Can Bearded Dragons Die from Stress? Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Your Pet

Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are some of the most popular pet reptiles, as they are easy to keep, have nice personalities, and don’t require too much care. But tough as these lizards may be, they aren’t immune to stress — and stress can be fatal in the extreme. But can bearded dragons die from stress? Learn more about stress, its impact on bearded dragons, and what you can do to make sure your pet has a stress-free life.

Can Bearded Dragons Die from Stress?

Yes, bearded dragons die from stress, if extreme and for a long time. Stress depletes their immune system, leaving them more vulnerable to respiratory disease, parasites and intestinal infections. Chronic stress, too, can cause anorexia, dehydration, even organ failure (if left untreated).

It’s a big deal knowing how stress affects your bearded dragon and being able to detect them before they become a health problem.

Stress Reduction in Bearded Dragons

There are several reasons for bearded dragon stress, from environmental to social. Here are some of the most common stressors:

1. Improper Habitat Conditions

Bearded dragons are also very acclimatised. Pressure can be a consequence of the wrong temperature, light or substrate. For example, if their basking site is too cold (say 95-110°F), they won’t be able to digest their food and will become latent and stressed.

2. Small or Overcrowded Enclosures

Bearded dragons need space to run, bathe and swim. A small cage might isolate them and make them anxious. In the same way, if you have several dragons, they’ll compete for attention, and that only compounds their stress.

3. Inconsistent Diet or Feeding Issues

Stress can also be brought on by an unhealthy diet or a changing schedule of feeding. Bearded dragons require insect, vegetable and sometimes fruit food. Deprivation and stress are a result of deficient nutrition in people’s diet.

4. Excessive Handling or Sudden Changes

Bearded dragons will generally not bite if you try to handle them too harshly, but doing so can make them stressed and unwell. And unplanned environments (such as a house move or enclosure relocation) can cause their sense of safety to fail.

5. Beware of Predators or Loud Noises

Bearded dragons obviously do not like to be eaten! Your dragon might experience anxiety over cats or dogs, or loud household noises, such as young children shouting and screaming.

Stress Symptoms in Bearded Dragons

You don’t want stress to turn into serious health problems, then catch it before it’s too late. Here are some common indicators:

1. Glass Surfing

The bearded dragon scratches or runs along the glass doors of its enclosure in this manner. It’s the mark of impatience and restlessness, usually caused by boredom or feeling trapped.

2. Loss of Appetite

A tired bearded dragon might not eat and in time become skinny and malnourished.

3. Dark Stress Marks

They’re stress signs, in the form of dark, oval smudges on their stomach or under their chin. The marks are often evident in younger dragons but can be found in adults too.

4. Lethargy or Hiding

If your dragon hides too much or doesn’t seem like himself a lot, he’s probably tired and/or stressed. And though hiding is sometimes okay, relentless dormancy is not.

5. Aggressive Behaviour

Even the most gentle dragon might berate, hiss or bite under pressure.

What Causes Fatal Diseases During Stress?

In answer to our earlier question ‘Can Bearded Dragons Die from Stress?’, stress isn’t the main cause of death of a bearded dragon; rather, it initiates a series of potentially fatal states if unchecked. This is something you must be aware of in order to safeguard your pet’s long-term wellbeing.

An ailing immune system is among the worst-known effects of chronic stress. A stressed bearded dragon’s body tries to meet its needs as soon as possible, at the expense of immune function. But over time, that repression leaves the reptile at the mercy of infection and disease, including respiratory infection. They’re especially common in anxious dragons who have been bred to wrong temperatures or humidity.

Stress can also cause impaction, which is a serious disease where the digestive system becomes infected. Generally this is when a bearded dragon eats in its enclosure inappropriate food in desperation. If this goes unchecked it can become life-threatening if not addressed in time.

Another devastating disorder that stress brings on board is Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) in bearded dragons. Commonly attributed to a lack of UVB and inadequate food, MBD makes bones weak and deformed. Stress can also make these deficiencies even worse, and it’s possible your dragon will develop this crippling disorder. MBD can cause organ damage and even death in the later stages.

And last but not least, dehydration and malnutrition are the big risks for a worn bearded dragon. Chronic stress causes sluggishness and water aversion. In the long term, this results in extreme dehydration and starvation, organ failure and even death if it is not treated.

You can avoid such things, and keep them healthy by identifying these potential dangers and acting early on to eliminate stressors in your dragon’s home.

Preventing Stress in Bearded Dragons

Your bearded dragon needs to feel relaxed so he or she can be healthy and happy. And luckily, there are some practical things you can do to minimise stress and provide your scaly friend with a safe place to live.

Start by optimising their habitat. It’s all about the temperature and lighting conditions for their health. Keep basking spots 95-110°F (the thermometer and hygrometer) cool 75-85°F (the humidity), 20-40% (the humidity). Keep your dragon healthy by giving him or her 10-12 hours of UVB light per day. You should avoid coarse substrates, such as sand, that can accidentally be ingested. Instead, use reptile carpet, tile or paper towels. The tank size is really important; for one adult bearded dragon you need at least a 40 gallon tank, but ideally a lot bigger for comfort and exercise.

Another mainstay of stress reduction is eating right. Serve gut-loaded bugs (crickets, dubia roaches) and leafy greens (collard and mustard greens). There are also times when you may have fruits added as a side. Your dragon will also be secure and well fed with this diet.

Environmental alteration should be kept to a minimum to ensure your dragon stays stable. When you do have to move their tank or modify something, do so slowly so they have time to adapt.

With regards to touching, keep it very simple and keep contact to a couple minutes per day. Don’t do quick and jerky movements if your dragon is not too sure about it. Avoid over-handling, so don’t just assume they’re going to be okay while you’re working with them.

Also be aware of a stressor such as predators or noises. Put your dragon’s tank in a room where they don’t have to be disturbed by other pets who can make them nervous.

If you experience any of these symptoms of stress, do not wait until it’s too late to fix the issue. Ensure that their environment is the right temperature, brightly lit and dry. Check to see if they are getting the right foods and drinking enough water. If stress symptoms persist or worsen, speak to a reptile veterinarian for advice.

Bottom line Bearded dragons tend to be pretty tough animals, but stress can be disastrous if left unchecked. This threat can be totally avoided with proper care and attention. With the right environment, food and regular check-ins, your bearded dragon will live a healthy life.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.