Though you may not like to clean the poop of your bearded dragon, he really needs to do it. They will feel uncomfortable and may fall ill if they don’t poop for a while. However, several issues may prevent them from doing so.
Why is the bearded dragon not pooping but still eating? It can happen because of any of the following reasons:
- Gut impaction
- You are supplying the wrong diet
- Diseases like constipation, coccidiosis, and intestinal parasites
- Dehydration
- The dragon is under stress
- Improper temperature or lighting in the enclosure or
- Brumation
Any of these issues can cause the “not-pooping” problem. But don’t worry. Let me help you with the reasons, symptoms, and solution of treatment for these problems.
Reasons for Bearded Dragon Not Pooping But Still Eating
As multiple reasons can cause the problem, you must not ignore this. Underestimating the problem may lead to more severe health issues.
Gut Impaction
Impaction is the condition when the intestines get blocked by indigestible material. Beardie’s habit of eating sand or a bad diet can cause this problem. Giving them foods that they cannot digest may also lead to this problem.
Symptoms & Solution
Impaction is the condition when the intestines get blocked by indigestible material. Beardie’s habit of eating sand or a bad diet can cause this problem. Giving them foods that they cannot digest may also lead to this problem.
Not pooping is the primary sign of gut impaction. Additionally, you may notice some other symptoms. For example,
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy
- Swollen belly
- Struggling to poop
- Vomiting
Treatment for an impaction involves soaking the dragon in warm water. This helps loosen the blockage. Massaging the belly may also help sometimes. Maintaining a healthy diet and proper feeding approach can help prevent the problem.
Brumation
Brumation is a natural semi-hibernative state for bearded dragons. They usually enter brumation during the cooler months or when daylight hours decrease. It is almost similar to hibernation in other reptiles. During this time, their metabolism slows down, and their need for eating reduces. They do not have to poop so frequently, either.
Symptoms & Solution
You will get a hint of their brumation by observing the change in their regular habits.
- Lack of appetite is a major sign of them being in brumation
- Reptiles reduce their movement significantly, as usual. They may spend more time sleeping or staying still.
- You may notice that your pet lizard is spending less time in the basking area.
- Their sought for cooler areas of the enclosure more frequently is a sign that brumation is coming
- Watch for behaviors like digging or burrowing into the substrate
- Beardies can lose some weight because of a lack of eating
- Their brumation may last for weeks to months. It’s better not to disturb them during this time.
Brumation does not require any treatment. It’s part of their natural life, and don’t interrupt this. Nonetheless, if your lizard friend goes into bloom in warmer seasons, then it’s a concern. Check if the temperature or light is all right for them.
Constipation
Constipation is a common digestive issue in bearded dragons. It means they are having trouble passing stool normally. Their poop can become dry, hard, and difficult to pass. It’s an uncomfortable condition for beardies, and your aid is essential to help them get rid of the problem.
Symptoms & Solution
You may notice these signs that indicate your beardie is constipated:
- Lethargy and lack of appetite are major symptoms.
- Swollen or hard belly from backed-up stool.
- Straining or awkward movements when trying to poop.
- No poop for several days despite eating normally.
- A small amount of liquid stool or urine is being passed.
- Beardie may show signs of pain or discomfort.
Source: Reddit
Treatment for constipation involves helping them pass the backed-up stool. First, try warm baths to hydrate and soothe. Gently massage the belly. Increase hydration by misting greens. Add more fluid-rich foods to their diet.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when a bearded dragon does not take in enough fluids. It leads to water loss and thickening of the blood and bodily fluids. So they may not have to poop for several days even after eating properly. Water is essential for any animal, and that does not exclude these lizards.
Symptoms & Solution
Dehydration leads to several issues in reptiles. Watch for these signs of dehydration in beardies:
- Lethargy, weakness, and loss of appetite.
- Wrinkled, sunken eyes or sagging skin.
- Dry, sticky mouth or thick rope-like saliva.
- Lack of shedding or stuck shed.
- Little or no urates or urine in droppings.
- Constipation from dried-out stool.
