Why does your bearded dragon wobble when walking?

If you’re a new bearded dragon owner, you may notice that your pet has difficulty walking and may even wobble or stumble. This can be alarming for any pet parent, but it’s important to understand what’s causing the issue and how to address it.

Causes of wobbling in bearded dragons

There are a few potential causes of bearded dragon wobbling, including:

• Metabolic bone disease (MBD)
• Infection or illness
• Dehydration
• Injury or trauma
• Neurological issues

Metabolic bone disease (MBD)

One of the most common causes of bearded dragon wobbling is metabolic bone disease (MBD). This occurs when a bearded dragon’s diet lacks sufficient calcium and vitamin D3, leading to weak bones.

Symptoms of MBD can also include signs like lethargy, muscle twitches, and a lack of appetite. If you suspect that your bearded dragon may have MBD, it’s important to take them to the vet for treatment immediately.

Infection or illness

Bearded dragons can also experience wobbling due to an infection or illness. This can include issues like parasites or respiratory infections, which can cause weakness in the limbs and other symptoms.

If your bearded dragon is showing signs of sickness or infection, it’s important to contact your vet right away to address the issue before it worsens.

Dehydration

Dehydration can also be a contributing factor to bearded dragon wobbling. If your bearded dragon isn’t getting enough fluids, it can lead to muscle weakness and lethargy.

Make sure that your bearded dragon is getting plenty of clean water, and consider using a reptile-friendly electrolyte supplement if necessary.

Injury or trauma

Sometimes, bearded dragons may experience wobbling due to an injury or trauma. This can include issues like a broken bone or spinal injury, both of which can cause problems with mobility.

If you suspect that your bearded dragon has experienced an injury, take them to see a vet right away to address the issue.

Neurological issues

In some cases, bearded dragon wobbling may be due to neurological issues. This can include issues like seizures or a spinal cord injury, both of which can cause mobility problems.

If you suspect that your bearded dragon may be experiencing neurological issues, it’s important to seek veterinary attention right away to address the issue.

Solutions for bearded dragon wobbling

Depending on the cause of your bearded dragon’s wobbling, there are several potential solutions:

Treatment for MBD

If your bearded dragon’s wobbling is due to metabolic bone disease, you may need to adjust their diet or provide them with supplements to correct the issue. Your vet can give you guidance on the best course of action.

Treating infections or illness

If your bearded dragon has an infection or illness, your vet will be able to prescribe medication or other treatment options to resolve the issue.

Increasing hydration

To combat dehydration, make sure that your bearded dragon is getting plenty of clean water to drink. You can also use an electrolyte supplement to help keep them well-hydrated.

Addressing injuries or trauma

Any injuries or trauma will need to be addressed by a vet to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Managing neurological issues

If your bearded dragon is dealing with neurological issues, your vet can provide guidance on the best ways to manage the issue and improve mobility.

Conclusion

Bearded dragon wobbling can be concerning for any pet owner, but it’s important to address the issue in a timely manner to alleviate any underlying conditions that may be causing it. With the right care and treatment, your bearded dragon can regain its mobility and live a happy, healthy life.