Health
Bearded dragon health needs to be watched to protect them from various types of disease. Even though they are living well in captivity; a certain degree of care is needed to minimize the risk of illness.
There are several common health issues that are always associated with bearded dragons. Thus you need to prepare in advance. Take proper prevention techniques and pay more attention on several symptoms that may relate to the bearded dragons health issues.
From previous experiences, taking good care of this pet is not difficult. I’ve included several tips and information that I hope may help you to take care of the health of your bearded dragons.
Bearded dragon illnesses or sickness can arise from time to time if they are not taken care of properly.
Even though they are strong reptiles, care is needed especially at hatchling or a young age.
Diagnosing health problems is somewhat difficult and thus
appropriate preventive methods should be done in advance in case sickness
arises.
Although there might be home remedies for certain bearded dragon issues, a veterinarian service is needed if the pet dragon is very sick. Always be prepared and locate the veterinarian that is specialized in reptiles, especially bearded dragons because the best way is to seek professional help in diagnosing severe health issues.
Prevention is great for bearded dragon’s health as an effort for caring for them. You must put efforts into the housing temperature, lighting setup, and have a good balance on the bearded dragons diet. Poor temperature and lighting setup in the cage may affect the dragon’s health; improper diet may lead to various illnesses.
There are many ways that you can take good care of bearded
dragons, especially the precaution and prevention methods. Always have a
guideline for yourself as a pet owner if any health issues arise, this is vital
for your bearded dragons health.
Bearded dragon illness can arise anytime. There might be illness symptoms if you pay attention to your pet on its lifestyle, behaviors or dieting habits. However a symptom for one sickness can be the same for different kinds of health problems.
Many bearded dragon health issues may vary with several
symptoms. It’s hard to predict what kind of disease will strike on the reptile;
however, there are some symptoms that you can spot.
In order for you to know your bearded dragon illnesses symptoms, you need to observe and understand the pet’s daily activities and behaviors. Even if there is no suspected symptoms, it is a good practice to see how the pet acts in a healthy condition. When there some warning signs, you will be alerted.
These are the several symptoms that should be looked for:
o Lack of appetite
o Sudden weight loss
o Changes in stool, such as smelly, runny, bloody
o Labored breathing
o Tiredness and exhaustion
o Sunken eyes
o Discharge from eyes, mouth, or nostrils
Once you notice the symptoms of bearded dragon illness, if
budget allows, try to bring it to see a reptile veterinarian. Sometimes, if the
illness is not severe, it will recover as time goes on. However, it is better
to find some home remedies or reptile medications for a cure. Of course when
the disease strikes the pet, it is very frustrating, but it is the owners
responsibility to help them. An earlier cure is definitely a better approach if
you can spot the illness symptoms in time.
Even though bearded
dragons are hardy animals, there are common health problems that may be found
in this reptile pet in captivity.
Impaction
The most feared health problem by the pet’s owner where the indigestible large
food or substrates cause blockage in bearded dragons intestinal tract.
Metabolic Bone Disease
(MBD)
Due to insufficient calcium intake or inaccurate cage lighting setup. This
causes softening of the jaw bone, deformities in the tail and spine, not
growing at a normal rate, fractured limbs, and being able to move.
Injuries
Bearded dragons may be hurt by sharp things inside the cage or not being
handled correctly; or fighting between 2 or more male dragons in the same cage.
Mites
One of the rare health issues associated with bearded dragons. This happens
when external parasites feed off the blood of the bearded dragon.
Tail Rot
When the bearded dragon’s tail tip is darkened and gets infected. If not
treated early, the tail may drop off eventually.
Coccidia
Coccidia is a type of micro-parasite that is found in intestinal tracts of
bearded dragons, causing stomach pain, diarrhea, fluid loss and makes it hard
for your dragon’s system to absorb food.
If the condition is severe, the best approach is to bring your pet to seek a vet’s help. Take good care of your pet, and most of the diseases can be avoided.