-Common Health Issues and Prevention

Essential care to keep your dragons thriving

🦎 Overview

Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are generally hardy reptiles, but they are still prone to a variety of health issues—many of which are preventable with proper care. This guide outlines the most common health problems, how to spot them early, and how to prevent them through habitat management, diet, and handling practices.

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✅ Top Health Issues & Prevention

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

• Caused by: Calcium deficiency or lack of UVB lighting

• Symptoms: Limp limbs, swollen joints, twitching, jaw softening, lethargy

• Prevention:

1. Provide high-quality UVB lighting (10.0 strength) for 10–12 hours/day

2. Dust insects and greens with calcium powder (w/o D3 daily, w/ D3 2–3x/week)

3. Offer a balanced diet rich in calcium (e.g., collard greens, mustard greens)

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Impaction
• Potential Causes:

1. Substrate Issues - Loose particle substrates like sand, crushed walnut shells, wood chips, or soil can be accidentally ingested and build up in the intestines which can lead to impaction in cases where animal is dehydrated, malnourished or there's another underlying problem.

2. Improper Diet - Feeding prey items that are too large (bigger than the space between their eyes) can cause blockages. Excessively hard-to-digest feeders (large mealworms, superworms, or hornworm cuticle) can contribute, especially in young dragons.

3. Low Temperatures - Cool basking spots mean food isn’t digested efficiently. Undigested food can sit in the gut, dry out, and lead to impaction.

4. Dehydration - Lack of proper hydration leads to dry, hard stools that are more difficult to pass.

5. Injury or Physical Abnormalities - In rare cases, impaction can be caused by spinal injuries, metabolic bone disease, or internal masses that affect the digestive tract.

• Symptoms: Lack of appetite, bloating, difficulty moving rear legs, no bowel movements.

• Prevention:

1. Feed appropriately sized insects (no larger than the space between their eyes)

2. Ensure adequate hydration and basking temps for proper digestion

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Respiratory Infections

• Caused by: Poor humidity control, low temperatures, dirty enclosures

• Symptoms: Wheezing, mucus around nostrils/mouth, gaping, lethargy

• Prevention:

1. Maintain ideal temperatures (Basking: 95–110°F, Cool: 75–85°F)

2. Keep humidity between 30–40%

3. Clean enclosure regularly

4. Avoid drafts or sudden temperature drops

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Parasites (Internal/External)

• Caused by: Contaminated food, unsanitary enclosures, wild insects

• Symptoms: Diarrhea, weight loss, abnormal stools, visible mites or ticks

• Prevention:

1. Clean enclosure regularly

2. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects

3. Quarantine new dragons for 30–60 days before introducing them to others

4. Regular fecal exams by a reptile vet (especially for breeders)

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Mouth Rot (Infectious Stomatitis)

• Caused by: Bacterial infection due to injury or poor enclosure hygiene

• Symptoms: Swollen jaw, discolored gums, pus, reluctance to eat

• Prevention:

1. Keep enclosure clean and free of sharp objects

2. Maintain balanced humidity and temperatures

3. Seek early vet care for any mouth injuries or signs of infection

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Dehydration

• Caused by: Inadequate water intake, high heat, illness

• Symptoms: Wrinkled skin, sunken eyes, lethargy, lack of appetite

• Prevention:

1. Offer fresh water daily (in a shallow bowl or droplets)

2. Provide moisture-rich greens and mist lightly if necessary

3. Ensure appropriate temperatures to avoid excessive water loss

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Shedding Issues (Dysecdysis)

• Caused by: Low humidity, poor diet, stress, or health issues

• Symptoms: Retained skin (especially on toes/tail), dull coloration, irritability

• Prevention:

1. Maintain humidity at 30–40%, slightly higher during sheds

2. Provide rough surfaces to rub against

3. Ensure a vitamin-rich diet and proper hydration

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Obesity

• Caused by: Overfeeding fatty insects (like superworms) or fruits, lack of exercise

• Symptoms: Fat deposits on limbs or belly, lethargy

• Prevention:

1. Stick to a proper feeding schedule: 80% insects (young) → 80% greens (adult)

2. Limit fatty treats and high-sugar fruits

3. Encourage active behavior with space to roam and climb

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🧼 Best Practices for Prevention

• Habitat Hygiene: Clean enclosure and decor weekly; spot clean daily.

• Quarantine New Arrivals: Isolate for at least 30 days to monitor health.

• Vet Care: Annual wellness exams with a reptile-specialized vet.

• Enrichment: Offer branches, rocks, and stimulation to reduce stress.

• Stress Minimization: Avoid over-handling or loud environments.

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📋 Emergency Signs – When to See a Vet

Seek veterinary help immediately if your dragon shows:

• Refusal to eat for more than 5 days (adult) or 2 days (juvenile)

• Bloody stool or severe diarrhea

• Significant weight loss

• Black beard and limp posture

• Gaping mouth when not basking

• Inability to move limbs properly

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📚 Resources

• Find a Reptile Vet

• Health Record Templates: Track food, weight, and vet visits

•Recommended Read: The Bearded Dragon Manual by Philippe de Vosjoli et al.

Common Health Issues and Prevention Disclaimer
Our health advice and prevention tips are shared from personal experience and trusted sources. While we aim to support responsible care and early detection of health issues, the content on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
If your bearded dragon appears ill or behaves abnormally, we strongly recommend seeking care from a licensed reptile veterinarian as soon as possible.