- Dark-colored urine.
Treatment involves rehydrating them slowly but thoroughly. Provide fresh water at all times. Add fruits and vegetables that are high in water content. Raspberries, strawberries, bananas, etc.
Soak them in lukewarm water and give them a bath. Adding fluids under the skin if severely dehydrated offers faster results.
Temperature Issues
Bearded dragons require specific temperature ranges to stay healthy. Too hot or cold environments can cause major problems. The ideal temperature is about 75-80°F. The basking area needs to be hotter, where temperatures can reach up to 95-115°F.
Symptoms & Solution
If you pay attention, you won’t miss to notice the signs of excessively high or low temperatures. Beardies feel uncomfortable and try to let you know in different ways.
- Lethargy and loss of appetite signal the habitat is too cold.
- Gaping, panting, and hiding indicate overheating.
- Darkening beard and blackening tail tip are signs of extreme heat stress.
- Limb tremors, lethargy, and immune issues can result from cold.
- Lack of appetite and digestion trouble can be caused by cold.
Though the beardie may still be eating, the amount will reduce significantly. Don’t just be happy seeing them eating a little. Actions are required to solve the problem.
- Solutions involve adjusting the habitat temperature. Make sure heating pads, lamps, and thermometers are working properly.
- Adjust the wattage of bulbs to increase heat. Use ceramic heat emitters for 24/7 heat.
- Make sure the basking area reaches an ideal temperature.
- Providing a cooler end and hide is an ideal step to maintain the temperature for them.
Inadequate Lighting
Lighting is another important aspect you need to be aware of for reptile pets. Relying on natural sunlight is a big mistake that I have also made. Later, I found out that one also has to arrange UVB lights to keep lizards healthy. Lack of UVB or incorrect photoperiods can cause them to “not poop” despite them eating regularly.
Symptoms & Solution
The slow growth rate is the primary sign that the beardie is not getting enough light. This may also lead to bone and muscular problems because of not getting enough vitamin D3. Reptiles may not go to the basking area frequently, and there can also be eye problems along with respiratory infections.
Solutions include adjusting lighting based on their needs. Make sure UVB and heating lamps have correct wattage and are positioned properly. Replace bulbs every 6-12 months as UVB wears out. Provide 10-12 hours of light per day.
Beardie Is Under Stress
Though beardies do not possess many emotions, they do feel stressed sometimes. They can become stressed by various husbandry issues and environmental factors. Stress weakens their immune system and causes other problems. Not pooping can be an initial issue that may lead to other types of problems if not treated in time.
Symptoms & Solution
Beardie may sometimes eat properly; don’t let that deceive you. Look for the following signs to confirm the issue:
- Darkening beard and body colors.
- Aggressive behavior or skittishness.
- Lack of usual basking and activity.
- Extended puffed-out beard.
- Tail twitching or odd movements.
Make sure habitat conditions like temperature, lighting, and substrate are ideal. Though beardies may like to be held, avoid holding them when they are stressed. Limit external noise and disturbances and maintain stable routines for feeding, handling, and maintenance.
Coccidiosis in Bearded Dragons
Coccidiosis is an intestinal infection caused by microscopic parasites called coccidia. It is very contagious and spreads through the feces. It can lead to gastrointestinal inflammation and damage. This inflammation can obstruct the digestive tract, resulting in constipation or difficulty passing stool.
Symptoms & Solution
The infection of coccidiosis may lead to several issues. This might cause several problems in them and show you hints of the problem.
- Dehydration from diarrhea or watery stool.
- Bloody stool or fluid with a red tinge.
- Straining to defecate with little production.
- Abdominal swelling or tenderness.
- Weight loss from lack of nutrient absorption.
The first thing that is needed to do in this circumstance is to hydrate them with fluids and baths. Improve their diet to support recovery. The coccidiosis problem often needs to be treated by an expert vet and requires anti-parasitic medication.
Intestinal Parasites in Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons can suffer from various parasitic worms and protozoa that live in the intestines. Common examples are pinworms, roundworms, hookworms, and giardia.
