A bearded dragon can live for more than 10 years. Even with proper care, it is impossible to keep one healthy and free of disease for that long. Once you notice a change in your lizard's behavior, habits, or appearance, it's probably already showing signs of illness. However, one of the most common mistakes in dealing with sick lizards is misdiagnosing them as something less serious. That may lead to delayed treatment and even death from some diseases. If the sickness shows up suddenly, the initial reaction may be to rush your lizard to see a veterinarian. This article aims to simplify what are the signs your bearded dragon is sick and when it is time to see the vet.
Respiratory Issues
There are many different respiratory issues that bearded dragons can suffer from, but luckily most of them can be treated with proper care, diet, and supplements.
Bearded dragons can suffer from upper respiratory infections, lower respiratory infections, pneumonia, and other bacterial or viral infections.
Another common cause of respiratory issues in bearded dragons is stress caused by overcrowding in their habitat or improper lighting conditions such as too much light or not enough UVB rays (which are needed for proper calcium absorption). This type of stress can also lead to upper respiratory infections and even pneumonia if left untreated long enough!
Eye and Nasal discharge
If your bearded dragon is discharging from the eyes and nose, it could be a sign of illness.
Bearded dragons can get sick just like humans do, but they're also more likely to be exposed to parasites and viruses than most other animals, so you'll want to make sure that your pet is eating properly and getting plenty of vitamins.
The best thing you can do is to take your pet to the vet if you notice a discharge from its eyes or nose. The vet will be able to quickly diagnose what's wrong with your pet and prescribe treatment.
Vomiting
Vomiting in bearded dragons is usually caused by eating too much food at once, which can lead to your dragon having a stomachache. Other common causes of vomiting include:
Bearded dragon treats that are not made for bearded dragons, such as dog and cat treats. These have a high risk of causing your bearded dragon to become ill and vomit.
Incorrect temperatures or low humidity levels in the tank can cause your bearded dragon to become dehydrated and vomit.
Excessive handling or stress can also cause vomiting in bearded dragons.
The most common cause of vomiting in bearded dragons is due to parasites. Parasites usually cause their host to vomit, as they are trying to get rid of them.
Laziness
There are a few different causes of laziness in bearded dragons, but the most common one is a lack of proper UVB light exposure. Bearded dragons need a lot of light, and if they don't get it, their growth can be stunted and their behaviors can suffer. A reptile lamp can help you in providing proper light in the bearded dragon enclosure.
The next most common cause is poor nutrition. Like all reptiles, bearded dragons need to eat a wide variety of foods to grow properly—and if they're not getting the right nutrients, they can become lethargic and depressed.
Finally, there's the possibility that your reptile is sick or has something wrong with its body. If you're concerned about this possibility, make an appointment with your vet right away!
Aggressiveness
Aggressive behavior is often a sign of stress or anxiety, which can be caused by many things. It could be something as simple as an interruption during feeding time, or it could be something more serious like a change in habitat or routine.
If you notice your bearded dragon acting aggressively, keep an eye on it for several days. If the aggressive behavior continues, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Inappetence
If your bearded dragon is not eating, it might be a sign that something is wrong. However, it's important to remember that bearded dragons are notoriously picky eaters and will sometimes refuse to eat for no apparent reason.
If you've been trying to feed your bearded dragon for several days and it still won't eat, it's time to take action.
The first thing you need to do is check the temperature of its enclosure. Bearded dragons need a temperature range of 80-84 degrees Fahrenheit, so if the temperature is too low or high, this could be causing them to refuse food.
Next, look at your humidity levels. Bearded dragons need humidity levels between 40-60%, so if they seem dry or dull, this could be causing them to refuse food.
Finally, check your lighting situation—bearded dragons love basking under UVB lights! If their enclosure isn't properly lit or if they aren't getting enough sunlight, they may refuse food as a result of being in a low-energy state.
Skin problems
Bearded dragons often have bumps on their skin, but these can be red flags that your pet is sick. If you see a new bump, especially if it's black, yellow, or red, take your dragon to the vet right away.
Bumps on a bearded dragon are usually caused by an underlying health issue. They're not usually harmful in and of themselves, but they can be a sign of more serious problems like parasites or infections.
If you notice any bumps on your lizard's skin, make an appointment with your vet right away so they can check for an underlying cause.
Conclusion
One of the most common indications of a sick bearded dragon is a change in its behavior. As mentioned above, if your bearded dragon is lethargic, this can indicate an internal problem with its body. Seeing your bearded dragon exhibiting these symptoms – especially if they're new is not a good indication. He may be sick and will need medical treatment. If any of your bearded dragon's behaviors change, it's always wise to seek the advice of a vet immediately because many lizards have delayed reactions to ill health, and even without symptoms some illnesses may become fatal.