Bearded dragons are popular pets, renowned for their fascinating behaviors and unique appearance. One peculiar habit that often puzzles their owners is their tendency to keep their mouths open, appearing as though they’re perpetually mid-yawn.
This behavior can occur due to several reasons, including thermoregulation, signs of stress, or even underlying health issues. Join me as I delve into these intriguing creatures’ world and shed light on the possible reasons why your bearded dragon might keep its mouth open.
8 Reasons Why Bearded Dragons Keep Their Mouths Open
1. Thermoregulation
Just like a dog pants to cool down, a bearded dragon opens its mouth as part of its natural cooling process. This behavior, known as “gaping”, is most common in hot temperatures. It’s a sign that your reptile friend is working to regulate its body temperature.
2. Sign of Stress or Aggression
Bearded dragons may keep their mouths open when they are stressed or feeling aggressive. It’s their way of saying, “I’m not happy right now.” This could be due to environmental changes, such as a new habitat or the introduction of another pet.
3. Respiratory Infections
Open-mouth breathing can be a symptom of a respiratory infection. If you notice wheezing, mucus in their mouth, or lethargy, this could indicate an infection, and your bearded dragon needs to see a vet as soon as possible.
4. Impaction
Impaction, or blockage of the digestive tract, can cause a bearded dragon to hold its mouth open. This is a serious condition, often caused by swallowing large, indigestible objects, and requires immediate veterinary attention.
5. Dehydration
Dehydration can also cause a bearded dragon to keep its mouth open. It’s important to provide fresh water daily and regularly mist their habitat, especially during shedding, to keep them properly hydrated.
6. Attempting to Appear Larger
When a bearded dragon feels threatened, it may puff up its beard and open its mouth to appear larger and more intimidating to potential predators. This is a normal defensive behavior.
7. Metabolic Bone Disease
Bearded dragons with Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) may often gape. If you notice shaking, twitching, or difficulty moving in addition to open-mouth behavior, consult with a veterinarian immediately.
8. Brumation
Brumation is a type of hibernation for reptiles. During this time, bearded dragons may keep their mouths slightly open while they rest. It’s a normal behavior unless accompanied by other worrying symptoms.
In conclusion, your bearded dragon’s open-mouth behavior can signal a range of conditions, from perfectly normal responses to serious health concerns.
Always monitor the behavior of your pet closely and consult a vet if you notice anything unusual. They are, after all, a precious member of your family who deserves the utmost care and attention.
Why Is My Bearded Dragon Sticking Its Tongue Out?
Bearded dragons stick their tongues out for several reasons:
1. To Smell Their Environment
Bearded dragons, like many reptiles, use their tongues to explore and sense their surroundings. When they stick out their tongue, they are ‘tasting’ the air to pick up chemical cues and better understand their environment.
2. Hunting and Eating
Bearded dragons stick their tongues out when they’re on the hunt. They use their long, sticky tongues to snatch up their prey, such as insects.
3. Thermoregulation
Just as bearded dragons may gape or keep their mouths open to cool down, they may also stick out their tongues to regulate their body temperature. It’s a harmless behavior if the temperature in their environment is under control.
4. Signs of Stress
A bearded dragon might stick its tongue out if it’s under stress. If you notice this along with other signs of stress, such as changes in eating habits, aggressiveness, or lethargy, it might be time to check the environment and make necessary adjustments.
5. Illness
In some cases, sticking out the tongue can be a sign of illness, like a respiratory infection. If the behavior is accompanied by other symptoms like a loss of appetite, lethargy, or changes in feces, consult a vet.
Is it bad if my bearded dragons mouth is open?
An open-mouthed bearded dragon isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. As mentioned earlier, gaping is a natural behavior that helps them regulate their body temperature, display stress, or exhibit defensive behavior.
However, if your bearded dragon’s mouth stays open continuously, it’s accompanied by other signs of distress, or you observe symptoms of potential illness, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care. As always, understanding your bearded dragon’s normal behavior and monitoring any changes can help ensure their health and happiness.
What Is Wrong with My Bearded Dragon’s Mouth?
Several problems can occur with a bearded dragon’s mouth, and it’s important to recognize the symptoms to provide the necessary care:
1. Mouth Rot (Infectious Stomatitis): This is a common disease where the inside of the bearded dragon’s mouth becomes inflamed, often appearing yellowish or whitish. Other symptoms can include a loss of appetite, excessive drooling, or swollen gums. If you suspect mouth rot, consult a vet immediately.
2. Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Symptoms of MBD can often be seen in the mouth. If your bearded dragon’s jaw is swollen, tender, or seems broken (rubbery jaw), it might be suffering from MBD. This condition often arises from a diet deficient in calcium or inadequate UVB lighting.
