Last Updated on January 5, 2025 by Lillian Dodd
How to tell if your bearded dragon is dying? Bearded dragons are a popular pet choice, especially for beginners. However, it is important to know the signs of illness in your bearded dragon so that you can get them taken care of immediately if needed.
When you see a sick bearded dragon, some obvious signs and symptoms should not go unnoticed, common bearded dragon dying signs could be an indication their lifeblood isn’t flowing properly because there has been some kind of damage or interruption somewhere along its travels through the bloodstream: If your bearded dragon is lethargic, has lost its appetite, or is having trouble moving, it may be dying. If you notice any of these signs, take your pet dragon to the vet immediately for professional medical advice.
How To Tell If Your Bearded Dragon Is Dying
If they’re not eating or showing any interest in what you have to offer, then there’s a chance he might be moribund and about ready for his last leg.
Moribund dragons will also show symptoms such as dull gray skin without shedding, and discolored patches, Bearded dragons are often subject to a variety of skin conditions that can be seen on their bodies. The most common is mouth rot, tail drop-windpipe infection and yellow fungus all present as discomfiting open wounds or inflammation near the dragon’s oral area – which will cause it to hang its head in shame if you’re unfortunate enough for this type.
Unresponsive behavior includes being lethargic but not in the brumating period (which occurs when sleepy), sunken eyes, and wrinkly skin. Creating the right habitat for your bearded dragon is crucial for its health and well-being. These reptiles require precise temperature gradients in their enclosures. The cooler zone should range from 75°F to 85°F, allowing them to regulate their body temperature during resting periods. The basking area needs to be significantly warmer, between 95°F and 110°F. This thermal gradient is essential for their metabolic processes. Humidity should be maintained at a stable level, between 20% and 40%, as bearded dragons originate from arid environments. Monitoring these environmental factors closely can prevent many health issues and ensure your dragon’s comfort.
10 Ways to Recognize a Dying Bearded Dragon
- There Are No Bowel Movements
Observing when your beardie goes to the toilet is important for making sure they’re healthy. If you don’t see evidence that he’s eliminated in several days, there could be an obstruction caused by anything from constipation up to blockages due simply too much waste material building inside their body cavity – which can lead him straight towards death if left untreated! While some things such as bathing them might help with going at first glance- Consulting a vet would prove far more fruitful than trying home remedies alone because we understand just how.
- Bloody Stool And Diarrhea
It is important to know the difference between healthy and unhealthy movements. If you notice your beardie has watery stool or blood in their curly-Q’s potty duties, it could be an indication that they’re suffering from parasites that will need medical intervention as soon as possible. Parasite infestations are common in bearded dragons and can include pinworms, coccidia, and mites. Regular fecal tests by a veterinarian are essential for detecting these parasites early. Effective treatment typically involves vet-prescribed medications targeted at eliminating specific parasites. Careful sanitation of the enclosure and regular monitoring can prevent infestations from recurring.
- Diet
Another sign of illness might mean there are problems with diet (especially if a bad smell comes out when pooping), improper hydration & lighting conditions plus temperatures make sure everything is set right by checking these factors first before adding more stress onto him/herself by guessing at what might have caused his condition.
- Lethargy
The beardie deserves to be pampered just as much, if not more so than any other fish in your tank. When you notice that they are staying still or moving less than usual – this could mean something is wrong with their habitat. Check out the lighting and heat levels around his/her area for clues about what might have caused him trouble; make sure everything’s cool (literally) by adding some decor like plants onto invisible surfaces near enough where he can’t get too close without being touched first.
- Wrinkled Skin
Behavior changes are common in beardies as they prepare for brumation or go through it. A healthy animal will be active and alert, but if your pet seems sluggish then you should take them in to see the vet so that we can make sure everything is okay. Dehydration can severely affect a bearded dragon’s health, showing signs like wrinkled skin and sunken eyes. Maintaining hydration is crucial, which includes offering fresh water consistently and misting the dragon’s environment or providing shallow baths. Including hydrating foods, such as cucumbers or leafy greens, in their diet can also support proper hydration levels.
- Appetite Deficit
While it’s not uncommon for your bearded dragon to go without food daily, a lack of appetite when combined with other symptoms can be concerning. The following are some of the most common reasons a beardie will refuse to eat:
- When these dragons are cold, they cannot regulate their body temperature and will not eat.
- Health professionals recommend that pets receive at least 10 minutes of UVB light exposure every day. If they are not getting enough, this can lead to a poor appetite and other health problems such as coat loss tropic dermatitis (AD).
Proper UVB lighting is a non-negotiable element of bearded dragon care. UVB rays aid in the synthesis of vitamin D3, a nutrient critical for calcium absorption and bone health. Without adequate UVB exposure, bearded dragons are at risk of developing metabolic bone disease, a debilitating condition that affects their vitality and mobility. Ensure that UVB bulbs are functional and effective by replacing them every 6 to 12 months, as their capacity to emit UVB diminishes over time, even when the visible light remains.
Be sure to check for the following possibilities if your beardie has no appetite and is losing weight. They may have parasites, fungus infection, organ failure, calcium deficiency, an impaction, or issues with their diet (like not being able to eat what you put out).
- Issues With Mobility
There is a serious disease among beardies and other reptiles called Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). One sign of this disorder may be trouble moving; these creatures appear to have little control over their limbs, which causes them twitching or tremors coupled with lethargy.
Bearded dragons are prone to a number of ailments that can cause immense pain for owners, such as bone deformation. softening along their spine or swelling on jaws; problems catching live insects due to an inability to move correctly which impairs them from catching fast-moving bugs like crickets. Life-threatening issues might also arise if your lizard appears dragging itself around the tank with no functioning back legs while having trouble getting outta sight before it gets eaten.
- Problems With The Skin
Several common beardie health concerns could affect your pet. These include tail rot, mouth fungus, and yellowing skin which can all be seen by looking at the creature’s appearance including discoloration around their mouth or open wounds with inflammation on it due to infection for example in this case. Another indication would simply mean an animal isn’t shedding its old skins anymore-they’ve turned white because these hairs haven’t been shed yet.
- Sunken And Droopy Eyes
Bearded dragons can be a bit more difficult than other types of lizards to care for but it’s well worth the effort. The bearded dragon has sunken and droopy eyes which makes them look pitiful in appearance as if they’ve given up on life altogether.
- Mouth rot
The bearded dragon has an infection that is not seen as often in other lizards such as iguanas. Mouth rot can cause pinpoint hemorrhages on the gum or tooth loss due to excessive thick mucus, which could be cottage cheese-like consistency and appear with swelling around it too.
Conclusion
If your bearded dragon is dying, there are a few things you can do to make them comfortable. You can offer food and water, and you can also provide a warm place for them to rest. If your bearded dragon is in pain, you may want to consider giving them pain medication. Finally, if your bearded dragon is having difficulty breathing, you may want to provide oxygen. If your bearded dragon is dying, it is important to remember that they are not in pain and that they are not suffering. Be sure to provide them with the best possible care and comfort during their final days.
Routine weight monitoring is a valuable practice for ensuring a bearded dragon remains healthy. Sudden weight loss can be an early indicator of underlying health issues such as disease or inadequate nutrition. Maintaining a record of your dragon’s weight allows you to notice and address any concerning trends promptly, consulting with a veterinarian as necessary to provide the best care possible.
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