Why Is Your Bearded Dragon Shaking? A Comprehensive Guide

The bearded dragon is a type of lizard that is now regarded as the best lizard pet. Bearded dragons come in eight different species, but the inland or central bearded dragon is the most common, found in the desert to semi-arid southeastern portions of Australia; observing your bearded dragon’s behavior regularly is an essential way to care for your pet. You will become more able to spot that something is wrong with your reptile if you are acquainted with its behavior. Most bearded dragon chronic conditions will influence your pet’s behavior in some way, although there might be no visible clinical signs.

So, Why Is Your Bearded Dragon Shaking?

A shaking bearded dragon or a bearded dragon shaking head is probably the result of serious nutrient deficiencies. A long–term deficiency of vitamin and calcium in a bearded dragons nutrition will cause a slew of medical issues, including life-threatening metabolic bone disease. It is very easy and simple to prevent shaking in bearded dragons because it is caused by a shortage of vitamins and calcium for a long time. Both calcium and vitamins are necessary for a bearded dragon because vitamins and calcium play an important role in a variety of body activities and processes wriggling is most likely an indication of metabolic bone disease.

Calcium Deficiency

Although a calcium deficit is not usually the reason for your bearded dragon’s tremors, it is the most prevalent. A poor diet and a shortage of replenishment create calcium insufficiency. If a bearded dragon does not obtain enough calcium, its bones will become soft, and if the lack continues for a long time, the bearded dragon’s bones will become malformed. If you think you’ve previously given the feeder insects a multivitamin, you’re definitely not giving them enough calcium. Simply take the calcium supplement every time you feed your bearded dragon. Aside from that, calcium should be provided in a bowl. This is a rare occurrence, but it is one of just a few methods to keep that your bearded dragon receives adequate calcium once it feels like a need. To avoid this problem, make sure your live bug feeders are fully loaded before feeding them to your beardie, and lightly coat them with a calcium powder supplement, Gut loading your feeder insects is a simple procedure that involves feeding healthy veggies to the insects. Special diets are also available for feeder insects, and these supply a variety of vitamins and minerals. After you’ve fed the insects, you’ll need to wait for 12-24/7 before delivering them to your beardie.

In Bearded Dragon Tanks, the Lighting Is Wrong

This is related to a calcium shortage. Suppose your bearded dragon consumes adequate calcium, yet your lighting isn’t right. In that case, the calcium in its body won’t be processed, the bonus will soften, and your bearded dragon will start to shake. As you may know, Bearded dragons adore the sun and require it to survive. A bearded dragon deprived of light and warmth is a lifeless bearded dragon. A heat-producing light bulb and a UVB light bulb are also required. Because beardies are cold-blooded, they will be unable to warm themselves without the heat. Your bearded dragon will be unable to function correctly if it does not have access to heat. It is incapable of moving, hunting, or digesting food.

Vitamin Toxicity

Vitamin D3 is the most common vitamin that causes overdosing in bearded dragons. This is most likely due to a fear of metabolic bone disease; thus, many owners supplement vitamin D3 more than is recommended. A D3 overload is also more likely if your beardie is exposed to a lot of UVB rays while also taking a lot of D3 supplements. A vitamin D3 overload will induce pain in your beardie’s joints in addition to shaking. Too much vitamin D3 causes extra calcium to be deposited in the bones because it aids in calcium absorption. Calcium can also build up in the heart and kidneys, leading both organs to fail. A UVB bulb in your beardie’s enclosure will ensure that the animal obtains the vitamin D3 it requires.

Parasites and Other Diseases

While calcium shortage is the most prevalent cause of shaking in bearded dragons, parasites or other disorders can also cause it. Your bearded dragon will grow weak as a result of parasites and infections, which may cause it to shake. However, this may be impossible to determine without a veterinarian’s diagnosis. If your bearded dragon is trembling, consult a reptile veterinarian right soon for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. If you’re shaking, it could be an indication of a life-threatening condition, and you should get medical help right once. Pinworms are one of the most frequent parasites.

What Can You Do If Your Bearded Dragon Is Shaking?

