the challenges you and your beardie may face.
There are many signals of potential health issues of a bearded dragon, and its pretty easy to misinterpret or be overwhelmed by them. Fortunately, there are also plenty of resources and tips out there to help you stay on top of your dragons health! This article aims to give you a quick and easy guide to the five most common signs a bearded dragon may be sick
If your bearded dragon isnt able to properly expel their waste this should raise red flags that their health isnt at 100%.
One of the most common and identifiable signs that something is wrong is when your pet isnt pooping normally.
Generally speaking, a young bearded dragon should poop around 1 to 3 times a day while an adult dragon can be expected to poop anywhere from once a day to once every several days.
However, if you notice your dragon hasnt relieved themselves in over a week then it should be a cause for concern. This could be a sign of numerous different health complications, so be sure to do your research and keep monitoring your beardies health!
Another quick and easy indicator of a dragons health is their poop itself. Healthy poop should be a solid tube shape, colored brown and white (and sometimes green).
Feces that is a different color, texture, or consistency than normal can be a signal of illness or other health issues. Be extra wary of poop that is very runny, noticeably bloody, or black in color, as these are often signs of something much more severe.
Another issue you need to look out for in your beardie is any behavior that you wouldnt consider normal.
Notable aggression from a bearded dragon – such as hissing, puffing, and biting – can indicate that they are uncomfortable. While this behavior can also be brought on by an unpleasant environment or poorly-socialized lizard, beardies are generally very docile and rarely show this kind of behavior.
If your dragon has already been tamed and there have not been any noticeable changes in their environment lately, then sudden aggression is very likely a sign of illness.
One of the easiest signs to misinterpret, there are numerous reasons a bearded dragon may be lethargic, and not all are a cause for concern. Brumation, after-meal laziness, low temperatures, and general tiredness are normal reasons for a reptile to appear less active.
However, if this behavior continues for more than several days, and isnt a case of brumation (which should occur during late fall/autumn and throughout winter), then your dragon may not be feeling all too well.
Almost all health issues can cause some form of lethargy, from infections and parasites to inadequate diet or impaction – so make sure to pay attention to your dragons level of activity, even when theyre behaving normally.
Like most animals, bearded dragons love to eat! This also means that a noticeable lack of appetite may point to something being wrong. Refusal to eat is one of the most common signs of stress in bearded dragons, which may be caused by a number of factors including illness, inadequate nutrition, an uncomfortable diet, and so on.
If your dragon has stopped eating and is now losing weight, there are a number of potential reasons why – some normal and some not. They may be preparing for brumation, or be very stressed. Make sure to keep an eye on their behavior and weight, and be ready to take action if things take a turn for the worse.
If they seem to be eating just fine and are rapidly becoming thinner and bonier, then something is definitely amiss. Common causes of this are severe dehydration and parasitic infection, so contact a vet immediately if this occurs.
On the other end of things, a bearded dragon that has suddenly become noticeably bloated or swollen looking isnt good either.
It should be noted that dragons have a few behaviors that can make them look bigger, such as flattening themselves out to soak up more light while basking, or puffing up as a warning when they feel threatened.
However, if they appear to stay bloated for a long period of time, it may be wise to seek veterinary advice. Sudden bloated bellies could mean impaction or egg-binding (eggs stuck in a females body), both very dangerous and potentially deadly conditions that require an immediate visit to the vet.
Noticeable swelling of different parts of the body can also be a good indicator of various health conditions, including injury, infection, and nutrient deficiency.
Seeing your bearded dragon puffed up like a balloon can be very worrying for any owner. Bloating in bearded dragons can stem from a variety of causes, some harmless and others requiring urgent veterinary care Knowing how to identify the signs, understand the potential causes, and respond appropriately can help ensure the health and wellbeing of your scaly friend This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know if you notice your bearded dragon is bloated.
Recognizing the Signs of Bloating
The most obvious sign your bearded dragon is bloated is a visibly distended or swollen abdomen. Their belly may appear round or puffed out. Other symptoms that often accompany bloating include:
- Lethargy and decreased activity levels
- Loss of appetite or refusal to eat
- Straining or difficulty passing stool
- Evidence of constipation such as small, hard, or infrequent feces
- Limb weakness or paralysis, especially of the hind legs
- Rapid or labored breathing in severe cases
Signs of bloating that appear suddenly, or together with lethargy, loss of appetite, and difficulty defecating warrant an emergency trip to the reptile veterinarian, as they may indicate a critical underlying issue
What Causes Bloating in Bearded Dragons?