Parasites may inflame the intestinal lining, causing blockages or impeding normal peristalsis. Additionally, severe infections can result in dehydration, impacting bowel movements.
Symptoms & Solution
Several symptoms will help you understand that your dragon is not feeling well. Look for these signs:
- Noticeable decrease in body weight despite regular feeding
- Decreased activity levels or overall weakness
- Loss of interest in eating or reduced food consumption
- Abnormal stool consistency or difficulty passing stool
- The presence of blood in the feces, which is a serious concern
- Distension or bloating of the belly
- Expelling of stomach contents, sometimes containing undigested food or parasites
- Worms or other parasites may be visible in the feces or around the cloaca
Treatment involves anti-parasitic medication from a vet. Improve diet and hydration during recovery. Disinfect habitat and tools to remove cysts and eggs. Quarantine new dragons for a minimum of 30 days. Prevent parasites by sanitizing feeders, proper food handling, effective substrate cleaning, and good hygiene practices.
Wrong Diet
Bearded dragons need a varied diet with proper nutrition. Incorrect diets can lead to many health problems, including less pooping though they are eating.
- An improper diet for bearded dragons lacking essential nutrients like fiber can lead to digestive issues, including constipation or impaction.
- Inadequate hydration from a lack of freshwater or moisture-rich foods can exacerbate the problem.
- Insufficient calcium intake may also result in muscle weakness, affecting bowel movements.
Symptoms & Solution
Giving them the wrong diet can cause many problems for beardies. Watch for these signs of improper diet:
- Inability to digest certain foods.
- Constipation or loose stool from poor nutrition.
- Obesity and fatty deposits under the scales.
- Swollen limbs or abdomen.
- Lethargy and weakness from deficiencies.
- Bone, muscle, and skin issues.
Offer a variety of chopped vegetables each day as staple foods. Provide live insects like small crickets, roaches, worms, etc. Dust foods with calcium and multivitamin supplements as needed. Avoid overfeeding insects, fruits, or proteins. Introduce new foods slowly. Limit low-nutrient feeder foods as treats.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Need to Poop?
Remember that bearded dragons need to poop on a regular basis. It is essential for their well-being. Here are some of the reasons they need to poop regularly.
Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
Like all animals, bearded dragons need to poop in order to eliminate waste from their digestive system. Bearded dragons are omnivores, eating both plant and animal matter. Their diet consists of insects, vegetables, some fruits, and greens.
When they eat, the food moves through the digestive tract, where nutrients are extracted and absorbed into the body. The leftover material that cannot be digested forms the waste product that must be excreted as feces. Pooping removes the indigestible matter so it does not build up and cause illness.
Impaction and Constipation Prevention
Impaction and constipation are not the only reasons for them not pooping. These issues can be prevented through regular pooping. If bearded dragons cannot poop, the undigested material gets backed up in their digestive tract. This causes a dangerous condition called impact.
Remember that impaction is life-threatening for bearded dragons. Constipation also causes discomfort, preventing proper nutrient absorption. Regular pooping is essential to prevent these problems.
Toxicity and Disease Prevention
Stool contains bacteria, toxins, and waste materials like uric acid and certain chemicals. These materials need to be thrown away from their body. If not, it gets reabsorbed by the body and causes toxicity.
The presence of these toxic elements needs to be removed from their bodies. Otherwise, they may get ill and suffer from different health problems.
How Often Do Bearded Dragons Need to Poop?
Young bearded dragons poop more often than adults. Babies under 3 months old can poop 1-3 times per day since they have a fast metabolism. Juvenile dragons 4-18 months old poop about every other day as their metabolism slows. Adult beardies over 18 months usually poop every 2-7 days.
If you don’t know your dragon’s age, check its size. Babies under 1 month are 3-4 inches long. At 6 months, they reach 11 inches. Adults are over 16 inches long.
Diet also affects poop frequency. Foods high in calcium, like silkworms, make them poop more often. As they get older and eat more vegetables, they poop less frequently. Monitor your bearded dragon’s pooping schedule to ensure it is regular and healthy. Dramatic changes in poop frequency can signal health issues.
