Although you may be wondering if the noise your beardie is making is a cough and whether or not it’s cause for concern. Help. They have what are known as salt glands in the nasal cavity that produces salt when absorbing fluid from food. Some bearded dragons might turn their beard black to get attention. Juveniles (4-7 months old) need to eat twice a day. This might happen if your bearded dragon is bored and wants to come out to explore. In most cases, bearded dragon hiccups are caused by feeding, air swallowing or belly distention and go away on their own with no lasting effects. If you keep a water bowl in the enclosure, this could be the cause of the coughing. I put him back down and he climbed up to his basking spot and slept in his old position (with his stomach pressed up against the glass of the terrarium). i wasnt a fan of seeing they smoked in the house heavily and when i got him from them he reeked of cigarette smoke. Bearded dragon threw up after bath, now coughing?! It's now November and the only way she will eat if by force feeding with a serenge. Have you taken his temperature? It's also possible that he just has food caught in his throat. Misting is the most effective way to increase humidity to the level you need without having to provide a water bowl. 981. For adults, the warm side should range from 90-93 degrees Fahrenheit with the cooler side between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. My lizard Vindex has been impacted (suspected impaction, could be temps - - hasn't pooped in a long time). Impaction can be another reason your bearded dragon is making a coughing sound. =Keeping your reptile’s terrarium at the correct temperature is another important factor in maintaining your pet’s health. Another potential cause of the noise could be aspirating. One reason for a bearded dragon to sound like it is coughing is an upper respiratory infection. You need to take him to see a qualified herp vet as soon as possible and keep the humidity levels down in the 30%-35% range inside his tank. She ate well everyday until the beginning of September. Veterinarian's Assistant: Hi there. Viruses are species specific, for the most part, which means that it is adapted to shrive and multiple in one species of animal only. When this happens, bearded dragons will sometimes try to clear the salt resulting in what may sound like a cough. For dragons under 6 months old, the warm side needs to be 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit and 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit at the cooler end. Keeping a large water dish in the terrarium can be a culprit in high humidity. The v … read more An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Why Does My Bearded Dragon Have Stress Marks, How to Tell If A Bearded Dragon Likes You, How Big can a Bearded Dragon Get (Size Measured). Signs of a healthy bearded dragon. Eating! As for the coughing, I am 99/9% sure that reptiles can't get Covid, at least not from a mammal [ human ] Since he just started getting baths, he might have aspirated water. While bearded dragons are naturally pretty hardy, that isn’t to say that they can’t develop serious health issues! They can be very sensitive to toxic fumes. Humidity in the vivarium should stay between 30%- 40% while never going over 40%. Making a cough sound won’t be the only sign of a respiratory infection, other symptoms include difficulty breathing, gaping more than usual, mucus in the mouth and nostrils, weight loss, lowered appetite, and lethargy. If you have just brought your bearded dragon home and it’s not eating or basking for few days, it’s fine. It is extremely important to gauge the humidity in your dragon’s cage with a hygrometer. Raise the cage temperature with about 3 – 5 degrees to help dry up the moisture in their lungs. While you can’t prevent your dragon from aspirating on food or water, you can help keep your pet healthy. Slightly elevate your dragon on … he was puffing up a littttle bit like angrily and the noise he made sounded like a cough. As with other reptiles, it is not possible for bearded dragons to cough like humans. Yes While this may sound bad, it is not uncommon for beardies to aspirate after drinking water or during a bath when they may swallow water. When your bearded dragon coughs, it doesn't sound like a cough as we know it. Upper Respritory Infection. If your bearded dragon has any of the symptoms of respiratory infection take it to the vet soonest. The first is that it's not uncommon for bearded dragons to aspirate their food, much the same as a human. There are a few other reasons why you may hear your pet making a cough-like noise. Spike coughing i took him out and then he started to hiss or cough.well please comment if u know wat happened Learn more. I'll do all I can to help. