Finding blood in your bearded dragon’s poop can be pretty alarming for any pet owner.

And you are right to be worried.

It can mean a bunch of different things health-wise, from constipation to more significant issues like internal injuries or parasites.

In this post, I’ll go over all the reasons why there’s blood in bearded dragon blood.

What Causes Blood in Bearded Dragon Poop?

Also Read: Why Isn’t My Bearded Dragon Growing?

#1 Parasitic Infections

Parasitic infections are the most common cause of bloody poop in bearded dragons.

Parasites such as pinworms and coccidia can seriously affect your pet’s digestive system, leading to inflammation, irritation, and bleeding.

Pinworms, in particular, are pretty standard in bearded dragons and can cause anal bleeding, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Similarly, coccidia infections can result in diarrhea and bloody stools.

It can even cause neurological symptoms like tremors!

These parasites are usually picked up when the dragon eats contaminated food, drinks contaminated water, or comes into contact with infected feces.

#2 Impaction And Other Gastrointestinal Issues

The most common reason is gastrointestinal problems like constipation and impaction.

If your beardie is constipated, it’ll struggle to poop. When they push hard to get out hard, stuck poop, it can irritate and even tear the cloaca or rectum – which causes bleeding.

And then there’s impaction, which is when their digestive system gets completely clogged up.

This usually happens when they’ve ingested something they shouldn’t have, like a piece of their substrate or something indigestible.

This blockage can cause trauma and bleeding in their intestines.

Inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract, often caused by bacterial or viral infections, can also lead to bloody stools.

#3 Injuries Or Trauma 

Both internal and external injuries can also cause blood in bearded dragons poop.

Swallowing stuff like sharp substrates like sand or crushed walnut shells can lacerate the digestive tract, which causes internal abrasions and bleeding.

Also Read: How to Remove Bearded Dragon Stress Marks

Even eating feeder insects with hard exoskeletons, like super worms, may also damage the lining of the intestines.

External trauma from falls or attacks by other pets can lead to internal bleeding, too.

Mouth injuries sustained during feeding or from sharp decorations in the enclosure can also cause your dragon to swallow blood, which may pass through in the feces.

But this will be a darker, more brownish-red color.

#4 Cloacal Prolapse

In rare cases, the reason behind blood in bearded dragon poop could be cloacal prolapse.

Cloacal prolapse is when the cloaca, the opening for the digestive, reproductive, and urinary tracts, sticks out from the body.

This can happen if the dragon strains while laying eggs, is constipated, or experiences an injury. When the cloaca prolapses, it can get irritated and bleed.

This should be easy to spot. You’ll see a pink or purple blob sticking out from their butt. 

If that happens, it’s a big deal; they need to see a vet immediately.

#5 Certain Foods Or Dietary Changes

Sometimes, it could be something as simple as a change in their diet.

Introducing new foods or sudden dietary changes can upset their digestive systems, leading to inflammation and bleeding. 

Some bearded dragons might even have sensitivities or allergies to certain foods.

Plus, not all reddish coloration in your bearded dragon’s poop is caused by blood.

Foods like raspberries or beets can temporarily tint the feces, giving it a reddish hue.

What To Do If There Is Blood In Your Beardie’s Poop

If you notice blood in your bearded dragon’s poop, try to stay calm and observe your pet’s behavior and overall health.

If your beardie seems active and alert and is eating and basking normally, you can monitor its bowel movements for a few days to see if the bleeding goes away on its own.

And take note of the appearance of the bloody stools.

This can provide valuable information for your veterinarian.

Giving your bearded dragon a warm water bath followed by gentle belly massages can help relieve constipation and promote bowel movements.

Also Read: Pinworms in Bearded Dragons

However, if your beardie appears lethargic, refuses to eat, or exhibits other signs of discomfort or illness, immediately take it to the vet.

Give the veterinarian all the details they need.

How Vets Diagnose And Treat This

Your veterinarian may perform various diagnostic tests, such as fecal examinations or imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds, to determine the cause of the bloody stools.

Based on the findings, the treatment plan may involve medications like:

• Antibiotics or anti-parasitic drugs
• Dietary changes
• Surgical intervention

Wrapping Up

To keep your bearded dragon from having more bloody poop episodes, you must take good care of them and give them the right stuff to eat. 

Keep their tank clean, ensure the right temperature and humidity, and give them a varied diet rich in essential nutrients.

And remember to always have fresh water available for them.