Bearded Dragon Vomiting? Here’s What It Means and How to Help

If you’re a bearded dragon owner, you know the sinking feeling of seeing your pet throw up. It can be downright alarming! Whether it’s undigested food or a mysterious green liquid, a bearded dragon vomiting signals something isn’t quite right.

But what does it actually mean, and how can you help? Let’s break down the causes and solutions to get your dragon back to its healthy, happy self.

Why Is My Bearded Dragon Vomiting? Common Causes

When my dragon threw up for the first time, I was alarmed and had no idea what was going on. But I learned that there are a few common reasons this happens, and most of them can be handled with a little care and attention.

1. Overeating

Bearded dragons can be little gluttons! If they eat too much or too fast, they might end up vomiting. When I first got my dragon, I’d give him as many crickets as he’d eat, only to realize he couldn’t handle it. Too much food, especially large insects, can put pressure on their small bodies and lead to vomiting.

2. Eating the Wrong Foods

Not all foods sit well with bearded dragons. Some veggies are too tough for them, and certain bugs are too large or hard to digest. My vet warned me that wild insects or overly fibrous greens can be tough on their digestive system. Stick to safe foods, and be mindful of portion sizes.

3. Dehydration

Bearded dragons can get dehydrated quickly, especially if their tank is too warm or they’re not drinking enough water. When they’re dehydrated, it affects their whole system, sometimes causing vomiting. I keep a small water dish in my dragon’s tank and mist him occasionally to keep him hydrated.

4. Parasites

Parasites are another common cause of vomiting in bearded dragons. Even though it sounds gross, parasites can be sneaky and hard to spot at first. If you’ve noticed vomiting along with other issues like diarrhea or lethargy, parasites might be the reason. A quick vet visit and some medication can usually solve this.

5. Temperature Problems

Bearded dragons need specific temperatures in their tank to digest food properly. If the tank is too cold, they can’t digest, and if it’s too hot, they can overheat. Either way, their stomach won’t handle food well and might end up rejecting it. I use a thermometer to keep my dragon’s tank at just the right warmth—around 95°F for basking and 75°F on the cooler side.

6. Illness or Infection

Sometimes vomiting is a sign of an underlying illness or infection, like a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. These conditions can stress their bodies, making it hard for them to keep food down. If you notice other symptoms, like trouble breathing or strange behavior, it’s best to call the vet.

Each of these causes has its own solution, so don’t panic if you notice vomiting—just check a few things and take it step by step.

Recognizing Symptoms Alongside Vomiting

1. Loss of Appetite

If your dragon usually loves food but suddenly isn’t eating, this can be a red flag. Spike went from gobbling crickets to barely looking at them. Vomiting along with no interest in food can mean something serious, like an upset stomach or even a bigger health issue.

2. Lethargy or Weakness

Dragons are usually active, curious little creatures. But if yours seems tired or sluggish, it could be a sign that they’re not feeling well. I remember Spike just lying around his tank and barely moving after he vomited. That lack of energy is a signal to pay closer attention.

3. Unusual Stool or Diarrhea

Vomiting can sometimes go hand-in-hand with other digestive issues. If you notice loose stools or anything unusual, keep an eye on it. Once, Spike had diarrhea along with vomiting, and it turned out he needed some medicine for parasites. This combo often means a vet visit is needed.

4. Breathing Problems

If your dragon is wheezing, gasping, or has heavy breathing along with vomiting, it could be a sign of a respiratory infection. These infections make it harder for them to breathe and can sometimes cause vomiting. I haven’t seen this with Spike, but a friend’s dragon had it, and they needed quick vet care.

What To Do If Your Bearded Dragon Is Vomiting

1. Give Their Stomach a Break

First, take a step back from feeding. Just like us, dragons need a break when their stomach is upset.

Avoid offering food or water right after they vomit.
Wait a few hours to see if their stomach settles.
For Spike, I held off food for a full day when he was sick, and that alone made a difference.

2. Check Tank Temperature and Humidity

A dragon’s tank temperature can impact their digestion. Too hot or too cold? It can make things worse.

Use a thermometer to ensure the tank is around 75-85°F on the cool side and 95-105°F on the basking side.
Humidity should be between 30-40%. A hygrometer (a humidity gauge) can help you keep it just right.

When I realized Spike’s tank was a bit cool, raising the heat kept his digestion on track.

3. Offer Water Slowly

Hydration is key, but too much water too soon can be tough on their system.

Dip your finger in water and let them lick it.
Or, offer a small, shallow dish and watch if they sip on their own.

Sometimes, Spike would drink from a spray mist on his snout. If they aren’t drinking, try a gentle mist!