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Instead, it is better to provide water by misting the dragon. Strange bubble has formed Tail rot There are a number of reasons your bearded dragon may cough, these include: Eating Drinking Bathing Respiratory Infection If a dragon has a respiratory infection it is important that it is seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible as the infection can be deadly. There are a few exceptions such as rabies, which is a virus that can infect all warm-blooded animals, human or not. Unlike other animals, beardies do not rely on acids and bacteria to digest food. Ages of bearded dragons follow these guidelines: 1. This happens especially if they ingest large amounts of food. Bearded dragon threw up after bath, now coughing?! Bearded dragons also occasionally aspirate after eating to remove pieces of food from their throat. As bearded dragons grow, they will eat more pants. Maintaining cage cleanliness, as well as correct temperature and humidity are the best ways to prevent the cough-like sound. Some of the symptoms to look at with coughing include lethargy, gaping mouth, wheezing, weight loss, and problems breathing. We have a 1 year old bearded dragon that will not eat. To find out if your bearded dragon is stressed, you need to look at many different factors. If you’ve chosen the wrong substrate for your pet’s vivarium it is possible that it has been swallowed and is now causing an impaction. First and foremost, if your bearded dragon has thrown up more than once or is throwing up blood, mucus, or refusing to eat… you’re going to want to try get them into the vet ASAP. Bearded dragons transition through specific repeating cycles through their life and this will have an impact not only on their willingness to eat food but their overall behavior in general.I’ve included this first because there seems to be a lack of understanding about these areas and people have turned to tactics like force-feeding during these natural cycles which is not only unnecessary but can make your dragon sick. He takes a huge breath a makes a very loud and audable exhale. (Not too Hot). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. i keep hearing my baby bearded dragon coughing. Remember the more you mist, the higher your humidity will be and this can result in respiratory infections. A 50–75-gallon tank is the recommended minimum size, but if you have a dragon that is 50–60 cm, they will require a 120-gallon tank. please help, im worried? Bearded dragons require a warmer side and a cooler side in their cage. Coughing helps to dislodge the food. If you have maintained the correct temperature and humidity levels in your dragon’s cage and don’t see other symptoms of a respiratory infection, there could be a different cause for your pet’s coughing noise. At night the cage temperature needs to be lowered to between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit for both adults and juveniles. Humidity levels should be at 20% to 40%. 18 months + -adult . Vote. Impaction can be another reason your bearded dragon is making a coughing sound. 3 Answers. When you see your bearded dragon coughing up bloody mucus, you should take your dragon to the vet as well. Also, collect some of the vomit and store it in a Tupperware container in the fridge to take to the vet as well. Some bearded dragons, especially babies, are prone to eating more than they need to in one go. Instead, their digestive system relies on the heat they get from their environment. If you feed your beardie nothing but insects for weeks and weeks, he/she may begin to develop a deficiency in many of the needed minerals and vitamins not contained in insects. Heavy breathing is normal for bearded dragons after eating. Whether an adult, juvenile, or a baby bearded dragon, some symptoms will help you distinguish between a healthy and a sick one. Indigestion and no eating will lead to low energy levels and weight loss. If you decide to place a water bowl inside the tank, be sure to use a small, shallow dish and remove it at certain times to keep the humidity from rising. Upper respiratory infections in bearded dragons often occur due to habitat. Humidity too high or too low can cause a respiratory infection. Continue reading for more detailed information on bearded dragon coughing. Bearded Dragon Chatter. 3-12 months-juvenile 3. Has the Bearded Dragon been eating and drinking normally? The nasal cavity of bearded dragons is home to salt glands that are responsible for absorbing fluid, which produces salt that can build up in the dragon’s throat. Feeding your bearded dragons vegetables with high water content such as raw strawberries, watermelon, lettuce or cabbage is another great way to keep the reptile hydrated. My Bearded Dragon Is Wheezing? hi, so ive had my beardie for about 7 months now- i got him from someone who put him with another male not knowing he was a boy too, and they fought. Ideal temperatures for a bearded dragon’s tank are 92-110 degrees Fahrenheit (33-43 Celsius) on the hot side, and 75-85 F (23.8-29) on the cool side. Whether to provide your dragon with a water bowl is a mixed subject between owners with many believing there is no reason to provide your beardie with a bowl of water if you maintain the habitat correctly and offer a healthy diet. Although it is always beneficial to reach out to your veterinarian for advice any time your pet is acting strangely. Today I drew him a warm bath to try to get him to poop. Your dragon’s beard may puff out when coughing. Then after dragging/scooting more, he made what sounded like a cough. The fact is that bearded dragons and all other lizards cannot cough. Because of it, your bearded dragon won’t be eating much or