3. Respiratory Infections: Open-mouth breathing or excess mucus in the mouth might indicate a respiratory infection. Accompanying symptoms could include lethargy, loss of appetite, or a wheezing sound when breathing.
4. Oral Tumors: Oral tumors are rare but serious. If you notice a growth or lump in your bearded dragon’s mouth, take them to the vet for diagnosis.
How Do I Know if My Bearded Dragon Is Too Hot?
Bearded dragons are native to the hot deserts of Australia, and they prefer warmer temperatures. However, they can still overheat if the temperatures in their habitat are too high. Here are some signs your bearded dragon might be too hot:
1. Open-Mouth Breathing (Gaping): As previously mentioned, a bearded dragon may keep its mouth open to cool down if it’s too hot.
2. Lethargy: If your bearded dragon is too hot, it may become lethargic. It may appear drowsy, unresponsive, or unwilling to move or eat.
3. Rapid Breathing: If your bearded dragon is breathing rapidly and shallowly, it might be trying to expel heat by increasing its respiration rate.
4. Frequent Drinking: Overheated bearded dragons may drink more water than usual in an attempt to cool down.
5. Seeking Shade: If your bearded dragon is always hiding in the coolest part of its enclosure or trying to burrow, it could be because it’s too hot.
Remember, the optimal temperature for a bearded dragon’s basking spot is between 95-105°F (35-40°C), and the cooler side of their tank should be around 85°F (29°C). If you’re unsure about the temperature, use a reliable thermometer to check. If you notice any of the above symptoms, check the temperature immediately to ensure it’s within a safe range.
How often should I take my bearded dragon for a veterinary check-up?
Regular veterinary check-ups are an essential part of keeping your bearded dragon healthy. Even if your bearded dragon appears perfectly healthy, it’s a good idea to have a vet examine them at least once a year.
Regular check-ups can help detect potential issues early, which can lead to more effective treatment. If your bearded dragon is older or has a known health issue, more frequent visits, such as every six months, may be advisable.
What kind of behavior changes should I look for to indicate that my bearded dragon may not be feeling well?
Bearded dragons are usually active and curious creatures. Any significant change in behavior can be a potential sign of illness. This could include loss of appetite, decreased activity or lethargy, changes in sleep patterns, aggressiveness or unusual fear, and unusual basking behavior like always hiding or always staying under the basking light. Also, changes in their normal coloration or body posture could indicate distress or sickness.
What other signs, apart from mouth discoloration, can point to an oral tumor in my bearded dragon?
In addition to discoloration, oral tumors in bearded dragons can cause other symptoms. You might notice a visible lump or growth in or around the mouth, difficulty or reluctance to eat, weight loss due to reduced food intake, and unusual drooling or mouth movements. In some cases, there might also be bleeding from the mouth. Any such symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to a veterinarian.
How can I ensure that my bearded dragon is getting enough UVB light?
Ensuring your bearded dragon gets enough UVB light is critical for their health. In an indoor setup, this can be achieved by installing a high-quality UVB bulb in their enclosure. The bulb should be positioned in a way that your bearded dragon can bask within 6-12 inches of it.
UVB bulbs lose their effectiveness over time, even if they are still producing visible light, so they should be replaced every 6 months or as recommended by the manufacturer. If possible, natural sunlight is the best source of UVB and can supplement indoor lighting. However, always provide a shaded area to prevent overheating, and never leave your bearded dragon unattended outside.
Can bearded dragons drink water directly from a dish?
Yes, bearded dragons can drink water directly from a dish, although some may need to be taught how to do so. The dish should be shallow to prevent drowning. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. However, not all bearded dragons recognize standing water as a source of hydration, so you may also need to hydrate them through their diet or by gently misting them with water.
Apart from the symptoms already mentioned, are there other signs of dehydration in bearded dragons?
In addition to the symptoms mentioned earlier, another sign of dehydration in bearded dragons could be the color and consistency of their urates (the solid white part of their waste). In a well-hydrated bearded dragon, urates should be white and reasonably soft. If the urates are hard, chalky, or yellowish, it could indicate dehydration.
What kind of thermometer should I use to measure the temperature in my bearded dragon’s enclosure?
Digital thermometers are generally more accurate than analog ones and are recommended for use in a bearded dragon’s enclosure. For a precise measure of the temperature gradient in the enclosure, use at least two thermometers – one near the basking spot and one on the cooler side. An infrared thermometer can also be a valuable tool, allowing you to take quick, precise temperature readings at various points in the enclosure without disturbing your bearded dragon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and observing your bearded dragon’s behavior, maintaining a clean and appropriate habitat, and providing a balanced diet are key to keeping your pet healthy. Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect potential issues early, ensuring your bearded dragon lives a long, happy, and healthy life.
Remember, each bearded dragon is unique, and getting to know your specific pet’s habits and preferences will go a long way in quickly identifying any changes that may signal a problem.