How Can I Tell If My Bearded Dragon is Sick or Healthy?
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world, however, they can have trickier care requirements than many other beginner species. Without specific husbandry requirements, bearded dragons can become ill quickly. They are also prone to several contagious reptile diseases that they may contract from their place of origin. As a pet owner, it's important to monitor your bearded dragon's health to ensure they are healthy and thriving in their environment. Here are a few signs to help you determine if your bearded dragon is healthy:
1. Clear Eyes and Nose
A healthy bearded dragon will have clear, bright eyes with no signs of cloudiness, discharge, swelling, or sagging of the eyelids. Similarly, their nostrils should be clean and dry. Any excessive mucus or crust around the eyes or nose could indicate illness or infection.
2. Active Behavior
Bearded dragons are naturally curious and active reptiles. A healthy dragon will spend time basking, exploring its enclosure, and occasionally interacting with its environment. Lethargy, lack of movement, or hiding more than usual could suggest an underlying health issue OR seasonal brumation.
3. Healthy Appetite
A proper diet is key to your bearded dragon's health. Healthy dragons are typically good eaters, consuming a balanced diet of insects, leafy greens, and occasional fruits. A sudden loss of appetite, refusal to eat for more than a few days, and/or significant weight loss should be addressed with a veterinarian. Though a brumating bearded dragon may refuse food and experience reduced appetite, this should not be combined with significant weight loss or other symptoms of illness.
4. Firm, Smooth Skin
Bearded dragons shed their skin regularly, but it should be tight to their body and firm, not wrinkled or saggy. Skin problems such as scabs, lesions, or discoloration can be a sign of illness or even yellow fungus - a highly contagious fungal disease.
5. Regular, Healthy Bowel Movements
A healthy bearded dragon will pass feces and urates (the white part of their waste) regularly. The stool should be dark brown, firm, and well-formed. If your dragon is experiencing diarrhea, constipation, or blood in the stool, it may be time to visit the vet.
6. Strong, Well-Defined Body
A healthy bearded dragon will have a sturdy, muscular build with well muscled limbs and a balanced body shape. A sunken abdomen or fat pads (on the top of the head), loss of muscle tone in legs and/or tail, and/or highly visible bones could indicate malnutrition, severe dehydration, or illness.
7. Healthy Shedding
Bearded dragons typically shed in pieces; skin will naturally become loose and slough off. If shedding is incomplete, patches of skin are retained, or if there are signs of discoloration, irritation, or infections on the skin, this can indicate a health problem that may need veterinary attention.
When to See a Vet:
If you notice any of the following signs, it's time to consult with a reptile veterinarian:
- Persistent lethargy unrelated to brumation
- Loss of appetite unrelated to brumation and accompanied by weight loss
- Abnormal feces
- Unusual shedding, loss of skin tension, or skin lesions
- Drooping skin around the eyes, eye swelling, or discharge from the eyes
- Respiratory issues like wheezing, discharge, or open-mouth breathing
- Excessive weight loss
Regular check-ups and a properly maintained habitat with correct husbandry (ideal temperature and humidity gradient, proper strength and distance UVB lighting, and a varied species appropriate omnivorous diet with supplements) are key to keeping your bearded dragon healthy and happy long term. By staying vigilant for any changes in behavior or physical appearance, you can ensure your bearded dragon enjoys a long and healthy life!