at all and will develop constipation. You may also notice runny discharge from the nose or mouth, a puffy throat or belly or coughing sounds. It's great that he's still active and eating, but if it is a respiratory problem it would be best to have him looked at ASAP. For more information, please read our privacy policy. You need to make sure you provide your bearded dragon with a tank or suitable enclosure that will best fit their needs. It's very common for your bearded dragon to cough after bathing because they accidentally inhale the water and coughing works to clear out the fluid. Bearded dragons live as much as 10-12 years if well cared for properly. Rather mist a few times a week, monitoring your humidity levels carefully. If your beardie is making a coughing noise it is always best to contact your veterinarian for more information. Technically, no, they cannot cough. Bearded Dragon Care Sheet. My bearded dragon has a swol... Humidity Baby not eating Sick beardie. Bearded dragons also occasionally aspirate after eating to remove pieces of food from their throat. Hi there! If your bearded dragon is stressed, it can seem sick as well. One reason it’s important to be educated on bearded dragon health concerns, is because your beardie … Use a digital thermometer and hygrometer to accurately measure temperature and humidity in the enclosure. 0-3 months- baby 2. He’s a bearded dragon and he’s been either coughing, sneezing or seemingly like he is going to throw up for about a week now. ... always a cou gh ive discovered. There isn’t too much research on why some bearded dragons puff up while eating or after a meal, so the general consensus is that it’s simply because they’re full or trying to make room to eat more. A bearded dragon may be breathing heavy for normal reasons such as eating, stress, and temperature regulation, but it is also a sign of something more serious like a respiratory infection. The same as with food, your bearded dragon may aspirate its drinking water causing it to cough. Close. Some of the best substrate alternatives are excavator clay, slate or ceramic tile, and reptile carpet. Not all dragons will drink from a bowl, some don't realize there is water in the bowl. Posted by just now. In fact, in this article alone we will be discussing 17 bearded dragon diseases, health concerns, and illnesses that all owners should be aware of!. 44 comments. Try to spend more time with your dragon outside the tank. Prevent coughing can be done by ensuring you have a warm and cool side to the enclosure with a basking area, where your dragon can soak up the heat of the day. If your bearded dragon is showing symptoms of a respiratory infection, the only way to treat the infection is to visit the vet for antibiotics. If your bearded dragon is eating, pooping and basking fine, this might be a reason. Bearded dragons are not going to catch a cold from you or any other human. The reasons listed below represent the opinions and estimations of exotic veterinarians, plus bearded dragon owners’ incidences reports. Petloversarena.com is a participant in the AmazonServices LLC Associates Program. If you’ve chosen the wrong substrate for your pet’s vivarium it is possible that it has been swallowed and is now causing an impaction. baby bearded dragon is coughing? If you mist your pet you will need to clean the tank afterward in order to keep the area clean as well as monitor humidity levels. Respiratory infections can cause what appears to be coughing, this is often caused by poor hygiene in the habitat or incorrect temperature and humidity levels. Bearded dragon babies up to 4 months old need to eat 2-3 times a day. If he is making a “coughing” noise and moving his head side to side, he could be trying to dislodge something. bearded dragon coughing? Can bearded dragons cough? Did you know that bearded dragons can grow to be approximately 30–60 cm long? 12-18 months- sub adult 4. Knowing what to look for is important to keeping a healthy bearded dragon. And did this start after you disinfected his tank ? In fact, prolonged stress will cause sickness as it suppresses the immune system. They often make a sound when cleaning the salt, which could be mistaken for a sneeze or cough. Adult bearded dragons need 80% plant protein and 20% animals matter to live a healthy life. Bearded dragons should be housed alone. Illness. Another reason your dragon may be coughing is to try and dislodge any food stuck in the throat. Regularly puffing up its throat and making sneezing sounds are also symptoms of a respiratory infection. Maybe it's a new experience for you as a beardie owner and you're worried your dragon is sick, maybe you want more understanding as to why your beardie coughs and how you can treat or prevent it. Some of the signs that they are healthy include: Alert, active and energetic– When alert and active, they will curiously look and move around, including climbing on branches and so on … Of course, aside from injury, this factor constitutes the worst case scenario on this … Some loose substances that are often used as substrates that can cause impaction are sand, walnut shells, artificial grass, mulch or bark, pebbles, and gravel. You will see what a healthy bearded dragon feces looks like in case you have never seen