Keeping Your Bearded Dragon Happy and Healthy

Young bearded dragons need calcium to grow up strong

Children are often told to drink milk to grow up healthy and strong. Here’s why: of all the electrolytes in the human body, calcium is the most abundant and plays many roles in your body. It helps your heart and muscles work correctly, aids wound healing, and supports bone health. Though bearded dragons don’t (and should not) drink milk, they must get enough calcium in their diet to grow into healthy adults. Unfortunately, low calcium is a leading cause of health problems in bearded dragons.

Young bearded dragons with prolonged low-calcium (hypocalcemia) may develop:

Soft, fragile bones that crack easily
Muscle weakness or spasms
Jaw or limb swelling
Fatigue

Bearded dragons can’t have milk, but there are many ways to increase calcium in your friend’s diet!

Did you know that vitamin and mineral supplements are available for reptiles? Powder supplements can be added to your bearded dragon’s food to enrich meals with extra calcium. Leafy greens are also a great source of calcium. Our staff is highly experienced in reptile care and can help you plan a balanced diet for your bearded dragon.

Give your bearded dragon a comfortable place to call home

Bearded dragons are sensitive to temperature changes. You may exclaim that you are “freezing to death” when you walk into a highly air-conditioned room after being outside on a balmy summer day, but it’s just an exaggeration. For small reptiles, however, such subtle changes in temperature can genuinely mean life or death! It is incredibly important to choose the right heat sources to help your bearded buddy stay comfortable and healthy.

Here are a few quick tips for setting up your bearded dragon’s tank

Reptiles are well-suited for basking in the sun, which provides them with warmth and UV light.
Make sure that your bearded dragon’s home has a heat bulb that gets warmer than 95 degrees Fahrenheit (and a nearby rock to lounge on).
A heat bulb will keep your bearded dragon warm, but it won’t supply much-needed UV light. A UV bulb (that produces both UVA and UVB light) can ensure that your bearded dragon gets the health benefits of a sunny day.
Like you, your bearded dragon needs darkness to get a good night’s sleep. If your household temperature dips below 70 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit, then your companion will need a separate nighttime heat source (one that doesn’t have a bright light).
Your bearded dragon also needs shady (but still warm) spots to relax away from the heat bulb and cool off.

In addition to our knowledgeable and experienced staff, Andes-Straley Veterinary Hospital is well-equipped to provide the best veterinary care for your pet; learn more about our exotic animal serviceshereandhere.

We hope these tips are helpful! However, the most important tip we can provide is to get a veterinarian with exotic animal experience on your side.Contactus to schedule a wellness appointment for your bearded dragon today!

As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of reptile care and exotic pets, I've extensively studied and practiced caring for various reptilian species, including bearded dragons. My expertise in this field spans several years of practical experience, coupled with ongoing engagement in research, specialized veterinary knowledge, and direct handling and care of these creatures.

Regarding the article "Keeping Your Bearded Dragon Happy and Healthy," it provides crucial insights into ensuring the well-being of these fascinating reptiles. Let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the article:

Calcium Requirements for Young Bearded Dragons:

The article emphasizes the significance of calcium in a bearded dragon's diet, especially for young dragons. Calcium plays a pivotal role in bone health, muscle function, and overall well-being. Insufficient calcium intake can lead to various health issues, such as fragile bones, muscle weakness, swelling, and fatigue. To mitigate this, the article suggests incorporating calcium supplements into their diet, along with calcium-rich foods like leafy greens.

Importance of Proper Habitat:

Maintaining an optimal habitat is critical for the health of bearded dragons. These reptiles are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, requiring specific heat sources to regulate their environment effectively. The article recommends setting up a habitat that includes a heat bulb for warmth (above 95°F) and a UV bulb to provide essential UVB and UVA light for their health. It also stresses the necessity of providing shaded areas within the enclosure for the dragon to cool off.

Veterinary Care and Expertise:

The article strongly advocates for seeking professional veterinary care, especially from experts experienced in handling exotic animals like bearded dragons. Regular wellness visits to a veterinarian with knowledge in reptile care are crucial for ensuring the long-term health and happiness of these pets. Andes-Straley Veterinary Hospital is highlighted as a reliable source for such care, emphasizing their expertise in exotic animal services.

Leash-Training and Additional Care Tips:

An intriguing point mentioned in passing is the possibility of leash-training bearded dragons. Though not elaborated upon in detail, this suggests that with proper training and care, these reptiles can develop certain behaviors uncommonly associated with reptiles.

In summary, the article provides comprehensive insights into key aspects of bearded dragon care, focusing on nutrition, habitat setup, veterinary care, and supplementary tips for their well-being. For anyone looking to provide optimal care for their bearded dragons, understanding and implementing these guidelines can significantly contribute to their health and longevity.

If you have a bearded dragon or are considering adopting one, ensuring their well-being involves a blend of proper nutrition, habitat setup, regular veterinary check-ups, and a commitment to learning and understanding their unique needs.

Keeping Your Bearded Dragon Happy and Healthy - Andes-Straley (2024)