Last Updated: December 19, 2024
This is an updated version of an article originally published on July 15, 2018.
When it comes to keeping your bearded dragon healthy, knowledge is your best defense. These fascinating reptiles make excellent companions, but their unique needs can sometimes lead to health challenges. At Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic (LIBEVC), we specialize in providing expert care for exotic pets like bearded dragons, ensuring they stay happy and thriving.
Curious about how to give your dragon the best life possible? Read on to learn about the most common health concerns, how to spot potential problems, and why routine veterinary care is essential for your scaly companion.
Common Health Concerns for Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are generally hardy reptiles, but they are not immune to health issues. Some of the most frequent challenges include internal parasites, impaction, adenovirus, and metabolic bone disease. Understanding these problems can help you take proactive steps to protect your pet.
Internal Parasites
Parasites (such as pinworms, coccidia, cryptosporidium, etc.) are a common concern for bearded dragons, especially those that have been in contact with other reptiles or live food sources. These microscopic invaders can disrupt your dragon's digestive system, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. Unfortunately, these signs may not always be obvious, making routine fecal examinations by an exotics vet crucial. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and can prevent long-term health impacts.
Treatment for parasites typically involves targeted antiparasitic medications, which must be prescribed by a veterinarian after confirming the type of parasite through a fecal exam. Cleaning and disinfecting your dragon’s enclosure is equally important during treatment to prevent reinfection. Your vet may also recommend dietary adjustments to support recovery.
Impaction/Obstruction (Bowel Blockages)
Impaction occurs when your dragon's digestive tract becomes blocked, typically from ingesting substrate, oversized food, or foreign objects. This issue can manifest through symptoms such as bloating, loss of appetite, and difficulty moving the lower body. Impaction is a serious condition that requires immediate veterinary attention to prevent further complications.
Veterinary care for impaction often includes imagery to visualize the impaction, physical manipulation to encourage the passage of the blockage, and/or fluid therapy to rehydrate and soften the impaction. In more extreme cases, surgical intervention may be required. At home, preventative measures like using non-loose substrates (such as reptile carpet, peel-and-stick tile, paper towels, etc.) and feeding appropriately sized meals can reduce the risk of impaction.
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
Metabolic Bone Disease is one of the most preventable yet debilitating conditions a bearded dragon can face. A lack of calcium or inadequate UVB lighting are often to blame. Symptoms include soft or bowed limbs, a misshapen jaw or spine, difficulty walking or climbing, a zig-zagged or bent tail and even tremors. Prevention is key—ensure your dragon receives proper UVB exposure and a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D3. If symptoms develop, professional intervention is critical to manage the condition.
Treatment for MBD involves correcting the underlying deficiencies. Your vet may prescribe calcium and vitamin D3 supplements, along with adjustments to the UVB setup to ensure proper light exposure. Severe cases may require additional supportive care, including pain management, physical therapy, or even splints to stabilize fractured or weakened limbs. Consistent follow-ups with your vet are essential to monitor progress and prevent further complications. Metabolic bone disease is not reversible but early intervention can prevent it from getting worse.
Adenovirus
Bearded dragon adenovirus (ADV) is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause serious illness in bearded dragons. It spreads through direct contact with infected dragons, contaminated surfaces, or even through contaminated food items. Symptoms of ADV can vary widely, from stunted growth to mild lethargy and loss of appetite to more severe neurological issues like stargazing (looking upwards with a stiff neck) and seizures. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for ADV, so focusing on supportive care and treating symptoms as they arise is crucial.
Burns or Injuries
Accidents can happen even in the safest of enclosures. Overheated basking lamps, poorly designed habitats/thermostats, or mishaps during handling can lead to burns or other injuries. Left untreated, these wounds can become infected, posing a significant threat to your dragon's health. Always monitor your pet’s environment and seek veterinary care if injuries occur.
Anorexia/Reduced Appetite
A sudden loss of appetite or unusual eating behaviors may indicate stress, improper care, or underlying health issues. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, but a complete refusal to eat or noticeable weight loss should never be ignored. Consulting a vet can help identify and address the root cause of these problems.
For a deeper dive into understanding your dragon’s behavior and what it might be trying to communicate, check out our blog Understanding Bearded Dragon Behavior: What Your Pet is Trying to Tell You.
Spotting the Signs of Trouble
Bearded dragons are masters at hiding illness, making it essential to know the warning signs of serious health issues. These can include:
Lethargy or unusual behavior (e.g., “sad” appearance).
Difficulty walking, climbing, or balancing.
Swollen limbs or visible injuries.
Seizures or twitching.
Persistent loss of appetite.
If you observe any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. Early detection and treatment can make a world of difference in your dragon’s recovery.
The Importance of Preventative Care
Preventative care forms the cornerstone of a healthy and happy life for your bearded dragon. Regular check-ups with an experienced exotic vet and routine bloodwork ensure potential problems are caught early. These visits also provide an opportunity to review your dragon’s overall care, including their diet, lighting, and habitat setup.
Prevention doesn’t stop at the vet’s office. At home, maintaining a clean enclosure, providing proper UVB lighting, and offering a balanced diet with plenty of calcium and other essential nutrients can go a long way in avoiding common health challenges. Addressing issues like substrate safety and appropriate diet also helps minimize risks. Being proactive about your dragon’s health is not only beneficial for your pet but also gives you peace of mind.
For more comprehensive advice on caring for your bearded dragon, take a look at our Bearded Dragon Care Guide, which covers everything from setting up their habitat to meeting their dietary needs.
Fun Facts About Bearded Dragons
These quirky reptiles have unique personalities and often exhibit surprising behaviors that endear them to their owners. Whether it’s head-bobbing to assert dominance, waving a tiny arm in submission, or simply lounging under a heat lamp, bearded dragons are full of surprises.
For more fun and fascinating facts about your scaly friend, check out our blog Your Bearded Dragon Likes to Watch TV—and Other Friendly Facts About Beardies.
Providing the Best for Your Bearded Dragon
Caring for a bearded dragon means paying attention to their unique needs, from maintaining the right habitat conditions to ensuring a nutritious diet and scheduling regular vet visits. Every small effort you make—whether it’s adjusting their UVB setup, cleaning their enclosure, or learning to interpret their behavior—can significantly impact their health and happiness.
If you're in the Long Island or NYC area and need expert advice or veterinary care, LIBEVC is here to help. Our team specializes in the unique needs of exotic pets and all reptiles, including bearded dragons. Whether it’s a routine check-up, diagnostics, or emergency care, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to give your dragon the care they deserve? Contact us to schedule an appointment today!