My bearded dragon breathes strangely after bath and exercise. Normal?

Give him some time to settle down. If the heavy breathing persists or if you hear wheezing, popping or see discharge from his nose or mouth then have him examined by an experienced herp veterinarian. If possible, contact your friend and ask if Draco has ever exhibited this behavior in the past. He could be stressed to begin with at the absence of his owner.

Confirm correct cage temps and humidity levels. Ideally, a thermometer and hygrometer should be placed at each end of the encosure. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite or discharge from the eyes or nose. These can all indicate respiratory infection. Have her examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose infection or injury. More information regarding environmental parameters can be found here: http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html

If you suspect a URI, have her seen by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet for confirmation and treatment. Additional symptoms include wheezing or popping sounds while breathing, lethargy, decreased or lost appetite and discharge from the nose or mouth. You are correct in that prey that is too large is also a potential cause. Feed prey that is no bigger than the space between her eyes to ensure she will not have difficulty eating. If mealworms are offered, feed only freshly mooted ones to decrease the amount of chitin ingested. This can pose a problem for juvenile beardies.

He should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian. The symptoms described may indicate a respiratory infection. The vet can confirm or rule out this possibility then dispense antibiotics if necessary. In the meantime, increase ambient temperature by about 5-10 degrees F to aid in recovery. Make sure he stays hydrated and continues to eat normally.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

It may be stress related. Survey the area around his enclosure for any negative stimuli. Massage his abdomen during the baths to stimulate defecation in case he's a bit constipated. If the behavior persists or if he develops any lethargy or loss of appetite, then have him examined by your herp veterinarian.

Confirm proper temperature and humidity. Incorrect environmental parameters may lead to respiratory infections. Provide adequate UVB lighting or unfiltered sunlight also. UVB light is critical to vitamin D metabolism and general health. Dragons cannot vomit and coughing may indicate an upper respiratory infection. This can be serious if not treated appropriately and promptly. Legally, we are prohibited from providing doses for medications in the absence of a physical exam and VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship). Your veterinarian should be able to consult with a reptile specialist via phone or online and can then dispense or administer medication if indicated. You can review dragon care at the link below. www.anapsid.org/bearded.html