Why is my bearded dragon sick, throwing up, not eating, and weak?

Check temps in the enclosure first. Low temps can affect digestion which could lead to regurgitation. It can also cause stress resulting in the black beard. Other potential causes include impaction, constipation, overeating (less likely with a decreased appetite) or infection (bacterial, viral, parasites). Survey the area in and around the enclosure for other negative stimuli. Reduce or eliminate if found. Continue soaks in a 50/50 mix of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will provide supplemental heat and may treat or prevent minor dehydration. Gently massage the abdomen, front to back, during the soak to stimulate defecation. If symptoms persist, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. Your vet may recommend x-rays to rule out or diagnose impaction, tumors or foreign body.

Hello, if this is a single event, I think it would be fine to closely monitor Cleopatra for any additional signs of illness like continued vomiting, anorexia, lethargy, etc. It’s entirely possible she just ate a bit too much or too quickly and then brought up some fluid. However, vomiting can indicate serious illness in bearded dragons, so don’t wait too long to see a veterinarian if it happens again. Sometimes, bearded dragons kept on walnut or sand bedding eat the bedding every time they eat a prey item and can get blockages in the GI tract. Also, tumors of the stomach can happen in bearded dragons, which can cause vomiting, as can general infection or illness.

Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. Monitor Drogon for difficulty breathing, blowing bubbles, lethargy, or odd sounds while breathing. These are symptoms of an upper respiratory infection. Parasites or URI may cause the condition you are seeing. Bump cage temps up by about 5F for a few days. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte twice daily for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the UVB light source is not older than 6 months and use quality vitamin and mineral supplements. If Drogon gets worse or does not begin eating soon, have him examined by an experienced herp veterinarian.

No, vomiting is never normal in reptiles or other pets. Occasional regurgitation can occur if the pet is stressed, handled roughly or too soon after eating. It can also happen if prey or food that is too large is ingested. Monitor for recurrence and see your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles if it continues.

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

Thanks for reaching out about your bearded dragon. Bearded dragons do not hibernate, so concerns would be around being too cold or being sick. It the environmental temperature is correct, a veterinarian should be visited to aid in the diagnosis and treatment. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Jabberwocky. Yellow runny feces is not normal, nor a sign of acclimation. A veterinary visit is highly recommended as this bearded dragon appears to be ill. Intestinal parasites or infection, metabolic disorders such as liver (atadenovirus) and other possibilities. Offer water and food through a syringe until you have a veterinary appointment. Good luck.