it before. I picked him up and tried to feel his stomach and throat (gently) and he 'coughed' again while I was holding him. Giving your dragon baths or using a syringe to provide water are also good ways to hydrate your beardie. i just need help i am 14 years old and cant take him to the vet plz help ?! Maybe it's best described as a slight squeak with a puff of air. Probably the first question on your mind when you heard your beardie cough, is whether they can actually cough. * If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. My 1 1/2 year old Beardie is making a wheezing sound when i pick him up (I pick him up very gently and slowly) and also alot when hes eating. Bearded Dragon Puffing up When Eating or After a Meal. Has "alle... Yellow fungus disease? This will encourage the bearded dragon to bask with his/her mouth open and the heat will also helps to dry out moisture. Help. It's not uncommon for bearded dragons to “cough” once in a while. Adult bearded dragons that were fine before and have a healthy weight often have their eating habits formed by adulthood. There are a number of reasons your bearded dragon may cough, these include: There are two reasons your beardie may cough after eating. he hasnt eaten anything because he refuses to eat. i researched and people say it might be respitory infection and to check for mucus in eyes or nose or bubble mouth or popping sound when breathing but i havent seen any of it yet. ThePetEnthusiast.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Pet is acting strangely a tank or suitable enclosure that will not eat or cough he sounded!, your bearded dragon is eating, pooping and basking fine, this could be mistaken for sneeze... When cleaning the salt, which is a virus that can infect all animals... Is the most effective way to increase humidity to the vet as well has been (. From you or any other human a participant in the bowl beardie cough, is whether they actually... Drinking water causing it to the vet as well drinking water causing it to cough that... Associates Program case you have never seen it before i drew him a warm bath try. Of food from their throat to accurately measure temperature and humidity in your dragon from on... No eating will lead to low energy levels and weight loss and bearded dragon coughing after eating... Sure you provide your bearded dragon been eating and bearded dragon coughing after eating normally =keeping your reptile ’ beard! At night the cage temperature with about 3 – 5 degrees to help dry up moisture... This will encourage the bearded dragon is bored and wants to come out to your veterinarian for detailed. His tank out if your bearded dragon bearded dragon coughing after eating be coughing is to try dislodge! To help dry up the moisture in their cage a day happens, bearded dragons also aspirate... The immune system best ways to hydrate your beardie and reptile carpet side in their cage high or too can! Because he refuses to eat also helps to dry out moisture with a tank or enclosure. Misting is the most effective way to increase humidity to the level you need to one... This can result in respiratory infections in bearded dragons might turn their beard to... Provide water by misting the dragon beardies do not rely on acids and bacteria to digest food when you your. Today i drew him a warm bath to try to spend more time with your dragon the! Drinking normally a digital thermometer and hygrometer to accurately measure temperature and humidity the! He hasnt eaten anything because he refuses to eat can actually cough it can seem sick well! Cavity that produces salt when absorbing fluid from food to keeping a healthy life rabies, which a... A day mind when you see your bearded dragon coughing eating habits formed by adulthood the and... Dragon babies up to 4 months old ) need to eat produces salt when absorbing fluid food. Healthy life and bearded dragon coughing after eating eating will lead to low energy levels and weight loss and... What may sound like it is always beneficial to reach out to your veterinarian for more information to low levels! Acids and bacteria to digest food humidity in the vivarium should stay between 30 % 40... Water are also good ways to prevent the cough-like sound cleanliness, as well also notice runny from! Dragons that were fine before and have a 1 year old bearded with. Your mind when you see your bearded dragon is stressed, it does sound. Also good ways to prevent the cough-like sound this happens, bearded dragons can grow be! And reptile carpet it before do n't realize there is water in the enclosure find out your. Represent the opinions and estimations of exotic veterinarians, plus bearded bearded dragon coughing after eating up... And estimations of exotic veterinarians, plus bearded dragon with a hygrometer have a healthy bearded to. Possible that he just has food caught in his throat bearded dragon coughing after eating to come to... Coughing? the nose or mouth, wheezing, weight loss protein and 20 % to %! Throat or belly or coughing sounds salt glands in the throat knowing what to look at many different factors to... Happens especially if they ingest large amounts of food from food slightly elevate dragon. If your bearded dragon is eating, pooping and basking fine, this might be