4. Clean the Tank Thoroughly

If your dragon’s sick, keeping their environment spotless can prevent infections from spreading.

Remove any uneaten food, especially bugs or veggies, as these can rot fast in a warm tank.
Clean their tank with a reptile-safe disinfectant and give them fresh bedding.

For me, a clean tank seemed to help Spike recover faster.

5. Watch for Other Symptoms

Keep a close eye on them after vomiting. Other symptoms may point to a bigger problem.

Notice if they’re acting sluggish or won’t eat at all.
Look at their poop (gross, I know!) to see if it’s loose or discolored.

With Spike, I knew it was time to call the vet when he seemed tired and his stool looked off. Don’t ignore changes if they seem serious.

6. Call a Vet if Vomiting Persists

If your dragon keeps vomiting, or if they seem in pain, it’s time for professional help.
Some signs it’s time to call:

Persistent vomiting (more than once or twice).
Labored breathing, weight loss, or signs of dehydration.

I took Spike to the vet when his vomiting didn’t stop, and it turned out he had a mild infection. Better safe than sorry!

When to Take Your Bearded Dragon to the Vet

If your bearded dragon vomits once, it might just be a small hiccup. But sometimes, vomiting can signal bigger health issues that need a vet’s attention. Here’s when you should definitely consider taking your bearded dragon to see a professional.

1. If Vomiting Keeps Happening

If your bearded dragon vomits more than once or twice, something’s likely wrong. I remember the first time I saw my bearded dragon, Spike, vomit twice in a day – I knew it was time to call our reptile vet. Persistent vomiting usually means their body isn’t happy with something, whether it’s a dietary problem, parasites, or an infection.

2. Other Symptoms with Vomiting

Vomiting combined with other symptoms can be serious. Keep an eye out for things like:

Diarrhea – this can point to a parasite issue or stomach infection.
Trouble Breathing – wheezing or gasping could mean a respiratory problem.
Loss of Appetite – if they’re not eating, something’s off.
Extreme Lethargy – if your dragon’s energy is super low, it’s time for help.

Once, Spike stopped eating and looked so tired. He was hiding in his tank, which was unusual for him. It turned out he had a respiratory infection. The vet treated him quickly, and I was so glad I hadn’t waited.

3. Pain or Dehydration

If your bearded dragon looks like they’re in pain or shows signs of dehydration, it’s best not to wait. Dehydration in reptiles can go downhill quickly. You might see sunken eyes or wrinkled skin, both signs they need help. I learned this the hard way when I left Spike’s tank too warm for too long and he ended up needing fluids at the vet.

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. You know your bearded dragon better than anyone, so don’t ignore a nagging feeling. It’s always better to be safe, and a quick vet visit can often prevent bigger issues later. Remember, a healthy dragon is a happy dragon!

Preventing Vomiting in Bearded Dragons

It’s a big relief when we can stop a problem before it starts. When it comes to preventing vomiting in bearded dragons, a few small changes can make a huge difference. I’ve found that a well-set-up tank and a steady diet are key to a happy, healthy beardie.

Feed the Right Foods

Not all foods are great for a bearded dragon.

Stick to appropriately-sized insects that aren’t too big (aim for insects smaller than the space between their eyes).
Fresh greens like collard greens and dandelion leaves are ideal.
Avoid lettuce, avocado, and spinach—they can cause stomach issues.

One time, I fed my bearded dragon a hornworm that was a bit too large. He had trouble digesting it and seemed uncomfortable for hours. Now, I always double-check insect size to avoid any issues!

Keep Tank Conditions Just Right

Bearded dragons need specific temperatures and humidity levels.

The tank’s basking spot should be around 95-110°F (about 35-43°C).
The cooler side of the tank should be closer to 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Humidity should stay around 30-40%.

I use two thermometers and a hygrometer to keep tabs. Once, I noticed the tank was cooler than usual, and my dragon seemed sluggish. Fixing that helped him perk up quickly, and it reminded me that tank temperature really affects their digestion.

Regular Vet Visits

Getting your bearded dragon checked by a vet, even if they seem healthy, can help prevent health issues.
A quick vet visit once or twice a year can catch things like parasites early on.

My vet once gave me advice on portion sizes that I hadn’t considered, and it’s saved me some guesswork since then. It’s a simple way to stay proactive about their health.

With a bit of attention to diet and tank setup, you can help prevent vomiting in your bearded dragon. It’s all about keeping them comfortable and feeding them foods that go easy on their stomachs.

Bearded Dragon Vomiting? Here’s What It Means and How to Help