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"Pet Bearded Dragon Care & Information (Pogona vitticeps)"

Bearded Dragon Parasites

Bearded Dragon Parasites

There are various types of Bearded dragon parasites, some much more common than others. The definition of a parasite is an organism which lives of its host, to the advantage of itself and the detriment of the host. Parasites also need their host to live and be able to reproduce. Bearded dragon parasites are no exception.

Bearded Dragon Parasite Types

Bearded dragon parasites can be broadly divided into internal parasites and external parasites.

Internal parasites are a very common finding in Bearded dragons. They are those parasites which lives inside their host, i.e. inside the intestines. Important Bearded dragon internal parasites include worms, coccidia and flaggellates. These internal parasites unusually affects the gut lining of Bearded dragons. Most of them are transmitted between Bearded dragons, or from an infected environment to a Bearded dragon.

Bearded Dragon Parasites Symptoms

Most Bearded dragon parasite symptoms are unspecific (not specific to parasites of Bearded dragons). General signs include the following:

• Partial or complete anorexia (lack of appetite)

• Weight loss & poor body condition

• Dehydration (wrinkled skin & sunken eyes)

• Weakness (lying flat)

• Lethargy or dullness (unaware of its surroundings)

More specific Bearded dragon parasite symptoms include:

• Diarrhoea (abnormal or runny faeces and / or cloacal soiling)

• Blood tinged stool

• Vomition

Bearded Dragon Parasite Prevention

The most important aspects of Bearded dragon parasite prevention is probably Bearded dragon hygiene and Bearded dragon quarantine. Stools should be cleaned on a daily basis to prevent parasites from infecting new dragons or re-infecting the same Bearded dragon over and over.

As with all pets, it is recommended to have even a healthy Bearded dragon evaluated by a Bearded dragon veterinarian on a routine or regular basis. Important problems like Bearded dragon parasites can be identified early and rectified before it becomes a problem. It is preferable to have a Bearded dragon evaluated for parasites at the time of purchase, before or during its Bearded dragon quarantine period and then at least every six months after that. Remember to accompany the dragon with a fresh / wet faecal sample sealed in an airtight sealable bag.

Bearded Dragon Parasite Treatment

Never attempt to treat a sick Bearded dragon yourself. Bearded dragon parasite treatment is very specific and it is important to make a proper diagnoses first before a remedy is subscribed. Always take your Bearded dragon to a reptile friendly veterinarian accommodated with a fresh stool sample to aid in the diagnoses.

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