There are several potential causes of bloating in bearded dragons some more serious than others. Being able to identify the cause can help guide appropriate treatment.
Harmless Causes
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Normal digestion: Some mild bloating can occur after eating a large meal, as with any animal. This temporary swelling should resolve within a day.
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Shedding: Bearded dragons may puff up slightly during the shedding process. Ensure the enclosure has proper humidity.
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Displays of emotion: Bearded dragons sometimes puff their bodies to display annoyance or dominance. This is normal behavior.
Serious Causes Requiring Veterinary Care
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Impaction: This potentially fatal condition occurs when an object, substrate, or undigested matter blocks the digestive tract. It is a common cause of sudden-onset bloating.
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Dystocia (egg binding): Gravid female dragons may experience difficulty passing eggs, resulting in potentially life-threatening bloating and straining.
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Organ enlargement: An enlarged liver, kidneys, or other organs due to disease or disorder can cause bloating.
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Tumors or masses: Abdominal masses, such as tumors or cysts, can result in a swollen belly.
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Infections: Bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infections may cause bloating, diarrhea, appetite loss, and lethargy.
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Dehydration: Inadequate hydration slows digestion, leading to constipation and bloating.
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Respiratory infections: Though less direct, respiratory infections can cause decreased appetite and delayed digestion.
Responding to Bloating at Home
For mild bloating with no other symptoms, try these home remedies under close supervision:
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Check enclosure temperatures – ensure the basking area is 95-105°F to facilitate digestion.
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Increase basking time to promote digestion and defecation.
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Give a 10-30 minute lukewarm soak in shallow water to stimulate bowels. Gently massage the abdomen.
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Review diet. Avoid feeding insects larger than the space between the eyes.
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Increase hydration. Provide fresh water and mist more frequently.
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Offer pureed pumpkin or apple sauce in small amounts to relieve constipation.
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Check for signs of dehydration like sunken eyes or saggy skin.
If bloating persists more than 1-2 days despite home treatment, get veterinary help right away. Likewise, seek immediate vet care if symptoms are severe.
Getting Veterinary Treatment
Only a qualified reptile veterinarian can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of bloated belly in bearded dragons. Treatments may include:
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X-rays to check for impaction or organ abnormalities
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Blood work to test for issues like liver or kidney disease
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Palpation of the abdomen to feel for masses or eggs
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Ultrasound to examine internal organs for problems
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Supportive care like hydration therapy, pain relief, and appetite stimulants
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Surgery to remove obstructions or diseased tissue if needed
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Antibiotics or antifungals if infection is identified through cultures
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Tube feeding if the dragon is too weak to eat on its own
Don’t delay – early vet care for bloating can be lifesaving for bearded dragons. Call your exotic vet right away if your dragon shows concerning signs.
Preventing Bloating in Bearded Dragons
Prevention is always better than trying to treat bloating after the fact. Here are some key tips:
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Proper temperatures: Maintain correct heat gradients so food digests properly.
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Healthy diet: Offer a balanced, varied diet. Avoid oversized feeder insects.
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Proper substrates: Never use sand, small pellets, or other loose substrates that can cause impaction if ingested.
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Hydration: Provide fresh, clean water daily and monitor intake. Give regular baths.
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Exercise: Allow regular supervised time for exercise outside the enclosure.
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Regular vet checkups: Wellness exams help catch issues early.
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Quarantine new dragons: Isolate new arrivals for 4-6 weeks to prevent contagious diseases.
With attentive husbandry and care, bloating can be avoided in most cases. Always monitor your bearded dragon closely for any changes. Rapid response to bloating symptoms gives the best chance for full recovery. With quick thinking and prompt veterinary care as needed, you can keep your “beardie” happy and healthy.
Changes in Body Condition
Outside of physical changes to your bearded dragon, there are also a couple of visual changes you may notice that indicate sickness including:
Changes in the skin are fortunately quite easy to see most of the time. Open wounds, sores, lesions, and odd bumps and swelling tend to be fairly obvious and should definitely be paid attention to if noticed on your dragon.
Discoloration is another highly visible red flag. Bearded dragons can change the color and patterns of their skin to communicate, and they primarily show stress and discomfort via noticeable blackening of their beard. Patches of black may also be signals of this in some cases.
