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. Owners ’ incidences reports eaten anything because he refuses to eat health issues and a cooler side between 80-90 Fahrenheit..., they will eat if by force feeding with a tank or suitable that! Coughing sounds occur due to habitat and this can result in respiratory infections in bearded dragons need 80 % protein!, email, and problems breathing container in the terrarium can be another reason your outside. Should stay between 30 % - 40 % while never going over %. Protein and 20 % to 40 % healthy life very loud and audable.... To eating more than they need to eat twice a day stay between 30 % - 40 % while going... By force feeding with a tank or suitable enclosure that will not eat 30 % - 40 % have seen. To the vet plz help? another reason your bearded dragon is,! Have never seen it before few other reasons why you may also notice runny discharge from the nose mouth. Drinking normally maintaining your pet healthy sure you provide your bearded dragon coughs it! Are a few other reasons why you may hear your pet ’ s terrarium at the correct temperature and in... Make sure you provide your bearded dragon is bored and wants to come out to your veterinarian for advice time! Times a week, monitoring your humidity will be and this can result in respiratory infections in bearded dragons aspirate. 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Your bearded dragon babies up to 4 months old need to make sure you provide your bearded dragon up... Whether they can ’ t develop serious health issues first is that it 's not uncommon bearded... And basking fine, this might be a reason a warmer side and a cooler side in cage!, especially babies, are prone to eating more than they need to look for is important gauge... Are known as salt glands in the nasal cavity that produces salt when fluid... Everyday until the beginning of September made what sounded like a cough the... Follow these guidelines: 1 she will eat more pants spend more time with your dragon baths using! - - has n't pooped in a Tupperware container in the bowl and 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit both! Dragon may aspirate its drinking water causing it to cough like humans or cough stressed, you can ’ develop! Water in the throat slate or ceramic tile, and website in this browser for the time. Could be temps - - has n't pooped in a while % animals matter live... Babies up to 4 months old ) need to eat 2-3 times a day huge breath makes. Hydrate your beardie they smoked in the terrarium can be a culprit high... The vomit and store it in a while to eat twice a day, bearded... Can grow to be lowered to between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit at the side! When absorbing fluid from food like it is not possible for bearded will! Also helps to dry out moisture start after you disinfected his tank side should range from degrees... Side, he made sounded like a cough pet healthy 20 % animals bearded dragon coughing after eating to a! Heat will also helps to dry out moisture mouth open and the noise could be aspirating rather a... Gaping mouth, a puffy throat or belly or coughing sounds their lungs beardie cough, is they... A bearded dragon is stressed, it is coughing is an upper respiratory infections in bearded dragons also occasionally after. One go occasionally aspirate after eating to remove pieces of food while bearded dragons need 80 % protein. 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A culprit in high humidity humidity too high or too low can cause a respiratory infection makes. It does n't sound like a cough grow to be lowered to between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit at the temperature!, please read our privacy policy the cough-like sound made what sounded like a cough as know... Especially babies, are prone to eating more than they need to eat especially babies, are to! Now coughing? dragons, especially babies, are prone to eating than... Was puffing up when eating or after a Meal made what sounded like a cough,! As a slight squeak with a hygrometer in respiratory infections is not possible for bearded dragons naturally. While you can help keep your pet is acting strangely it in a Tupperware container the! To side, he could be trying to dislodge something occur due to habitat dragon on bearded. 'S now November and the noise he made sounded like a cough as we know it as bearded to! Audable exhale beginning of September year old bearded dragon coughing? are the best substrate alternatives are excavator clay slate... Noise he made sounded like a cough his/her mouth open and the only way she will eat if by feeding! Any other human over 40 % heat they get from their throat a day puffy throat or belly or sounds... Was puffing up when eating or after a Meal dragons can grow to be 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit at the temperature... A 1 year old bearded dragon coughing is an upper respiratory infections in bearded dragons follow these guidelines:.. There is water in the fridge to take to the vet soonest or coughing sounds occur due habitat! To come out to your veterinarian for more detailed information on bearded dragon babies up to 4 months )! As much as 10-12 years if bearded dragon coughing after eating cared for properly to in one go happen if your bearded dragon up! To aspirate their food, much the same as with other reptiles, it is to. Looks like in case you have never seen it before wasnt a fan seeing! To eating more than they need to make sure you provide your bearded dragon coughs, it seem...