Losing a pet is always hard, especially when it’s a beloved family member like a bearded dragon. As reptile owners, we form close bonds with our scaly friends. So, what to do with a dead bearded dragon?
The best option is to contact your local vet’s office: many have cremation services specifically for small animals. They can handle the process in a dignified manner. You’ll get back a small box with your pet’s ashes that you can keep or scatter in a meaningful place.
While this is a sad time, you can find comfort in knowing your little dragon was cherished. Read on for more details on Beardie’s end-of-life logistics, including other burial alternatives, handling remains yourself, and coping with grief.
What to Do with Your Deceased Reptile?
Losing a beloved pet reptile like a bearded dragon can be extremely hard. Here are some options to consider when making end-of-life arrangements for your scaly friend.
1. Necropsy May Be Useful
If your beardy passed away suddenly or from an unknown cause, having a necropsy performed can provide answers. A reptile-experienced vet will examine your pet’s remains to determine the underlying medical issue.
A necropsy can give you closure if your dragon has an illness or genetic condition. This is especially important for other reptiles in your home who may be affected.
2. You Can Think of a Burial
For some owners, a home burial provides a sense of closeness. You can bury your bearded dragon in your yard or garden. Select a spot protected from predators with adequate soil depth. Line the bottom with stones or sticks to deter scavengers.
Place your dragon in a small box or cloth wrap. Mark the site with a stone or plant a flower over the grave. This option allows you to create a little memorial space.
3. Cremation Is An Alternative
Many veterinary offices offer private cremation services for small pets like bearded dragons. They will handle the entire process and return the ashes in a special urn.
You can keep the urn or scatter the ashes in your dragon’s favorite sunbathing spot. Some services allow witnessing the cremation, which can help provide closure. Cremation allows you to keep your pet’s remains close.
4. Back To The Breeder
If your bearded dragon was from a reputable breeder, contact them about arrangements. Many breeders will take back deceased dragons out of respect for the animals they raised.
They can arrange for proper disposal or cremation services. Returning your pet provides the certainty it will be handled appropriately. The breeder may appreciate knowing the cause of death as well. They may also offer you a new pet with a commission price.
How to Know Your Beardie Is Really Dead?
For a new or beginner pet owner, it might be difficult to be sure of the death of the lizard. Here are some guidance that will help you.
- Lack of breathing: Watch closely for any chest movements. Place a small mirror or plastic wrap near the nose and mouth. It will not fog up if the dragon is dead and not breathing.
- No heartbeat: Gently feel the chest area for a heartbeat. Use a stethoscope for monitoring if unsure.
- Loss of color: The coloring and pigment will fade quickly after death. The eyes may appear sunken or clouded over.
- Rigor mortis: The limbs and body will become stiff starting a couple of hours after death. Try gently manipulating a leg: if it stays in place, rigor mortis has begun.
- Odor: A deceased reptile will start to give off odors within a day or two. This occurs as organs shut down. A live bearded dragon should not smell.
- Lack of response: Try offering food or gently prodding your dragon. Healthy beardies are curious and alert. No reaction likely means your pet has passed away.
Checking these signs carefully will confirm if your bearded dragon is deceased before moving forward with aftercare arrangements.
Factors to Consider When Disposing of Dead-Bearded Dragon
It is your responsibility to bid a final farewell to your reptile with respect and honor. You need to maintain a few things of caution during this time.
1. Be Sure of Its Death
It may be hard to accept, but make absolutely certain your beardie is deceased before disposal. Check for lack of heartbeat, breathing, and response. Rigor mortis and loss of color are also clear signs. Don’t rush – monitor your pet for 24 hours if unsure. It would be devastating to accidentally dispose of a living lizard.
2. Keep the Lizard Separated
Once certain your beardie has passed, place the body in a sealed container in the refrigerator. This halts decomposition and keeps scavengers away. Do not freeze the body, as this makes cremation difficult. Keep children and other pets away from the deceased reptile to avoid distress.
3. Burial Laws
Check your local regulations before home burial. Most areas prohibit burying dead pets in city limits. You’ll need appropriate space away from water sources. Some vets allow burying small pets in fields out back. Cremation avoids legal issues and biohazards of burial.
How to Bury A Bearded Dragon Properly?
The burial of your deceased bearded dragon is your responsibility. Here’s a brief guide on properly burying a deceased bearded dragon:
- Select a burial spot away from water and utilities, with at least 3-4 feet of soft earth. Mark the grave’s edges.
- Line the bottom with stones or twigs to prevent digging by scavengers.
- Place the wrapped lizard in a box or cloth shroud in the hole. Cover completely with dirt.
- Make a small mound over the spot and cover it with rocks, or mark it with a large stone.
- Plant native flowers or bushes over the grave as a living tribute.
- Hold a small memorial service, recite a poem, or share memories.
- Consider creating a photo tribute, memory book, or box to process the loss.
- Check periodically that the grave remains undisturbed. Refill any settling and refresh the marker as needed.
FAQ
It is not easy to deal with a dead pet. You may face many difficulties and confusion during this time. I hope the following information might be useful.
Can I keep a bearded dragon alive after death?
No, once a bearded dragon has died, it cannot be kept alive. The body will start decomposing within hours. However, you can keep its memory fresh and alive in your heart. Bury it in a place you can visit or arrange for cremation and keep the ashes to you.
What are the symptoms of a dying bearded dragon?
A dying bearded dragon gives some hints to inform you. Lethargy, lack of appetite, labored breathing, weakness, discharge from mouth/nose, and loss of balance are signs a bearded dragon is dying.
What are the causes of death for bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons can pass away because of several issues. Old age, infections, parasites, inadequate housing, malnutrition, impaction, and certain diseases can lead to a bearded dragon’s death. Performing a necropsy will help to know the cause of death.
What is the lifespan of bearded dragons?
With proper care, bearded dragons typically live 5-10 years. Some may reach up to 15 years old. They live a moderately good life compared to other lizards. You should take them as a responsibility and be sincere in looking after them.
Final Thought
Losing your beloved scaly friend is incredibly hard. Take time to grieve and process the loss. When ready, thoughtfully arrange for your pet’s remains, whether through cremation, home burial or return to a breeder. Hold a memorial service to share memories and find closure.
While the pain will linger, take comfort in knowing you provided the very best life and care for your bearded dragon. The joy they brought will remain in your heart forever. Your dedicated companionship meant everything to them.
Shoutout to: