Why does my bearded dragon keep gasping for air?

Re: My Beardie is gasping for air and gagging There are several things that could be indicated by the puffiness, aside from just being overweight, respiratory infection is also one of them.

Why is my bearded dragon gulping so much?

Some beardies will swallow air and puff up to look bigger as a defense mechanism or when they are stressed. The twitching is concerning as is the length of time he’s been “acting” sick. Beardies do brumate which is similar to hibernation in mammals. Brumation can last weeks to months.

Why does my bearded dragon try to drown himself?

If he’s having difficulties it might mean he has aspirated some water – they can very easily aspirate water (into their lungs ) and even drown very quickly (even in their water dish) .

What do I do if my lizard is choking?

If you ever find yourself tending to a choking gecko, then remember to stay calm, find a sterile, small and safe tool that can be used to grab small objects, and then try to take the food out of its throat. If that doesn’t work, then going to the vet immediately is your best option.

What does it mean when a bearded dragon drinks a lot of water?

Bearded dragons drink instinctively a lot of water during those periods. The rest of the year they are pretty much only eating. They get most of the water they need from their food. So, actually, bearded dragons are most of the time a little bit dehydrated in the wild.

Do Beardies play dead?

Bearded dragons can and will play dead when they feel like it. Often this takes place when they feel afraid or threatened in some way. Bearded dragons can hold their breath for ten minutes, so don’t worry just yet. If your reptile appears motionless, give him some time to come back.

Can I shower with my bearded dragon?

An adult bearded dragon can be bathed in a bathtub or even a Rubbermaid plastic storage box, or anything that will hold water. This will keep the bearded dragon warm while bathing, but not cause scalds or discomfort. For baby and juvenile bearded dragons, fill the bath with about half an inch of water to one inch.

What are the signs of a bearded dragon overheating?

Common signs of overheating include severe panting, trying to escape the tank, digging, hiding under a rock or hide and sitting in a corner. If you notice that your bearded dragon has overheated, take it out immediately to allow to cool down and review heating in the tank.

What causes a bearded dragon to stop eating?

Read all about reasons why bearded dragons might stop eating here. If your bearded dragon is panting a lot (in general panting is fine when a bearded dragon is basking), trying to escape the tank and digging, then it might be too hot. Extreme heat will cause overheating, stroke and death.

What happens when you bathe a bearded dragon?

A dying bearded dragon will be shaking violently, getting bloated and becoming lethargic. This is why you must always make sure that water level in a water dish (if you have it) is below your dragon’s ankles. Baby dragons especially can fall in a dish and aspirate water or even drown. Same goes when you are bathing your dragon.

When does a bearded dragon start to brumate?

Brumating bearded dragons mostly sleep, don’t move around much, and don’t eat. Also, bearded dragons start to brumate after reaching 12-18 months old. Brumating bearded dragon will still react to you picking it up and when taking a bath.

What should the basking temperature be for a bearded dragon?

Basking temperatures by age: Age ℉ ℃ Baby 105-110 40-43 Juvenile 100-110 38-43 Adult 95-105 35-40

Why do bearded dragons move to their basking spot?

This is so that they can regulate their body temperatures by moving from spot to spot. If they need heat, they can head to their “basking spot”. If they need a cooler temp, they can move over to the cooler side of their home.

Can a bearded dragon breathe in too much water?

You need to closely monitor your bath level to ensure it stays lower than your bearded dragon’s vents. When the water level is too high, dragons can breathe it in and aspirate it in their lungs. As you can tell, these symptoms are pretty self explanatory.

What should I do if my bearded dragon is acting lethargic?

A mercury vapor bulb can be used to supply both radiant heat and UV radiation. If temperatures are in the correct range for the age of your bearded dragon, and it’s not the right time of year for brumation to occur, and your bearded dragon is still acting lethargic you may need to seek the advice of a reptile veterinarian. Additional Reading…

What does it mean when a bearded dragon opens its mouth repeatedly?

gaping
When a bearded dragon reaches its thermal maximum, it will often sit with its mouth open. This behavior, called gaping, shows that the lizard is at its optimal temperature for basking. This gaping will allow a bearded dragon to dissipate extra body heat. Open mouth basking is a normal behavior in bearded dragons.

How do I know if my bearded dragon is healthy?

Although sick or diseased individuals might have less visible signs, a healthy Bearded dragon will always have the following characteristics:

  1. Alert attitude.
  2. Willingness to eat.
  3. Show basking behaviour.
  4. No excretions to the eyes, nose and mouth.
  5. Clean vent.
  6. Upright posture.
  7. Filled out belly.
  8. Absence of swollen toes and tails.

Why is my bearded dragon wheezing after eating?

Respiratory Infection Some of the symptoms to look at with coughing include lethargy, gaping mouth, wheezing, weight loss, and problems breathing. If your bearded dragon has any of the symptoms of respiratory infection take it to the vet soonest.