How to safely remove sand from my bearded dragon's eye and nose?

Hello Daniel, thank you for using PetCoach. Don't use hot water! That could damage his eye and it is unnecessary. Room temperature eye wash is recommended like this one: ( https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ocusoft-eye-wash-irrigating-solution-sterile-isotonic-buffered-4oz/460517670 ) Rinse the eye 2-3 times per day. You can use a moisten Q-tip to gently rub the lower eye lid after rinsing to see if you can remove any of the sand. Be gentle so you don't damage the cornea. I actually don't recommend sand or wood chips for a substrate. Newspaper, pea gravel, artificial turf, flat stones or no floor covering are best. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

I would recommend two people to do this. However 1 person should restrain the pet and keep his head still by gently hugging him around the neck with one arm and holding his snout with the other hand. Then using a baby bulb syringe like this one, http://www.theemsstore.com/store/product.aspx/productId/1755/selectedVariationId/8210/Amsino-Disposable-Non-sterile-Bulb-Syringe?utm_source=adwordsfroogle&utm_campaign=adwordsfroogle&utm_content=12592&gclid=CjwKEAjwiYG9BRCkgK-G45S323oSJABnykKAClRznFEPbQKoj3T2NbnzOPtHu-eWafDDDpL8kpMwJxoCu8fw_wcB filled with warm water and gently flushing the nasal passages. However some dogs won't tolerate this, depending their demeanor. If she is at all aggressive, then I would not recommend trying this on your own, and perhaps getting a professional involved. A muzzle is definitely not recommended here, because you will be cutting off air supply to her nose temporarily and she won't be able to breathe well through her mouth because of the muzzle.

Check the humidity level. For beardies, it should range between 30 and 40%. Too high or too low can predispose Jank to infection or shedding complications. If a 20-30 minute warm compress doesn't help, have him examined by your veterinarian or experienced herp vet. A physical exam may diagnose or rule out abscess/infection or tumor. In either case, you'll need a vet to dispense medication or to pursue additional diagnostics (blood work, biopsy, aspirate, etc).

Sometimes, the eyes will appear bulged just before shedding. This happens to both eyes though, not just one. Spyro's eye appears to be infected. This can be due to trauma, retained shed or foreign body (sand, wood, etc.). Ideally, Spyro should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian. The eye can be stained to diagnose corneal injury and flushed to remove any debris. If there is a retained eye cap, the vet may be able to remove it.

Thanks for reaching out about Lucas and including photos. A lesion is not noted on the pictures but try providing a warm water soak for 5-10 minutes to possibly dislodge any ocular foreign bodies. If the problem persists, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess for possible corneal trauma, ocular foreign body, indications of infections and others. Good luck.

I would highly recommend taking Josie to a vet for a better exam. My concerned would be an upper respiratory infection or sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses). In reptiles when they have congestion in the sinus region the eyes will become infected as well. I would recommend hand feeding to make sure Josie is getting proper nutrition. Josie will most likely need antibiotics to improve

Some beardies like water, others don't. This may be normal for Gaara. Remove the bowl at night to prevent accidental drowning, water aspiration or excessive chill. Tip his head gently to remove any excess water. Do not stick anything inside the ear though.