Your bearded dragon should have an area of its home that is warmer and an area that is cooler. The warmer side should be 95°F to 110°F (35°C to 43°C) and the cooler side should be around around 85°F (29°C). This allows the animal to decide what temperature it wants to be in at any given time. [1] X Research source A UVB light bulb can provide comfortable warmth for your bearded dragon. Install the bulb about 12 inches (30 cm) above the cage. Remember to change the bulb every 6 months.
Dehydration itself can be the cause of illness in bearded dragons. If you suspect that your pet is dehydrated, offer it clean drinking water from a syringe or bottle. If it still won’t drink, you can offer it a beverage made to minimize dehydration, such as pedialyte. You should also consult with your veterinarian about the possible need for intravenous fluids. [2] X Research source
Lethargy Erratic movements Swollen body parts Changes in mood or behavior Awkward posture No appetite Abnormal elimination
Keeping your bearded dragon’s tank clean will minimize any bacteria and viruses that could infect your pet and make its condition worse.
Find a vet that specializes in reptiles, known as a herp vet. You can find one by searching the database on the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians: https://arav. site-ym. com/search/custom. asp?id=3661. If you are unsure whether your bearded dragon’s illness is serious, feel free to call your veterinary clinic. Tell them your pet’s symptoms, and then ask if they think you should bring your pet in. In most cases, if your pet is sick and you are not sure what is causing it, it is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian right away.
Allow your vet to use a variety of diagnostic tests. For example, an ultrasound can be very helpful for figuring out what is wrong with your bearded dragon. Since veterinarians cannot rely on verbal confirmation of symptoms from animals, getting a picture of what is going on inside your bearded dragon’s body can be especially helpful in determining what illness it has.
For example, in the case of infectious stomatitis, your pet will need to have its mouth rinsed with an antibiotic solution regularly until the infection clears. Your veterinarian should show you how to do this and tell you how long it should be done for.
Less common conditions that bearded dragons can get include gastric cancer, liver cancer, kidney failure, and viral infections.
Puffy eyes is also a sign that your bearded dragon is about to shed. If you see other signs of shedding, then it is safe to assume that the eye issues are related to the shedding.
If your bearded dragon has not gone to the bathroom for several days yet still continues to eat, it can become a major health problem. Take the animal to be seen by a vet so that any digestive problems can be treated quickly.
Weigh your bearded dragon regularly. If you notice any sudden weight loss, take it to the vet as soon as possible. If any part of your pet’s body is swollen, you should have it looked at by a veterinarian.
Bearded dragons also shed naturally. During this time their color can change and their eyes can bulge out a bit. If you are not expecting this, it can appear as if your bearded dragon is not healthy when it actually is.