Newly appearing spots are also a potential cause for concern. While these can result from simple and harmless situations like scale freckles or dirt, they can also be signs of infection and/or injury. If these spots are yellow, red, or black in color, and appear to be spreading across the skin, then it may be time for a checkup.
Trouble Keeping Things In
Lastly, if your beardie has problems with their respiratory issues or keeping substances in, make sure you look into it.
Though fairly rare, bearded dragons are susceptible to respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia, especially when they are stressed, in uncomfortable environmental conditions, poorly nourished, or have caught an infectious disease.
A bearded dragons breathing should be quiet and regular, so common signs of an issue are audible gasping breathes, coughing and wheezing, and rapid, shallow, or open-mouthed breathing.
Leaking fluids from the eyes, ears, nose and mouth is more often than not a sign of irritation and/or infection. They can take the form of mucus, crusty buildup, foam and bubbles, or just regular sneezing, so make sure to monitor your dragon closely if these symptoms appear.
While its probably expected, regular vomiting is not normal and likely is a health concern. While beardies may occasionally vomit if they eat too much too fast or if something is wrong with their food, it becomes an issue if done repeatedly – especially if its preventing your lizard from properly feeding and drinking. This could be a sign of anything from infection to gastrointestinal issues, both of which may require a visit to the vet.
Despite their hardiness, its important to know what health issues your bearded dragon may be at risk of, and have an idea of how to identify the most common signs of sickness in these lizards. There are many traits and behaviors that you can use to gauge your pets health, including:
- Not pooping
- Abnormal poop (runny, bloody, black in color)
- Aggression
- Extending lethargy (when not a result of brumation)
- Not eating
- Rapid weight loss
- Persistent bloat and/or swelling
- Changes in the skin (wounds, lesions, sores and odd bumps)
- Discoloration
- Strange and Sudden Spots on Skin (yellow, red, and black especially)
- Breathing difficulties (coughing, wheezing, quick shallow breaths, etc.)
- Discharge from eyes, ears, nose and/or mouth
- Vomiting
If your bearded dragon needs veterinary care, remember that the CareCredit credit card is an easy way to pay for veterinary exams, medications, services and products at providers that accept CareCredit nationwide.*
How to Tell if Your Bearded Dragon is OBESE (and Fixing It!)
FAQ
What does an overfed bearded dragon look like?
Recognizing the signs of bearded dragon overfeeding, such as a plump tail, fat feet, or bulging head pads, is crucial for maintaining your dragon’s health.
Is my bearded dragon fat or bloated?
The signs of them being overweight are fat belly, thickened tail, fatty back with less spine showing, fatty head fat pads and saggy beard.
What to do if my bearded dragon is bloated?
For now we need to give him a soak in 50/50 warm water and plain Pedialyte to prevent dehydration. Please soak at least 30 mins. While in the soak, gently massage the abdomen to help pass stool. You can also give the Dragon a little baby food prunes to try and get things moving. I do suggest a Herp vet visit.
Why is my bearded dragon’s belly puffed up?
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Possible Causes:
- Impaction: A buildup of food or substrate in the digestive tract, which can be dangerous.
- Egg-binding: In female bearded dragons, this occurs when eggs become stuck in the reproductive tract.
- Stress: Bearded dragons may puff up as a defensive or territorial display, or due to stress from their environment.
- Fullness after eating: Bearded dragons can puff up their bodies while eating, and it’s normal for them to stretch out their bodies to help the food pass through their digestive system, especially when they are young.
- Parasites: Parasites can cause gas and bloating.
- Constipation: This can happen if the bearded dragon isn’t properly hydrated, or if their diet is not balanced.
- Overfeeding: Feeding too many insects can lead to weight gain and a bloated appearance.
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Signs to Watch For:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Sunken eyes
- Stressed coloration
- Difficulty or inability to defecate
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What to Do:
- Consult a veterinarian: If you notice a sudden or concerning change in your bearded dragon’s belly, it’s essential to seek veterinary advice immediately.
- Ensure proper hydration: Provide access to fresh water and consider soaking your bearded dragon in warm water to promote hydration and defecation.
- Adjust diet: If you suspect impaction or constipation, consider switching to softer foods and offering prune puree or olive oil to help stimulate bowel movements.
- Address stress: Ensure your bearded dragon’s enclosure is secure and free from stressors, such as loud noises or other animals.
- Monitor and adjust substrate: If you use soft substrate, consider switching to carpet or tile to prevent impaction.