Common Bearded Dragon Illnesses (And What You Can Do About Them)
If you’ve ever owned a bearded dragon—or you’re just getting started—you probably already know how easy it is to get attached. These little guys are full of personality. But just like any pet, they can get sick, and sometimes the signs aren’t obvious until things get serious. 🤒
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common bearded dragon illnesses, what symptoms to look out for, and how to help your beardie feel better fast. ❤️
What we’ll cover:
- Understanding the symptoms of common bearded dragon illnesses.
- Prevention tips to keep bearded dragons healthy.
- How and when to seek professional treatment.
Common Bearded Dragon Illnesses
1. Respiratory Infections
This one hits fast if your dragon’s tank isn’t warm or dry enough. You might notice heavy breathing, wheezing, mucus around the mouth, or just general sluggishness. I once had a beardie that kept opening his mouth like he was gasping—turns out, the nighttime temps were dropping too low.
What to do:
First, check the temperature and humidity. Bump up the heat if needed. If symptoms stick around, a reptile vet can prescribe antibiotics. Don’t wait too long—these infections can get serious fast.
2. Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
One of the most common bearded dragon health problems—and one of the most preventable. MBD is caused by not getting enough calcium or proper UVB lighting. You might notice soft jaws, shaky limbs, or a weird walk. I saw one of mine dragging a back leg once, and I knew something wasn’t right.
Fix it early:
- Offer calcium-rich greens like collards and turnip greens often.
- Upgrade to a strong UVB bulb and replace it every 6 months.
- Add a calcium supplement with vitamin D3 to meals.
3. Impaction
This happens when a bearded dragon eats something it can’t digest, like loose substrate, too-big bugs, or even just too much food. If your dragon suddenly stops pooping, loses interest in food, or seems bloated, impaction could be the culprit.
What helps:
- Warm baths and belly massages can get things moving.
- Use reptile carpet or tile instead of loose sand.
- Always feed appropriately sized insects.
If there’s no poop for several days, call the vet. Trust your gut.
4. Atadenovirus (ADV)
ADV is a tricky virus that mostly affects baby dragons, but adults can get it too. Symptoms include tiredness, stargazing (looking up with a tilted head), weight loss, and general weakness.
Unfortunately, there’s no cure.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t help. Keep your dragon’s tank extra clean, feed a nutritious diet, and reduce stress. Sometimes they bounce back with the right care and support.
5. Parasites
Parasites like pinworms and coccidia are more common than you’d think. If your dragon has runny poop, drops weight, or just seems off, it might be time for a fecal test.
What to look out for:
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Smelly or strange-looking poop
- Loss of appetite
Most parasites can be treated with medication from an exotic vet. I do a fecal check at least once a year just to be safe.
6. Mouth Rot
Also called infectious stomatitis, mouth rot looks nasty and feels worse. You might see swelling, redness, or even yellow-white gunk around your dragon’s gums. Left untreated, it can spread fast.
Cleanliness is key:
- Keep the tank clean and bacteria-free
- Make sure your dragon isn’t injuring its mouth on decor
- Visit the vet at the first sign of trouble—antibiotics usually work well
7. Yellow Fungus Disease (CANV)
If you see yellow patches or crusty skin that doesn’t go away, you might be dealing with yellow fungus. It’s contagious and can spread quickly if not treated.
Take it seriously:
- Isolate your dragon if you suspect infection
- Talk to a vet about antifungal medication
- Keep the terrarium extra clean while treating
8. Tail Rot
It usually starts with a small injury or stuck shed. Over time, the tail darkens and shrivels. In bad cases, part of the tail may even need to be removed.
How to prevent it:
- Always check for stuck skin after shedding
- Clean any cuts right away
- If the tail starts to turn black, get to the vet—fast
9. Salmonella
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t affect your dragon—but can definitely affect you. Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella, which spreads through skin contact or their droppings.
Don’t panic—just be careful:
- Wash your hands every time you handle your pet or clean the tank
- Don’t let small kids kiss or cuddle the dragon
- Clean surfaces with a reptile-safe disinfectant (and rinse disinfectant with warm water afterwards to be on the safer side)
It’s a simple habit that keeps everyone safe. 😉
Everyday Habits To Keep Your Bearded Dragon Healthy
Here are a few things I’ve learned after more than a decade with my bearded dragon, Izzy:
- Set up their habitat right. Appropriate size terrarium or tank, proper temperatures, UVB lighting, and low humidity = fewer vet visits. Check out our guide on tanks size.
- Feed smart. Rotate greens, insects, and occasional treats. Don’t skip supplements.
- Watch for changes. If your dragon seems “off,” don’t wait it out—look into it.
- Routine care matters. Clean tanks, regular checkups, and paying attention to behavior go a long way.
When It’s Time to Check With a Vet
Sometimes, even with the best care, your beardie needs more help than you can give at home. If your dragon’s symptoms aren’t getting better—or they’re getting worse fast—it’s time to bring in the pros. Don’t second-guess it.
Find a vet who knows reptiles (not all do!), and make a list before your visit: What’s been going on? What’s their diet like? Any changes in their tank setup? That info helps your vet get the full picture and offer the best treatment plan.
Trust your instincts. You know your dragon better than anyone—and if something feels off, it probably is.
Final Thoughts
When I first got Izzy, I went all in. I read every blog, watched every YouTube video, and bookmarked forums like it was my full-time job. I wanted to be the best bearded dragon mom possible.
But even with all that prep, nothing—and I mean nothing—prepared me for her first brumation. It didn’t happen right away either. Over a year in, she suddenly stopped eating, barely moved, and just curled up under her hide like she was… gone. I panicked. Like, full-blown freak out.
Of course, it turned out she was fine. Just doing what beardies do. But that experience? It taught me something I couldn’t get from a care sheet: that being a good beardie owner means learning as you go—and sometimes learning the hard way.
So if you’re here reading this, trying to figure things out for your own beloved beardie, just know you’re doing great. Catching illnesses early, asking questions, getting informed—it all adds up. And your dragon? They’re lucky to have you. 🦎❤️
