Bearded dragons typically appear lethargic, lose their appetite, may have swollen limbs and joints, and also may have difficulty breathing or a runny nose when sick. Other signs include discoloration of the beard and scales, dull eyes, a sunken stomach, and missing scales.
A sick bearded dragon may also lack energy, lay in the corner of their habitat, and have a decrease in mobility. They may also shed their skin more often and the scales may appear raised and discoloured.
The beard may take on a bluish hue and there may be a yellowish discharge from their eyes. If you observe any of these symptoms, your bearded dragon may be sick and it is important to take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
What does a bearded dragon infection look like?
A bearded dragon infection can present in a variety of ways, but common symptoms can include decreased appetite, lethargy, discharge from the eyes and/or nose, swollen and/or discolored areas on the skin, pale gums, runny or shapeless stool, and change in activity level.
In extreme cases, generalized swelling, difficulty breathing, and inability to open the mouth can occur. It’s important to note that these symptoms can be caused by a number of different illnesses, not just an infection, so it’s important to get a veterinary diagnosis if you suspect that your pet is ill.
When it comes to infections specifically, they can vary depending on the type of infection present. Bacterial and fungal infections can cause skin irritation and sores, and scales may appear discoloured and raised.
In some cases the infection may spread or cause respiratory issues or difficulty eating. Protozoal infections can cause diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and unusual behaviour. Parasites may also cause weight loss, anemia, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and abnormal skin lesions.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your bearded dragon, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian right away for a full examination and to determine the best course of treatment. In some cases, infection may require a course of antibiotics, while parasite infections may require anti-parasitical drugs.
Whatever the case, early diagnosis and prompt treatment is key to providing the best care to your pet.
How do I treat my bearded dragons skin infection?
The most important part of treating skin infections in a bearded dragon is to provide them with proper care and attention. It is essential to ensure that their enclosure is properly maintained with the right temperature, humidity, and UV lighting.
Maintaining a clean and healthy environment is key to preventing future skin infections.
If your dragon has an active infection, the next step is to visit the vet. The vet will diagnose the type of infection and prescribe the appropriate medication and course of treatment. Generally, admitting the bearded dragon to a vet clinic for testing and observation is usually the best course of action.
The most common types of skin infections in bearded dragons are bacterial and fungal. Bacterial infections are most often treated with antibiotics, and fungal infections require an anti-fungal treatment.
Your vet can advise which type of treatment to use, but most treatments require topical creams or ointments to be applied to the infected areas several times a day.
Other treatments that can be used to help treat skin infections include increasing the humidity and the warmth of the enclosure, providing a more nutritious diet, and treating any parasites or other underlying illnesses with appropriate medications.
In some cases, surgery may also be necessary. It’s important to consult a veterinarian to get the best diagnosis and treatment plan.
How to tell if your bearded dragon has upper respiratory infection?
In order to tell if your bearded dragon has an upper respiratory infection, it’s important to observe and be aware of the signs and symptoms. Common indicators include wheezing, clicking noises while breathing, rapid breathing, mouth gaping, and discoloration around the nose and mouth.
Additionally, your bearded dragon may display a disinterest in eating, handling, and interaction, appear lethargic and demonstrate behavior associated with pain. If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your bearded dragon to a qualified veterinarian as soon as possible and should not be handled without first wearing gloves to prevent further spread of the infection.
While at the veterinarian office, a detailed physical examination of the beardie will be conducted to identify the severity of the infection. Treatment may include oral antibiotics, anti-parasitic medications, or a misting or humid climate to help reduce the drying effect that can occur due to the infection.
If your bearded dragon possess any of the above symptoms, it is important to remain diligent in monitoring and treating the infection promptly to ensure a successful recovery.
What does fungus look like on a bearded dragon?
Fungus on a bearded dragon can appear as a whitish or yellowish discoloration on the skin or mouth. It is often accompanied by an unpleasant smell and may appear as circles or patches of white or yellowish patches.
In most cases, the infection is concentrated around the beard, but it can also spread to other parts of the body. The infection can also cause the scales to become raised and darken in color. If not treated early on, fungus can make its way into the blood and cause systemic damage.
Fungus can also lead to respiratory issues which can be deadly for your bearded dragon. If you suspect that your bearded dragon may have a fungus infection, you should bring it to a veterinarian as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How do you treat an infected reptile?
Treating an infected reptile involves identifying the infection, the underlying cause (which will vary depending on the species of reptile), and employing a treatment plan that includes supportive and/or curative care.
This can include administering antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitic medications, or topical ointments; providing supportive care if necessary; increasing cleanliness of the habitat; and introducing changes to the diet and husbandry.
Before beginning any treatment plan, it is important to take the reptile to a veterinarian for a thorough physical exam. This helps ensure that the reptile is in good health to withstand necessary treatments and their side effects.
Once the reptile is seen by the veterinarian, medication can be prescribed that is appropriate for the species, severity of illness and individual reptile. Also, supportive care such as vitamin supplements and proper temperature can help reduce stress and potential infections.
Additionally, a cleaner environment, an appropriate diet and changes to the habitat may be needed to prevent the infection from recurring. An infected reptile needs to be closely monitored through the course of treatment and provided with the necessary care and support to ensure a successful recovery.
