Why Does My Bearded Dragon Have Black Spots?

If you have recently noticed black spots appearing on your pet bearded dragon, you may be wondering what is causing it. Bearded dragons are a special type of lizard that can make great pets when cared for properly.

However, if the health of your reptile companion begins to decline, the signs may not always be obvious. One such concern is black spots on their skin which could indicate an underlying issue. In this article we will explore some potential causes and treatments for why your bearded dragon might have developed black spots.

Signs and Symptoms of Black Spots on Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are usually quite healthy reptiles, but they can experience health issues just like any other animal. One sign that something is not right is the appearance of black spots on their skin.

These spots can vary in size and shape, but they may appear as dark specks or patches depending on the severity. It’s important to note that these spots may be accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen eyes or limbs, difficulty breathing, and weight loss.

Common Causes of Black Spots in Bearded Dragons

There are several potential causes for black spots appearing on your pet bearded dragon’s skin. Some common ones include:

• Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections can cause black spots to form on a bearded dragon’s skin.
• Parasites: Internal parasites such as mites or ticks can also lead to this issue.
• Stress: High levels of stress due to improper husbandry practices (such as incorrect temperatures) can cause a decline in overall health which could lead to the development of black spots.
• Trauma: Physical trauma from rough handling or falls could also result in dark marks appearing on their scales.

Diagnosis

If you notice black spots forming on your pet bearded dragon’s skin it is important to take them to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. The vet will likely perform tests such as blood work and imaging scans in order to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

They may also take swabs from the affected area for further testing if necessary. Once an accurate diagnosis has been made then treatment options can be discussed with your vet accordingly.

Treatment Options

The type of treatment recommended will depend upon what is causing the issue in the first place. For example, if an infection is responsible then antibiotics will be prescribed whereas if parasites are at fault then anti-parasitic medications may need to be administered orally or topically.

If stress is believed to be the culprit then steps should be taken immediately in order to correct any environmental factors that could be contributing (e.g., providing warmer temperatures). Lastly, physical trauma might require supportive care such as pain relief medication and/or bandaging of any open wounds until they heal properly over time.

Why Is My Bearded Dragons Skin Turning Black?

The most common reason for a bearded dragon’s skin to turn black is due to the shedding process. As bearded dragons age, their skin will become increasingly dry and darken as they shed old layers of skin. This is completely normal and part of the natural growth cycle of these lizards.

During this time, it is important to keep your beardie’s environment humid enough so that their skin doesn’t get too dry. Additionally, you should make sure you are bathing them regularly in warm water to help remove any dead scales or pieces of skin that may be stuck on them.

In some cases, however, a blackening of the beardie’s skin can indicate something more serious such as fungal infection or parasites. If your dragon has been consistently licking itself excessively or displaying signs of discomfort (such as scratching or rubbing against objects) then it could be possible that an external parasite such as mites have infested its body.

In addition, if your beardies’s skin begins to look patchy and discolored then this could also be an indication that there is a fungal infection present which will require immediate treatment from a vet.

What Does Skin Rot Look Like On A Bearded Dragon?

Skin rot on a bearded dragon can be easily recognized by the presence of pink, red or yellow patches of discolored and raised scales. These patches are usually accompanied by inflammation and swelling that may spread to other areas of their skin. In some cases, these infected areas will ooze fluid or pus that has an unpleasant odor.

The infection is typically caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus or Pseudomonas spp., which enter the body through open wounds, abrasions or even small scratches in the skin. As the infection progresses, it spreads and begins to damage healthy tissue until there is only a soft raw area left behind. If left untreated for too long, this can lead to organ failure and death in extreme cases.

In order to prevent skin rot from occurring in your pet’s beardie, you should ensure that they have access to clean water at all times and provide them with proper nutrition to help keep their immune system strong so it can fight off any infections more quickly. Additionally, regular check ups with a veterinarian are recommended so any problems can be addressed before they become bigger issues down the road.

What Does Fungus Look Like On A Bearded Dragon?

Fungus on a bearded dragon can take on many different appearances, depending on the type of fungus present. Generally speaking, however, fungal infections will usually appear as small white spots or patches with an irregular shape and texture. These spots may be raised above the surface of the skin or could look like scabs. They may also have a yellowish tinge to them and can become crusty over time if left untreated.

In some cases, there may also be redness around the affected area due to inflammation caused by the fungus. If you notice any of these signs of infection on your bearded dragon’s skin, it is important to contact a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Fungal infections can spread quickly and cause serious health issues if not treated promptly. The vet will likely perform diagnostic tests such as blood work or skin scrapings in order to determine what kind of fungus is present and then prescribe appropriate medication to treat it.

Why Is My Bearded Dragon Shedding In Spots?

Bearded dragons can shed their skin in patches for a variety of reasons. It is important to understand why this might be happening in order to ensure the health and wellbeing of your pet.

The most common cause for shedding in spots is that the bearded dragon has grown too quickly, which often happens in younger dragons. When they grow faster than usual, their outer layer of skin doesn’t have time to adjust and begins to come off as patches instead of all at once. This type of shedding should stop after a few weeks when the growth slows down again and the new skin adjusts accordingly.

Another possible cause is that your dragon’s environment isn’t properly humidified or ventilated, causing dryness on the skin. If humidity levels aren’t adequate, it could lead to flaky patches beginning to appear across its body.

Having proper ventilation will also help keep humidity levels consistent so that your beardie’s skin stays supple and healthy. Make sure its enclosure has enough airflow while still providing sufficient heat and light sources necessary for its species’ needs.

In some cases, bearded dragons may shed due to an underlying medical condition such as parasites or infections like blue-tongue disease or mites which can cause irritation on their skins leading them to scratch excessively resulting in patchy shedding patterns throughout their bodies.

In these cases, you should bring your dragon into a vet for treatment as soon as possible before any further damage occurs from scratching or infection spreads throughout the body.

How Can I Tell If My Bearded Dragon Is Dehydrated?

The most common sign of dehydration in a bearded dragon is if its skin appears loose or wrinkled, especially around the neck and legs. The wrinkles should disappear when you lightly pinch the skin and it should return to normal after a few seconds. If your bearded dragon’s skin remains wrinkle or looks sunken in, they may be dehydrated and need to see a veterinarian right away.

In addition to looking at their skin, other signs of dehydration include less activity than usual, dry nose and mouth membranes, sunken eyes, not eating as much food as usual, not going to the bathroom as often, constipation or diarrhea. These are all serious signs that require immediate attention from a vet since these conditions can quickly become life-threatening due to severe dehydration if left untreated.

To prevent dehydration from occurring in your bearded dragon it is important to provide them with fresh water every day and make sure they have access to clean drinking dishes throughout the day. You can also give your beardie occasional baths which will help keep them hydrated so long as you only bathe them for about 10 minutes at a time using warm water no more than twice per week.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the presence of black spots on your bearded dragon is an indication that it may be suffering from a medical condition that needs to be addressed. If you notice any other changes in your pet’s behavior or appearance, contact a vet as soon as possible to determine the best course of action. Along with proper veterinary care, maintaining the right habitat and providing your beardie with fresh food and water daily can help keep them healthy and happy.