Bearded Dragon Bloated: Reasons & Remedies To Help Them

Nowadays, it’s a trend to adopt bearded dragons. These reptiles are quiet and peaceful. Bearded dragons can eat almost everything you give them. We are responsible for keeping them healthy. 

When we bring a pet home, it becomes part of our family, and their problems are our problems. If we talk about bearded dragons, these creatures are sensitive, and a bearded dragon owner has to be very attentive regarding the health of the beardies. 

There are many problems a bearded dragon can face, and one of them is blotting. It is worrying about finding your bearded dragon bloated. There are many reasons for bloating bearded dragons. New beardie owners are always concerned about their bloated bearded dragons. However, it is common in bearded dragons.

6 Reasons Why Bearded Dragon Bloated

It is normal to find your bearded dragon bloated. Let us talk about some reasons why a bearded dragon blots. Below are listed some reasons for bloating bearded dragons. 

1: Impaction

Impaction is similar to constipation, but it is worst. In impaction, the bearded dragon’s stomach gets blocked, a severe condition in bearded dragons. If the impaction condition is not treated, it results in death. 

The treatment for impaction should be quick and effective. There are a few symptoms of impaction in bearded dragons. If your bearded dragon suffers from severe impaction, it will stop moving around, and its back legs may appear paralyzed. Sometimes the front legs also appear paralyzed. 

2: Egg Binding

Egg binding is common in female bearded dragons, and it can happen to females who are lying infertile. You can quickly identify gravid females due to their increasing size and appetite and see changes in their behavior. These female bearded dragons will try to escape the vivarium to find the best site for their eggs.

You can quickly feel the eggs in its abdomen, and it must feel gentle without applying pressure. A healthy gravid dragon will experience egg binding, its core will get swallowed, and it will become inactive. 

3: Bathing

Bearded dragons love bathing, which helps them absorb water and hydrate, allowing them to do shedding easier. Bearded dragons bloat to float, and they float when water is too deep for them to bathe, and Bloating ensures that only their front legs are covered with water.

4: Protection

Sometimes, bearded dragons use boating as protection. If your bearded dragon stays inside most of the time and goes out once or twice a month, it will bloat itself as a protective mechanism. A bearded dragon bloats for defense when it enters a strange area, and these creatures do this to look bigger. 

5: Basking

Bearded dragons need the sun’s UV rays to get minerals and vitamins to remain healthy. You can often notice your bearded dragon will bloat its belly to cover the surface area of basking. 

6: Have A Big Meal Without Pooping

Bearded dragons can eat everything; they are heavy eaters and can eat a lot in a day. Bearded dragons bloat from eating and no pooping.

Should I Worry If My Bearded Dragon is Bloated?

It is common for bearded dragons to bloat, so its not a thing to worry. They bloat due to a lot of reasons, including gas buildup. There are a few reasons you should worry because of bloating. 

If your bearded dragon is bloating and not moving, it means they have been impacted. In that situation, you need to see a vet. If your bearded dragon does not pass gas frequently, it can be dangerous too. Bloating caused by health issues can be painful and even cause death. Therefore, observe your reptile and take it to a vet.

3 Ways to Help Your Bloated-Bearded Dragon

If your bearded dragon has been bloating for a few days, you can try some home remedies. If things look serious, it’s always a good idea to take your bearded dragon to the vet. Here are some of the best options for treating impaction in bearded dragons:

1: Check the Temperature

Check your bearded dragon’s basking area temperature with a thermometer or temperature gun. A difference of just a few degrees can significantly affect your reptile’s digestive health.

2: Fill the Tub with Warm Water

Many bearded dragons prefer to defecate in water, so try putting yours in a warm bath. Fill the tub a bit deeper than usual to allow your reptile to swim around comfortably. About 20 to 30 minutes should be ample time for your bearded dragon to relax and do its duty.

3: Try Giving a Massage

While in the bath, you can try two massages to help your bearded dragon through impaction. The first involves carefully stroking its side from head to tail, hopefully moving things along in the digestive area. Remember always to work gently, as the impaction could be pressing on internal organs.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons bloated is because of many reasons. Therefore, if you are worried about why your bearded dragon is bloating, read the reasons listed above. It would help if you always kept an eye on your bearded dragon. Sometimes bearded dragon bloat to protect themselves, and sometimes due to impact. 

Therefore, make sure to understand the difference in the bloating. If your bearded dragon can not move and its back legs are paralyzed, then take it to a vet. Make sure to give your pet a quick and effective treatment. 

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