How do I heal my reptiles skin?
If your reptile’s skin is not looking its best, then you need to take action to ensure its health and well-being. Most skin issues in reptiles can be treated with proper hygiene, temperature control, humidity, and diet.
To help heal your reptile’s skin, first make sure their environment is clean and free of contaminants. Keeping their enclosure clean and providing fresh water and food is the best basic care. Additionally, the optimal temperature and humidity should be maintained for your reptile’s species.
Different species have different needs, so research what temperature and humidity range is appropriate for your reptile. Next, make sure they have a complete and balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and if necessary, protein sources such as mealworms or crickets.
This will ensure they are getting the right vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, some reptiles benefit from exposure to natural or artificial UVB lighting that is appropriate for the species. This is important to help build and maintain strong bones and promote healthy skin.
Finally, a visit to a reptile veterinarian is likely needed in order to identify and treat any underlying cause of the skin issues, such as parasites or an infection. A veterinarian can also advise on any changes to diet, habitat, or lighting that could benefit your reptile.
Once these steps are taken, your reptile should start to show signs of improvement.
Can I put antibiotic ointment on my bearded dragon?
No. Antibiotic ointment should not be used on bearded dragons. While antibiotic ointment is generally safe for humans, reptiles have a different physiology and could potentially be adversely impacted by antibiotic ointment.
Instead, you should use a reptile-safe wound care salve or cream like Vetericyn, which is safe and non-toxic. If your dragon has a deep wound that is bleeding, a home-made saline solution is your best bet.
Start by mixing 1 tablespoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water, then pour the solution over the wound. If you want to make a more concentrated solution, you can mix 2 tablespoons of salt with 1 cup of warm water.
Additionally, you can take your dragon to the vet to get it checked out and get prescribed medication.
How do you check a bearded dragon’s health?
Checking a bearded dragon’s health involves several steps. First and foremost, observe the bearded dragon’s overall behavior and health. Bearded dragons should appear alert and energetic while having a clean and healthy coat.
Secondly, bearded dragons should have regular checkups from an experienced reptile veterinarian. Regular checkups include health examinations, fecal tests, and routine lab tests when necessary. Keep track of the bearded dragon’s weight – it should be consistent and should not vary drastically.
Make sure the bearded dragon’s eyes and nose are clean and clear of any infection or discharge. Also, be sure to check for any lumps or bumps on the bearded dragon’s body. During a physical examination, the veterinarian should check the bearded dragon for any signs of stress or pain, such as reduced movement or mobility.
Lastly, be sure to provide the bearded dragon with a healthy environment and diet. Fresh fruits, cooked eggs, and high-calcium greens are a good way to ensure your dragon is getting the right nutrition.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your bearded dragon stays healthy and happy.
How can you tell if a lizard is dehydrated?
If your lizard’s skin has taken on a dull, shriveled appearance and their eyes are sunken or recede into their head, then they may be dehydrated. Other signs to look for include open-mouthed breathing, lack of appetite, and a rapid heart rate.
You should also check if their poop is smaller and harder than normal or missing altogether. It’s important to note that lizards can quickly become dehydrated in captivity due to a combination of factors, such as excessive water loss due to evaporative cooling or inadequate water replacement.
If you suspect your lizard is dehydrated, offering them a warm bath in shallow water and encouraging them to drink is a good way to help prevent further dehydration.
Does soaking bearded dragons hydrate them?
Yes, soaking bearded dragons does hydrate them. Bearded dragons should be soaked in room temperature water for 10-15 minutes every one to two weeks to keep them hydrated. When bathing a bearded dragon, you should use just enough water to submerge the dragon but make sure not to let the water level rise too high, which can stress them out.
Also, make sure never to exceed the temperature of the water beyond the room temperature. Make sure not to add any soaps or disinfectants to the water since they can cause skin irritation. If you have a basking light available, consider using it during the soak to provide a warm, comfortable atmosphere.
After the soak, dry your bearded dragon off with a towel and place them in an appropriate environment to allow them to dry off fully.
Can you give Pedialyte to bearded dragons?
No, you should not give Pedialyte to bearded dragons. Pedialyte is specifically formulated for human infants and toddlers, and it does not contain the necessary vitamins and minerals that a bearded dragon requires as part of their diet.
Instead of Pedialyte, bearded dragons should be fed a variety of live insects, fresh leafy greens, and fruits, supplemented with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement. Providing adequate hydration for a bearded dragon is important for their health, so it is recommended that a shallow dish filled with clean water should be available at all times.
Is it okay to put calcium in my bearded dragons water?
No, it is not recommended to put calcium in your bearded dragon’s water for a variety of reasons. While it might be tempting to do this to try and make sure your dragon is getting enough calcium, it is not a good idea because the water will not be able to take up all of the calcium, so it will be wasted.
In addition, calcium in water can encourage the growth of algae which can be harmful to your pet and increase the chance of infection. It is much better to offer your dragon a calcium supplement in powder form, or to provide them with naturally calcium-rich foods such as leafy greens.
You can also sprinkle some calcium powder over the food a few times per week. Additionally, if you are providing a UVB light for your pet, it will help to regulate calcium levels as well.