Health

Choosing the right veterinarian for your bearded dragon is of the utmost importance. Some veterinarians do not have any experience with reptiles so to guarantee the best possible care for your dragon, have an adult help you find a veterinarian that has experience working with bearded dragons.

Bearded dragons don’t just need to go to the veterinarian when they’re sick, they should have veterinary check-ups 1-2 times a year, especially because signs of illness can sometimes be missed. For instance - mites & parasites can only be detected through a stool sample done by your veterinarian. Be sure to keep your dragon safely contained and kept warm when transporting them to the veterinary clinic.

Bearded dragons lose their old skin as a result of growing – this process is called shedding. Shedding is a natural process that happens to all reptiles. You should never pull your dragon’s old skin off. In fact, if you peel the skin off before it is ready, you can hurt your dragon and damage their new skin. This can lead to bleeding, infection, and problems with future shedding. You can, however, help your dragon’s shedding process through controlled misting or a 10-15-minute soak in warm water. The water should be deep enough to swim in but shallow enough so that your dragon can stand in it. Ask an adult for help with this.  

Tail rot can happen to a bearded dragon if their tail has been injured or if they’ve had an incomplete shed. It usually starts at the tip of the tail and works its way up. Tail rot causes the tail (or toes) to become very dry and dark in colour.

Mouth rot is generally a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. This can cause bleeding gums and loose teeth.

Both of these conditions must be treated immediately to avoid spreading. Bearded dragon must be taken to a reptile veterinarian straightaway if you suspect mouth or tail rot.  

Bearded dragons can develop bone disease if they do not have adequate exposure to UVB. Bone disease can cause disfiguration, delicate/weak bones, or even death. A specialized light bulb, along with appropriate supplements, can help prevent bone disease.

Impaction is when your bearded dragon cannot go to the toilet because of a blockage in their digestive system. If you notice that your dragon is not toileting, or if they have low energy, lack of appetite, are losing weight, or they do not want to move, they could have an obstruction. This is a very serious issue for bearded dragons and will likely not go away on its own. Always consult a reptile veterinarian if these symptoms occur.  

Even though bearded dragons are used to dry conditions, they can still become dehydrated, which means they're not getting enough water. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, wrinkled skin, loss of appetite, and low energy. If your bearded dragon is showing any of these symptoms, it is vital to get them to drink water. If they won’t do it on their own, with the help of an adult, you can gently use an eye dropper to encourage them. If symptoms continue, consult your reptile veterinarian.

Feeding your bearded dragon food that is too big for them can cause pressure on their spinal cord and digestive system. If this pressure lasts for too long, it could lead to paralysis. Paralysis is when you lose the ability to move. As discussed in the Nutrition section, a good way to avoid this is to feed your dragon items that are smaller than the space between their eyes.

Ensuring your bearded dragon is healthy is extremely important. Daily checks are important and there are certain signs to look for that show your bearded dragon is in good physical condition. These signs include:

• Healthy appetite
• Alertness
• Upright posture
• Healthy sized body (not swollen, or under/overweight. Weighing your bearded dragon is a good way to keep an eye on their weight)
• Normal sized nails and toes
• Wanting to bask in their light
• Clean vent (bottom)
• Eyes, mouth, and nose free of abnormal fluid

Learning how to properly handle your bearded dragon helps keep them safe and comfortable and can reduce risk of accidents/injury. Some dragons are not used to being handled so it can take some time for them to get used to it.

Never grab your bearded dragon suddenly, squeeze them if they’re squirming, or hold/place them in high places. It’s best to support their whole body, including their tail. This is the best way to ensure their health while handling.

Always get an adult to help you when handling your bearded dragon.

It’s always good to monitor your bearded dragon frequently so you can notice if there are any changes in their normal behaviour. A change in behaviour is often a sign that your dragon could be sick or injured.

Some of the signs include:

• Low energy
• Sneezing
• Puss/liquid around eyes, nose, and mouth
• Shallow breathing
• Abrupt movements
• Limping
• Swollen limbs/tail/toes
• Aggressiveness
• Change in mood
• Stooping over
• Not wanting to lie down
• Lack of appetite
• Change in poo
• Discoloured mouth/stomach

If you notice any of these symptoms, or that your bearded dragon is just not acting normal, talk to an adult and take them to a reptile veterinarian immediately.