7 Causes of Unhealthy Bearded Dragon Tongue

Bearded dragons are amazing pets that require proper care to stay healthy. Their unique features such as their scaly skin and beard-like chin make them fascinating creatures to have around. Although they are easy to take care of, bearded dragons can develop tongue problems like any other pet. A healthy bearded dragon tongue should be pink, moist and flexible.

If you notice that your bearded dragon’s tongue is unhealthy it could be caused by several factors which include:

1. Dehydration

One of the most common causes of an unhealthy bearded dragon tongue is dehydration. Bearded dragons need water to stay healthy, and if they don’t get enough water they can become dehydrated which can lead to a dry, cracked tongue. Make sure your bearded dragon has access to fresh water, and that their enclosure is properly misted or humidified to maintain the required level of humidity.

2. Infections

Bearded dragons can develop infections in their mouth which can lead to an unhealthy tongue. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungal growths. Symptoms of mouth infections include a swollen tongue, discharge from the mouth, and regurgitation of food. If your bearded dragon is showing these symptoms, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

3. Malnutrition

If your bearded dragon is not receiving proper nutrition, it can lead to a weak and unhealthy tongue. Bearded dragons require a balanced diet consisting of greens, vegetables, and protein. It is important to feed them the right amount of food and supplements to keep them healthy.

4. Overgrown Teeth

Bearded dragons have teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives. If their teeth become overgrown, they can make it difficult for them to eat, and cause injuries to their tongue. A bearded dragon with overgrown teeth should be taken to a veterinarian, who can trim their teeth to a proper length.

5. Burns

Bearded dragons can burn their tongue on hot surfaces or heat lamps. This can lead to an unhealthy tongue, and other oral problems. Make sure to use proper heat lamps, and maintain a comfortable temperature inside their enclosure.

6. Trauma

Bearded dragons can injure their tongue if they fall or are mishandled. This can lead to a swollen or unhealthy tongue. If you suspect your bearded dragon has been injured, take them to a veterinarian for treatment.

7. Mouth Rot

Mouth rot, also known as stomatitis or infectious mouth disease is a serious condition that can lead to an unhealthy bearded dragon tongue. This condition is caused by bacteria that infects the mouth and can lead to pus-filled sores and ulcers on the tongue. If you suspect your bearded dragon has mouth rot, seek veterinary help immediately.

How to Fix an Unhealthy Bearded Dragon Tongue

Fixing an unhealthy bearded dragon tongue requires proper diagnosis of the underlying cause. If you notice that your bearded dragon’s tongue is unhealthy, take them to a veterinarian immediately for treatment. Some basic care tips for your bearded dragon to keep their tongue healthy include:

• Maintain proper humidity levels in their enclosure
• Feed them a balanced diet of greens, vegetables, and protein
• Use proper heating lamps and maintain a comfortable temperature
• Provide access to fresh water at all times

By ensuring that your bearded dragon receives proper care and treatment, you can help keep them healthy and happy for many years to come.