What to Do to Help Bearded Dragon Poop?
Your bearded dragon not pooping but still eating is a serious problem. You need to take some steps to solve the issues. Follow these instructions and do these to solve the problem.
The Dragon Bath
Give your dragon a warm bath to help them poop. Use shallow, warm water, about 80-85 degrees F, up to their shoulders. Let them soak for 10-20 minutes.
The water can relax muscles and lubricate hardened stool. Gently massage their belly from top to bottom while in the bath. Make this a regular habit for the beardies. They will feel better.
A Laxative for Your Lizard
If your bearded dragon is very constipated or blocked, a vet may prescribe a laxative. Common options are lactulose syrup or mineral oil. Give the oral dose using a syringe.
Start with a very small amount, like 0.1 mL per 10 grams body weight. Increase slowly if needed. Monitor for side effects. Laxatives lubricate the intestines to allow passage of stuck stool.
Olive Oil Dipped Bugs
Lightly coat feeder insects in olive oil and offer them to your beardie. The oil can help lubricate their system to relieve constipation. Use just a drop or spritz of olive oil on bugs, not soaked. Too much oil can cause diarrhea. Olive oil also provides healthy fats. Continue until pooping returns to normal.
Change Your Dragon’s Diet
Adjust your bearded dragon’s diet to get more hydration and fiber. Feed more leafy greens, veggies with moisture like cucumber, and some fruits. Avoid dry foods. Mist or soak greens with water before feeding. Ensure they drink regularly. Reduce feeding too many insects, which are dehydrating.
Take Them For a Walk
Some lizards become very lazy. They do not want to move around or do exercises. You give them various objects to play with or climb. But they do not use any of them. This lack of movement often hampers digestion and causes problems in pooping.
To normalize the stool, take them on a walk. I know they are not dogs that you can put on a leash. But take them outside of their enclosure and let them have fun. Make them run around. Spread food here and there, and they may move for the treat.
Tying a leash can be done to the adult ones. Watch this video for yourself:
Make that Vet Appointment!
None of the above solutions are working? It might be a serious issue with the lizard. You should take him to an expert vet without wasting any more time. Stooling and pooping are important for them to survive in good health.
Share the necessary information the vet asks. Let them know the diet you follow, the hydration, and enclosure details. Follow the medication as instructed, and your beardie shall come around pretty soon.
FAQ
Some more questions that might have come to your mind need answers. Check if the following information is enough to satisfy your curiosity.
How long can a beardie go without pooping?
Bearded dragons typically defecate every 1-2 days, though individual variations occur. The concern arises if a beardie hasn’t pooped for over a week. It indicates various digestive issues or other problems. Immediate actions are required to find and solve the root of the problem.
Is it bad if my bearded dragon hasn’t pooped in a week?
Yes, it is concerning if a bearded dragon hasn’t pooped in a week. This could indicate underlying health issues such as impaction and constipation. Check the above-mentioned signs to see if they are available in your beardies. If yes, then follow the instructions I have already given for the respective problems.
What does unhealthy poop look like for a bearded dragon?
Unhealthy poop in bearded dragons may appear as runny or watery. It can also be excessively smelly, discolored, and contain undigested food particles. Sometimes, there can be a stain of blood in the loo. Additionally, abnormal poop may be accompanied by other physical symptoms.
What does normal bearded dragon poop look like?
Normal bearded dragon poop is firm, well-formed, and brown in color. It often resembles a sausage or cylinder. It should not be excessively smelly or contain undigested food particles. Regular bowel movements every 1-2 days are typical for healthy bearded dragons.
Conclusion
All in all, bearded dragons need to poop on a regular basis. If a bearded dragon is not pooping but still eating, then it means something is not right with the reptile. It needs immediate treatment. But first, you need to identify the problem.
Follow the above-mentioned instructions and do accordingly. For extreme cases, you must contact an expert vet. Ignoring the problem can be costly for both you and the pet. Hopefully, you will find the article helpful and problem-solving.