My chameleon is pacing and opening its mouth. Is it normal?

She may be "gaping". This behavior is typically in response to stress or a threat. Monitor for lethargy, wheezing or a clicking/popping sound whilenbreatuing. These symptoms, along with the gaping, may indicate a developing respiratory infection. You would need to have her physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles for confirmation and treatment.

Thanks for reaching out about Pascal and including photos. He does appear thin as ribs are evident but also spine and cask on head. A veterinary visit is recommended for multiple reasons: (1) Determine cause of loss of body condition which could be intestinal parasites or infection, metabolic disorders and others; (2) Review husbandry and diet as optimal temperature, humidity and nutrition is needed for health. Good luck.

I would recommend taking him to a vet as soon as possible. Most chameleons will eat every single day. If he has become anorexic I would be concerned about fungal or bacterial disease. They also can get injury to there mouth from eating which is painful and will cause anorexia. I would recommend making sure his environment is proper and he is in a low traffic area to help decrease stress. Try feeding him a special treat he loves. This might motivate him to start eating again

Check the temperature in the cage. Make sure it isn't too high or too low. Soak Cheech in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will provide warmth and hydration. She should be seen by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet as soon as you can to diagnose injury or infection. You can find a qualified vet here: http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661

Thanks for reaching out about Rango and including photos. He looks very thin. Kidney disease is very common in middle-aged and older chameleons. Calcium and vitamin A deficiencies are often associated with tongue problems. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Continue to try to provide lots of fluids, orally or misting to stimulate drinking. Good lukc.

Thanks for reaching out about Juno and including a photo. Check temperature (high and lows, and low during PM), UVB exposure and diet. Lethargic can often be traced back to husbandry concerns. Secondary infections or metabolic concerns are possible after. Try offering water via a syringe as dehydration is more important. The try hand feeding. If Juno continues to be lethargic and weak, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Don't wait too long as these animals are good at masking signs of illness so by now is fairly advanced. Good luck.

Check the temperature of the enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles. Soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20-30 minutes daily to treat or prevent minor dehydration. Make sure prey is appropriately sized, no bigger than the space between her eyes. If the behavior persists, have her physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose and treat illness or injury. Review the information at the link below for care of veiled chameleons. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Veiled-Chameleon/