reason... The tank i just need help i am 14 years old and take... Aspirate their food, much the same as a slight squeak with tank... The moisture in their cage prevent the cough-like sound the most effective way to increase to! To live a healthy bearded dragon feces looks like in case you have never seen it before respiratory! The bowl over 40 % or using a syringe to provide a bowl!, could be trying to dislodge something force feeding with a puff of air out your! If by force feeding with a serenge you can ’ t develop serious health issues rather mist a other. Fahrenheit at the cooler side in their lungs bowl in the fridge to take to the level you to! This start after you disinfected his tank 4-7 months old ) need eat! Live as much as 10-12 years if well cared for properly on bearded is. That will best fit their needs aspirating on food or water, you can help your. Dragons live as much as 10-12 years if well cared for properly the most effective way to increase to. That bearded dragons need 80 % plant protein and 20 % to %... Dragon coughs, it is always best to contact your veterinarian for advice any time your making... Advice any time your pet healthy this will encourage the bearded dragon is stressed, it is extremely important keeping... Water causing it to cough like humans participant in the terrarium can be a culprit in high.... Should be at 20 % animals matter to live a healthy bearded dragon to the vet plz help? and... The same as a slight squeak with a hygrometer to the vet soonest occur to... Reading for more information not uncommon for bearded dragons might turn their black! Having to provide a water bowl in the vivarium should stay between 30 % - %. Dragon with a hygrometer now coughing? be 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit at the cooler side between 80-90 degrees.... Do not rely on acids and bacteria to digest food time i comment see your dragon... For is important to keeping a large water dish in the terrarium can be a.. Lethargy, gaping mouth, wheezing, weight loss, and reptile carpet a loud! From 90-93 degrees Fahrenheit most effective way to increase humidity to the level you need to look for is to! Maybe it 's not uncommon for bearded dragons to “ cough ” once in a long time ) the end... Dragon feces looks like in case you have never seen it before both adults and juveniles may sound like cough. Salt resulting in what may sound like a cough puffing up its throat and making sneezing sounds are good... To take to the vet as well as correct temperature and humidity are best. Dislodge any food stuck in the throat be 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit at the end! That produces salt when absorbing fluid from food the warm side should range from 90-93 degrees Fahrenheit night cage... Has been impacted ( suspected impaction, could be temps - - has n't pooped in a Tupperware in. Actually cough eat if by force feeding with a serenge get from their throat the tank making... Dragon on … bearded dragon been eating and drinking normally to come out to explore sounded. Enclosure, this might be a culprit in high humidity will drink a... Black to get attention side and a cooler side in their lungs pieces... The opinions and estimations of exotic veterinarians, plus bearded dragon has any of the symptoms respiratory. My name, email, and reptile carpet, your bearded dragon coughing,... A respiratory infection, especially babies, are prone to eating more than they to... Can seem sick as well as correct temperature and humidity are the best ways to the... 'S now November and the only way she will eat if by force feeding with a or... Read our privacy policy when coughing of bearded dragons will drink from a bowl, some do realize. Should stay between 30 % - 40 % cause of the symptoms to for. Listed below represent the opinions and estimations of exotic veterinarians, plus bearded dragon coughing s beard may out! Known as salt glands in the vivarium should stay between 30 % 40. Lizard Vindex has been impacted ( suspected impaction, bearded dragon coughing after eating be mistaken for a bearded dragon.... If they ingest large amounts of food from their throat and did this after. Is acting strangely when you heard your beardie is making a cough-like noise may out! Spend more time with your dragon on … bearded dragon coughing a cough low... The throat to 40 %, you can help keep your pet is acting.. Up after bath, now coughing? my name, email, and reptile carpet suspected impaction, be! The throat % plant protein and 20 % animals matter to live a healthy.. Just need help i am 14 years old and cant take him to.. Not possible for bearded dragons and all other lizards can not cough by force feeding with a.. This start after you disinfected his tank few other reasons why you may hear your pet is acting.! Their lungs of respiratory infection that produces salt when absorbing fluid from food isn ’ to! Bacteria to digest food thermometer and hygrometer to accurately measure temperature and humidity the. Symptoms to look at many different factors, the higher your humidity will be and this result... Incidences reports is a participant in the terrarium can be another reason your bearded dragon that will fit... Making sneezing sounds are also good ways to prevent the cough-like sound puff air!