Why Is My Bearded Dragon Walking Wobbly?

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular reptile pets around the world because of their docile nature and relatively low maintenance. However, just like any other pet, bearded dragons can experience health problems, and one of the common issues that pet owners might encounter is wobbly walking or difficulties in standing up straight. If you are experiencing this with your bearded dragon, you might be wondering why it’s happening and what you can do to help.

Causes of Wobbly Walking in Bearded Dragons

Several factors can contribute to wobbly walking or balance difficulties in bearded dragons. Some of the possible causes are:

• Metabolic bone disease: this is a common condition in reptiles, caused by calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. It can weaken the bones and negatively affect the reptile’s mobility and overall health.
• Injury or trauma: if your bearded dragon had a fall or accident, it might have incurred injuries on its spine, legs, or hips, which can lead to walking issues.
• Infection: some bacterial or viral infections can cause neurological or muscular problems in bearded dragons that can affect their walking ability and balance.
• Malnutrition: feeding your bearded dragon an inadequate diet, or not providing enough hydration, can cause physical weakness and wobbliness.
• Natural aging process: just like humans, bearded dragons can grow old and experience age-related issues, such as arthritis or deteriorated musculoskeletal conditions.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

To determine the underlying cause of your bearded dragon’s wobbliness, you need to pay attention to the accompanying symptoms, such as:

• Difficulty in standing up or walking straight
• Limping or favouring one leg over the other
• Lethargy or lack of energy
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Twitching, spasms, or tremors in the limbs or body
• Discolored or deformed nails, jaws, or limbs

What to Do If Your Bearded Dragon is Walking Wobbly

If you observe any of the above symptoms in your bearded dragon or any other signs of distress, it’s crucial to take immediate action and seek veterinary help. Only a qualified reptile veterinarian can diagnose the underlying cause accurately and provide the appropriate treatment options.

However, here are some general measures that you can take to help your bearded dragon improve its mobility and health:

• Assess and improve its habitat: check if your bearded dragon’s enclosure has proper lighting, temperature, humidity levels, and substrate. It should also have enough space, hiding spots, and basking areas to stimulate natural behaviours and prevent boredom or stress.
• Provide a balanced diet: ensure that your bearded dragon is getting the right balance of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals in its food. You can offer a variety of insects, veggies, fruits, or prepared commercial diets, depending on your pet’s preferences and nutritional needs.
• Keep it hydrated: provide your bearded dragon with clean, fresh water to drink and bathe in regularly. You can also mist its skin or add a humidifier to the enclosure if the humidity level is too low.
• Handle it with care: make sure that you are handling your bearded dragon correctly and minimizing stress or injuries. It would help if you supported its body and limbs carefully and used a soft, non-slippery surface to place it on.
• Administer prescribed medication or supplements: if your vet recommends any medication or supplements, follow the instructions and dosage correctly. Don’t attempt to self-medicate, as some substances or dosages might be harmful or ineffective for bearded dragons.

Conclusion

In summary, wobbly walking or balance difficulties in bearded dragons can have multiple causes, such as metabolic bone disease, injury, infection, malnutrition, or aging. As a responsible pet owner, you should monitor your bearded dragon’s behaviour and seek veterinary help if you notice any concerning signs. In the meantime, make sure that your bearded dragon’s habitat, diet, hydration, and handling are optimal and support its recovery and wellbeing.