Pinworms are common parasites in bearded dragons and other reptiles. Nearly all reptiles, including bearded dragons, have pinworm eggs in their feces.
Pinworms in bearded dragons are tiny parasitic worms in the lower gastrointestinal tract. They consume essential vitamins and minerals from the dragon’s body, which can lead to malnutrition.
How Do Bearded Dragons Get Pinworms?
Bearded dragons can get pinworms from the insects they eat, primarily crickets, but other insects like locusts may also carry the parasites. Wild insects are especially likely to infect your bearded dragon with pinworms. Always buy insects from a trusted pet supply store to reduce this risk.
Pinworms are passed through the bearded dragon’s stool. If another dragon comes in contact with contaminated stool, it can also become infected. If you suspect your beardie has pinworms, contact a vet and isolate your bearded dragon from other pets.
Signs & Symptoms of Pinworm in Bearded Dragons
Pinworms in bearded dragons may not show visible signs if there is a small infestation. However, it’s crucial to recognize the symptoms. Monitoring your bearded dragon’s behavior is essential. If there is a significant pinworm infestation, changes in behavior are likely to occur.
1: Lack of Energy and Interest
Pinworms drain essential nutrients from your bearded dragon’s body. The first noticeable sign is a lack of energy. Without these vital nutrients, your bearded dragon will struggle to move or function properly.
2: Loss its Appetite
A loss of appetite is another critical sign in your bearded dragon. When infected with pinworms, your bearded dragon may lose interest in food and become lethargic. As the infestation progresses, your dragon may also appear depressed and disengaged. These behaviors are often indicators of a parasitic infection or other health issues. If you notice these symptoms, contact a veterinarian promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to behavioral changes, physical signs of a pinworm infestation may also be present in your bearded dragon.
3: Rapid Weight Loss
If your bearded dragon has pinworms, it will experience diarrhea and vomiting. These are the primary symptoms of a pinworm infestation. As a result, your dragon may suffer rapid weight loss.
4: Dehydration
If your bearded dragon has a pinworm infestation, it may experience dehydration, causing sunken eyes and wrinkled skin. Additionally, your bearded dragon could develop metabolic bone disease, which is incurable. Monitoring your beardie’s behavior, stool, and physical symptoms is crucial.
5: Change in Stool
If your bearded dragon has a pinworm infection, you may notice changes in the color and consistency of its stool, making it runny. Pinworms are a common cause of such changes. If you observe any shift in stool appearance, you must consult a vet immediately. Be sure to bring a stool sample for analysis.
6: Lying Flat
If your bearded dragon has pinworms, it may start lying flat. However, there are other reasons it might do this as well. To be safe, take your pet to a vet. The vet will run tests to determine the cause.
Diagnosis and Common Tests Performed by Veterinarians for Pinworms
Pinworms are microscopic and not visible to the naked eye. These parasites feed on your bearded dragon’s essential nutrients. If you notice any changes in your beardie, consult a veterinarian. The vet will conduct a microscopic fecal test to detect pinworms. You’ll receive the results right away, and treatment will begin promptly.
How to Treat Pinworm in Bearded Dragons
If the veterinarian detects pinworms in your bearded dragon, they will prescribe wormer medication to treat the condition. Panacur or fenbendazole are commonly used for pinworm treatment in bearded dragons. These medications come in liquid and granular forms. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s dosage instructions carefully.
Prophylactic Treatment
Prophylactic treatment is preemptive and prevents pinworms before your bearded dragon shows any symptoms. It relies on cleaning habits and principles to combat pinworms and other infestations. This approach is highly effective in eliminating pinworms.
Symptomatic Treatment
Bearded dragons infected with pinworms may not show symptoms right away. However, some do exhibit signs of infection. Symptomatic treatment can be effective once your bearded dragon starts showing symptoms of pinworms.
Post-Diagnostic Treatment
Reptiles, such as bearded dragons, can experience various worm infections. If you notice any changes in your bearded dragon, it’s essential to contact a vet. It could be a worm infection requiring proper diagnosis and treatment. This will help identify conditions like pinworm infections and provide the necessary care for your bearded dragon.
3 Tips to Protect your Bearded Dragon from Pinworms
You must take strict precautions to protect your bearded dragon from pinworms. Here are some effective methods to prevent pinworm infections in your pet.
1: Keep the Enclosure Clean
The key is to keep the enclosure clean. Remove any uneaten food from the chamber. Wash the food and water dishes with soap and rinse them well. Clean the entire enclosure with hot, soapy water. Allow it to dry completely before placing your bearded dragon back inside.
2: Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands before and after handling your bearded dragon is a good habit. It helps prevent the transfer of pinworms and other parasites to your pet and yourself.
3: Keep New Reptiles Separate
Keep new reptiles separate from your bearded dragon to prevent the risk of pinworms.
Conclusion
Pinworms are common in wild bearded dragons, so keep your beardie away. Good hygiene practices can lower the risk of pinworm infection. To prevent pinworms, clean the enclosure regularly to reduce the chance of disease.
FAQs
Can I get pinworms from my bearded dragon?
Yes, you can get pinworms from your bearded dragon. However, the pinworms in reptiles are different. Take precautions and wash your hands.
Can pinworms kill a bearded dragon?
Yes, pinworms can be deadly to a bearded dragon if left untreated. These parasites feed on the nutrients in your dragon’s body, weakening it over time.
Do bearded dragons get external parasites?
Bearded dragons are susceptible to external parasites, with mites and ticks being the most common. These tiny pests easily spread between animals, feeding on your pet’s blood. They can also transmit bacteria and viruses, leading to anemia and weakness in your bearded dragon.