FAQ: Health of Bearded Dragons

How do I trim my Bearded Dragons nails?
They can be trimmed with a nail clipper (not scissors) just like people use. Have a blood clotting agent available in case you get a bleeder. Products like we use for razor cuts work for Bearded Dragons too and are available at most pet stores.

My Bearded Dragon is getting a faded look like a ghost. What’s wrong with him?
He is getting ready to shed. The moisture is building up under his top layer of old skin so it can peel off. Generally, Bearded Dragons don’t shed all at once however. Their skin may come of in patches. Soaking them in a warm bath can aid in this process by allowing additional moisture under the skin. Keep in mind however, you also need to make sure the cage is hot and dry enough to allow the skin to dry so it can flake and peel off. As it starts to dry, providing something for them to rub against is a help too.

Why did my Bearded Dragon Die?
Just as with people there are many possible causes. Your vet can do a necropsy (like an autopsy for people) to look for a cause but it is often inconclusive. It may sound harsh but you have to remember that the reason Bearded Dragons have so many babies is because many don’t make it in the wild. In captivity those numbers are better but there will always be those that will not make it. This is one reason why responsible breeders wait until babies are 6 weeks old and 6” long before selling them. It gives them the best chance of survival and weeds out most of the ones that are too weak.

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