Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons

Why Is Your Bearded Dragon's Body Inflated? Causes and Solutions

Pets and Animals

Why Is Your Bearded Dragon’s Body Inflated?

Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures to take care of, with their unique characteristics and personalities. But, as a beginner, you may not be fully prepared for the health issues your pet could face, which can cause panic and concern. One such issue is an inflated or bloated body. This condition is also known as impaction, and it can result from several factors that we’ll discuss in this article.

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Causes of Bearded Dragon Inflated Body

  1. Overeating: One of the primary causes of the bearded dragon’s inflated body is overeating. These lizards tend to eat anything they come across, which can lead to digestive issues.

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  1. Constipation: Constipation is another significant cause of impaction in bearded dragons. A lack of hydration or fiber-rich foods in their diet can lead to digestive problems, causing your beardie to become constipated.

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  1. Inadequate Heating: Bearded dragons require a warm temperature to digest their food correctly. Cold temperatures can slow down their metabolism, causing food to stagnate in their gut.

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  1. Parasites: Parasites such as tapeworms or pinworms can also cause an inflated bearded dragon’s body. These parasites can rob the nutrients from the bearded dragons’ food and make them bloated.

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How to Fix Bearded Dragon Inflated Body

  1. Increasing hydration: One of the easiest ways to treat a bearded dragon’s inflated body is to offer them more water or soak them in water for fifteen to twenty minutes daily.

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  1. Check Their Diet: You must ensure that your bearded dragon is eating a balanced, healthy diet, with enough fiber-rich foods and greens.

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  1. Offer More Heat: Make sure to keep your bearded dragon warm and between 95-110°F to aid in digestion.

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  1. Consult With a Vet: If the condition persists, consult with a veterinarian. They can diagnose the underlying issue, provide medication or suggest further treatments.

Prevent Impaction in Bearded Dragons

Prevention is key to avoiding bearded dragon inflated body issues, which is why maintaining their habitat, diet, and environment is crucial.

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  1. Feed them a balanced diet with enough fiber and greens.

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  1. Provide clean water and soak them in shallow water twice a week for fifteen to twenty minutes.

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  1. Keep their tanks clean and maintain proper temperatures.

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  1. Avoid substrate materials that can cause impaction, such as sand or gravel.

In Conclusion

Bearded dragons are lovely pets that require routine care, attention, and affection. It would be best to keep their environment clean, well-maintained, and ensure they eat a balanced diet. If your bearded dragon’s body looks inflated, follow the advice outlined above, and you can help treat and prevent impaction issues. And if the condition persists, visit the veterinarian to offer the best care.