Hearing the word “parasites” is enough to make anyone uneasy. These creatures can be dangerous, causing harm and even death. Their presence on your pet’s skin can quickly turn into a nightmare. Parasites invade the host’s body, multiply, and take over. Dogs, cats, and other animals often fall victim to parasitic attacks. Bearded dragons, unfortunately, are not exempt from these risks, and humans can also be affected. Because of this, many people view parasites in bearded dragons as a serious concern.
Bearded dragons can host various parasites, including pinworms, coccidia, flukes, protozoa, flagellates, giardia, tapeworms, mites, and ticks. Let’s explore what parasites are and how to prevent them.
Signs of Parasites in Bearded Dragons
You may notice signs of parasites in your pet through their behaviour. When a parasite is present in their body, common symptoms include:
- Sudden loss of weight
- High body temperatureÂ
- Reduce interest in activities
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
If you notice these signs, visiting the vet is crucial to ensure your bearded dragon’s safety. Avoid self-medicating, as some illnesses require specific treatments. Many medications contain sulfur, making it unsafe for pet owners to administer medicine alone. Always follow your vet’s instructions for your pet’s well-being.
5 Common Parasites in Bearded Dragons
There are many parasites on Earth; some are dangerous, and others seek a host. Bearded dragons don’t typically get parasites like dogs and cats, but they can host several types, including:
Pinworms
Pinworms are contagious to both humans and animals. If you suspect their presence, always wash your hands after contact.
Pinworms can enter the body through food. They live in the intestines and can cause nutritional depletion.
Hookworms
Hookworms are similar to pinworms and can cause symptoms like diarrhoea, dehydration, and weight loss. A key difference is that hookworms burrow into the skin of the host. Always wash your hands after contact. They feed on blood.
Coccidia
Coccidia is a common protozoa found in bearded dragons. Symptoms include lethargy, diarrhoea, blood or mucus in stools, depression, and reduced appetite. It spreads through faeces, contaminated food, and water.
Tapeworms
These are the nightmares of every pet owner. They are highly dangerous for any animal. Long, flat, and segmented, they often reside in the intestines. These parasites can cause a swollen abdomen, seizures, depression, and sudden weight loss.
Mites and Ticks
Mites, ticks, protozoans, and other parasites can attach to a bearded dragon’s skin. They feed on the host’s blood and fly off to find another host. Fortunately, sprays and dewormers can quickly eliminate ticks and mites, so there’s no need for significant concern.
How Long Can a Bearded Dragon Live With Parasites?
Bearded dragons can live for many years after being affected by parasites. Parasites like coccidia can become life-threatening if they are present in an exceptionally high amount, and they destroy metabolism, eventually leading to the death of parasites. There is no specific period for which a dragon can live; it entirely depends upon their medication and prevention of such diseases. If parasites severely attack bearded dragons, they will die soon after being attacked.
Otherwise, they will remain the same and recover after proper medical procedures. Besides getting medical treatment, beardies should also be fed healthy food items like veggies and germ-free meat for their proper growth. Beardies’ metabolism can only hold many parasites once their metabolism is strong.
How to Get Rid of Parasites in Bearded Dragons?
Reducing parasite activity in a host body can be challenging. If parasites are suspected, administer anthelmintics or dewormers to eliminate them. Prevention is effective when the treatment is adequate for your beardie.
Parasites can be eliminated by following these steps:
Regular Checkup
Parasites in the body may not show physical signs, but if left untreated, they can worsen. Symptoms often include a sudden fever, loss of appetite, drowsiness, and light aversion. These are signs of parasites affecting the body.
Regular checkups for bearded dragons are crucial to detect bacterial growth and ensure their safety and well-being.
Living Management
Parasites thrive in unclean environments. Pinworms and coccidia can lead to serious health issues for beardies. Remove dirt around their area regularly. Clean up their droppings immediately. Provide fresh, safe food for the lizards. This helps prevent parasite infestations.
Home Remedies for Parasites in Bearded Dragons
Caring for an exotic lizard can be expensive, and many bearded dragon owners feel the financial strain. Avoid overusing harsh medications to minimize costs while meeting your beardie’s needs. Stinky poops don’t always indicate parasitic infections.
Pay attention to your lizard’s behaviour. It may be time for a vet visit if it’s lethargic, sleeping more than usual, or not eating its regular diet. Home remedies alone are not enough for your bearded dragon’s health. Understand the type of parasite before attempting any home treatments.
You can take several steps to overcome the fear of parasites in pets:
- Clean their surroundings regularly.
- Â Feed them fresh, cleaned food.
- Â Deworm them as needed.
- Â Spray their environment with dewormers.
These steps help reduce parasites’ impact on the animal’s health.
How to Prevent Parasites in Bearded Dragons?
Protecting your beardie from parasites can be challenging if deworming isn’t done correctly. Pinworms are the most common parasites found in bearded dragons, usually in their intestinal tract. They can lead to loss of appetite and diarrhoea.
You can prevent parasite infestations through several methods, such as:
Clear the Droppings
It’s best to clean up your pet’s droppings immediately after they are excreted. If your beardie has parasites, they can multiply quickly and require a host to thrive. Regularly cleaning the droppings helps prevent this.
Deworming
This is the most common way to prevent beardies from facing any issues. Never give medicine without a vet’s prescription. Take your pet to the vet to discuss their health. This ensures your bearded dragon stays safe from harmful pests.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are sensitive lizards and can still get parasites even after deworming. They require special care and attention, which can clear up pet owners’ concerns about parasites. No one wants their pet to suffer, so regular checkups, a proper diet, and medication are essential when beardies face parasite issues.
FAQs
How do I know if my bearded dragons have parasites?
If you notice crawling on the body, diarrhoea, or blood in vomit, your bearded dragon likely has parasites. A common symptom is loss of appetite, discomfort, and a lack of interest in activities.
How did my bearded dragon get parasites?
Many pet owners have misconceptions about the food they feed their pets. Parasites can enter their bodies from various sources, such as contaminated water or insects they consume.
Can I prevent parasites in bearded dragons?
Regular vet checkups and deworming are the best ways to prevent parasites in beardies. Avoid introducing a new beardie to other animals until it’s safe.