Calcium

Calcium is essential for a bearded dragon’s health. Feed your beardie a variety of leafy green vegetables, such as lamb’s lettuce, spring greens, and Timothy hay, but avoid spinach, which might interfere with calcium absorption. Calcium mineral powders can also be added to insects before offering them to your pet.

Heat

The absorption of calcium from your bearded dragon’s diet is dependent on heat. You’ll need to add lamps to your beardie enclosure to keep the temperature between 38 and 42 degrees Celsius in part of the space. In addition, your pet requires cold sections in his habitat that are between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius.

Ultraviolet light

Bearded dragons require ultraviolet light in order to metabolize calcium. Neon panel bulb emits between 10% and 12% UVB light, which is sufficient lighting. Light from the lamp is required for at least two-thirds of your pet’s habitat, and you can regulate the levels with a UV meter. Because UVB light fades over time, you must change the bulb according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Special Soaks

Soaks made with unflavored Pedialyte and a pinch of calcium powder Calcium supplements for humans will suffice. Make a shallow bath with 1/2 water and 1/2 Pedialyte, then mix in a good tablespoon of calcium. You can immerse your dragon in this way twice a day for 20 to 30 minutes each time. Do you want to get a bearded dragon as a pet? They’re among the most popular reptiles and make fantastic pets. They are, nonetheless, more difficult to adopt than cats and dogs. You must meet several requirements before introducing a bearded dragon into your household.

Take Them to the Vet

If nothing is working make sure you bring your bearded dragons to a reptile vet right away. A healthy bearded dragon should not be shaking so if it isn’t easily remedied it’s time for a doctor to intervene. If it is a calcium deficiency or other vitamin deficiency that’s led to metabolic bone disease bearded dragons will need blood tests and x rays to confirm what’s wrong with them. This isn’t something a bearded dragon owner can accomplish at home. Read our article detailing metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons here.

Common Mistakes to Avoid as a Bearded Dragon Owner

Bearded Dragons Require a Specialized Habitat

First and foremost, you are mistaken if you believe you will be able to live with your small dragon in the same manner as you seem to do with your cat or dog. You’ll need to construct a habitat for them, often known as a growth chamber. A fully developed bearded dragon can reach a length of 14 to 16 inches. As a result, the tank must be at least 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet high. Make sure you have enough space in your home for this terrarium. The habitat will also need UVB lighting, resting rocks, a good quality substrate, and logs and other scratchy surfaces for them to rub against during their shedding process.

Making Them Live Full Time With Other Bearded Dragons Isn’t Ideal

Bearded dragons don’t get along with each other very well; thus, they’re best off living alone. Especially two male bearded dragons will be prone to fighting. It’s best not to put them in the same tank as other lizards. They’ll either compete for food or seek out sunbathing locations. Some of them will even eat their cage buddies. However, this does not imply that they are antagonistic to people. Like other pets, they enjoy and thrive with attention. But, they are quite territorial. Unless you’re breeding a couple it’s best they live alone.

Not Seeing a Veterinarian Regularly

Some pet owners mistakenly believe that bearded dragons do not become sick. Adenovirus illness, mouth decay, or metabolic bone disorders are all possibilities. It would be best to take them to the veterinarian regularly, and these visits are not inexpensive. Bearded dragons are regarded as unusual pets, and veterinary care requires particular training. Reptile vets are another name for them. Before you adopt one of these reptiles, make sure you know where to look for one and how much their services cost on usual.

Baths and Grooming Are Required on a Regular Basis for Them

You must dedicate longer to clean and wash your bearded pet, just like you would any other creature. Baths not only keep them clean, but they also make it easier for them to shed, and they can sometimes sip the water. You should also clip their claws on a regular basis, in addition to bathing them. They can easily injure you as they grow long and pointy. You may trim them to the perfect size using a simple nail cutter. It’s also critical to clean up after them. At least once every three months, clean the excrement, clean the feeding items, clean the vivarium, and sanitize the surroundings.

Now That You Know Some Reasons for Your Bearded Dragon is Shaking Their Head Take Care of Them Right Away

As a pet owner it’s your job to make sure your pet is healthy, fed a proper diet, has healthy bones and has a proper habitat. You’re also the first person who will notice any sign that there are underlying health problems. You know the behavior of your pet the best. If there any major reasons for concern get them to a vet right away.