Bearded dragons are popular pets for reptile enthusiasts, as they are friendly, curious, and easy to care for. However, they are also sensitive to their environment and prone to some health issues that can be fatal if not treated promptly. As a responsible owner, you need to know how to tell if your bearded dragon is dead, dying, or just sleeping, so you can take the appropriate action and save your pet’s life.
In this article, we will show you how to tell if a bearded dragon is dead, based on some physical and behavioral signs. We will also explain some common causes of death in bearded dragons, and how to prevent them. Finally, we will give you some tips on how to cope with the loss of your bearded dragon, and how to honor their memory.
Signs of a Dead Bearded Dragon
The most obvious sign of a dead bearded dragon is the absence of any movement or respiration. However, this can be hard to detect, as bearded dragons can breathe very slowly and shallowly, especially when they are brumating (a form of hibernation). Therefore, you need to look for other signs that indicate that your bearded dragon is dead, such as:
- Limpness. A dead bearded dragon will be limp and flaccid, with no muscle tone or tension. You can gently lift their limbs or tail, and they will fall back down without any resistance. A live bearded dragon will have some stiffness and elasticity in their body, even when they are sleeping or brumating.
- Coldness. A dead bearded dragon will be cold to the touch, as they will lose their body heat rapidly. A live bearded dragon will have some warmth in their body, as they will regulate their temperature by basking or seeking shade, depending on the ambient temperature.
- Eye appearance. A dead bearded dragon will have sunken and glassy eyes, with no shine or reflection. Their eyelids may be partially or fully closed, or gaping open. A live bearded dragon will have bright and alert eyes, with a clear and moist surface. Their eyelids will blink occasionally, or close completely when they are sleeping or brumating.
- Mouth appearance. A dead bearded dragon will have a gaping mouth, with no tension or closure. Their tongue may be visible, or hanging out. Their gums may be pale or discolored. A live bearded dragon will have a closed mouth, with some tension and closure. Their tongue will be hidden, or flicking out occasionally. Their gums will be pink and healthy.
According to ReptileStreet1, a simple way to test if your bearded dragon is dead is to gently pinch their toes or tail, and see if they react. A live bearded dragon will twitch or move away from the stimulus, while a dead bearded dragon will not respond at all. However, this method is not very reliable, as some bearded dragons may be very tolerant or lethargic, and not react to minor pain. Therefore, you should not rely on this method alone, but use it as a supplement to the other signs.
Causes of Death in Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons can die from various causes, such as infections, parasites, injuries, organ failures, or diseases. Some of the most common causes of death in bearded dragons are:
- Impaction. Impaction is a condition where the bearded dragon’s digestive tract is blocked by something that they cannot digest, such as sand, gravel, wood chips, or large pieces of food. This can cause severe pain, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, dehydration, and eventually death. Impaction can be prevented by providing a proper substrate, such as paper towels, reptile carpet, or tiles, and by feeding appropriate-sized food items, such as insects, greens, and fruits.
- Metabolic bone disease. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a condition where the bearded dragon’s bones become weak and brittle, due to a lack of calcium, vitamin D3, or proper lighting. This can cause deformities, fractures, paralysis, seizures, and eventually death. MBD can be prevented by providing a balanced diet, supplemented with calcium and vitamin D3, and by providing adequate UVB lighting, which helps the bearded dragon synthesize vitamin D3 and absorb calcium.
- Respiratory infection. Respiratory infection (RI) is a condition where the bearded dragon’s lungs or airways are infected by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. This can cause symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, mouth breathing, lethargy, and eventually death. RI can be caused by poor hygiene, low temperatures, high humidity, or stress. RI can be prevented by keeping the enclosure clean, dry, and well-ventilated, and by maintaining a proper temperature gradient, with a basking spot of 95-110°F, and a cool side of 75-85°F.
- Dehydration. Dehydration is a condition where the bearded dragon loses more water than they take in, due to lack of drinking, excessive heat, diarrhea, or vomiting. This can cause symptoms such as sunken eyes, wrinkled skin, loss of appetite, lethargy, and eventually death. Dehydration can be prevented by providing fresh and clean water daily, either in a shallow dish, or by misting or dripping water on the bearded dragon’s nose or mouth. You can also offer moist foods, such as greens, fruits, or insects gut-loaded with water-rich vegetables.
These are just some of the possible causes of death in bearded dragons, but there are many others that can affect your pet’s health and well-being. Therefore, it is important to monitor your bearded dragon regularly, and to seek veterinary attention if you notice any signs of illness or injury. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in your bearded dragon’s survival and recovery.
How to Cope with the Loss of Your Bearded Dragon
Losing a bearded dragon can be a devastating and heartbreaking experience, as they are not just pets, but beloved companions and family members. It is normal to feel grief, sadness, anger, guilt, or denial, and to go through different stages of mourning. Everyone copes with loss differently, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. However, here are some tips that may help you cope with the loss of your bearded dragon:
- Acknowledge your feelings. Do not try to suppress or ignore your emotions, as they are valid and natural. Allow yourself to cry, scream, or vent, and express your feelings in a healthy way. You can write a journal, draw a picture, or talk to someone who understands and supports you.
- Celebrate your bearded dragon’s life. Do not focus only on the negative aspects of your bearded dragon’s death, but also on the positive memories and experiences you shared with them. You can create a tribute, such as a photo album, a video, a collage, or a scrapbook, that honors your bearded dragon’s personality and achievements. You can also plant a tree, donate to a reptile rescue, or adopt another bearded dragon, as a way of honoring your bearded dragon’s legacy and giving back to the reptile community.
- Seek support. Do not isolate yourself or feel alone in your grief, as there are many people who care about you and your bearded dragon. You can reach out to your friends, family, or other bearded dragon owners, who can offer you comfort, sympathy, and advice. You can also join a support group, online or offline, where you can share your feelings and stories with other people who have gone through a similar loss. You can also consult a professional counselor or therapist, who can help you cope with your grief and heal from your trauma.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are amazing pets that can bring joy and happiness to your life. However, they can also die unexpectedly or prematurely, due to various factors that can affect their health and well-being. As a responsible owner, you need to know how to tell if your bearded dragon is dead, so you can take the appropriate action and save your pet’s life, or give them a proper farewell.
We hope this article has helped you learn how to tell if a bearded dragon is dead, and how to cope with the loss of your bearded dragon. Remember, your bearded dragon will always live in your heart and memory, and you will always have a special bond with them. Rest in peace, little dragon.