5 Easy Natural Remedies for Bearded Dragon Sores to Try!

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Mulling over bearded dragon sore present on your dragon? Fear no more:

Bearded dragons are great pets known for their friendly nature, docile behavior, and unique appearance.

But, even the best-cared-for bearded dragon can experience sores – a variety of reasons, such as poor husbandry, poor diet, stress, or an underlying health issue, can cause these sores.

In this article, I will reveal some natural, homemade remedies to help your bearded dragon get over sores and feel better…

Key Takeaways

  • Bearded dragons are prone to skin sores, which can reduce their life quality (so monitor them!)
  • Some common signs to watch out for in your beardie are skin redness, loss of appetite, and abnormal shedding. 
  • Homemade remedies, such as Honey, Aloe Vera, and Apple Cider Vinegar, are SUPERB for treating skin sores in your beardie.

Bearded Dragon Sores: The Gremlins to Watch Out for

Do you know something EPIC, bearded dragon owner? 

According to Mark A. Mitchell, DVM, MS, Ph.D., Dip. ECZM (Herpetology), “Reptiles and amphibians are popular pets in the United States and Europe.  (1)

But bearded dragons – as with any of your special reptile or amphibian friends – require care. 

Bearded dragons are prone to skin sores, which can cause them discomfort.

Why do they happen? There is a myriad of reasons: from improper diets to genetic diseases, sores are evident in some beardies…

Sores can appear anywhere on the body, including the legs, belly, and tail, ranging from small pimple-like bumps to larger, open wounds.

In severe cases, sores can even lead to infections, which can be life-threatening for your pet.

So, as a responsible pet owner, always monitor your beardie and be alert for any strange signs or symptoms.

Keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy by checking out our guides on “mites on a bearded dragon,” “juvenile bearded dragon mouth open,” and “tail rot in bearded dragons,” which offer expert advice and tips for preventing and managing health problems.

Symptoms of Bearded Dragon Sores

The following symptoms can identify bearded dragon sores:

  • Red, irritated, or inflamed skin
  • Open wounds
  • Scabs or crusty patches on the skin
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy or sluggish behavior
  • Difficulty in moving or climbing
  • Abnormal shedding (2)

Causes of Bearded Dragon Sores

There can be many causes of bearded dragon sores, including:

  • Poor husbandries, such as dirty cages, improper lighting, and temperature fluctuations
  • Poor diets, such as a lack of vitamins and minerals
  • Stress, such as overcrowding, lack of hiding spaces, or sudden changes in the environment
  • Parasites, such as mites or ticks
  • Bacterial or fungal infections
  • Allergic reactions to certain foods or materials
  • Physical trauma, such as bites or scratches from other animals

Homemade Remedies for Bearded Dragon Sores

Here are some natural, homemade remedies that can help your bearded dragon get over sores and feel better:

#1 Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera gel is an excellent natural remedy for soothing irritated skin. Apply the gel directly to the sores and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.

Repeat this treatment several times a day until the sores have healed.

#2 Honey

Honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for treating bearded dragon sores.

Apply a thin layer of honey directly to the sores and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this treatment several times a day until the sores have healed.

#3 Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help eliminate mites and other parasites that can cause bearded dragon sores.

Mix a few drops of neem oil with coconut oil and apply it to the affected area. Repeat this treatment several times a week until the sores have healed.

#4 Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural antiseptic that can help prevent infections and promote the healing of bearded dragon sores.

Dilute the vinegar with water and apply it directly to the sores with a cotton swab. Repeat this treatment several times a day until the sores have healed.

#5 Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer that can help soothe irritated skin and promote the healing of bearded dragon sores.

To perform this stellar method, apply a thin layer of coconut oil directly to the affected area and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.

Then, repeat this treatment several times a day until the sores have healed.

But that’s not all! If you’re eager for a visual explanation of treating wounds and sores on your beardie, you can’t miss this SUPERB video:

FAQs about Bearded Dragon Sores and Home Remedies

Here are some frequently asked questions about bearded dragon sores and homemade remedies:

1. How do I know if my bearded dragon has sores?

why do bearded dragons bob their heads

Look for red, irritated, or inflamed skin, open wounds, scabs or crusty patches on the skin, loss of appetite, lethargy or sluggish behavior, difficulty in moving or climbing, and abnormal shedding.

2. Can bearded dragon sores be treated at home?

Yes, there are several natural, homemade remedies that can help soothe irritated skin and promote the healing of bearded dragon sores.
However, if the sores are severe or persist, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

3. Is it safe to use Aloe Vera, Honey, Neem Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, or Coconut Oil on bearded dragon sores?

Yes, these natural remedies are safe to use on bearded dragon sores as long as they are used properly and diluted.

4. How often should I apply natural remedies to bearded dragon sores?

bearded dragon mites are hosted it

Applying the natural remedies several times a day is recommended until the sores have healed.

Conclusion

Bearded dragon sores can be a source of discomfort for your pet, but several natural, homemade remedies can help soothe irritated skin and promote healing.

From Aloe Vera to Coconut Oil, these remedies are safe and effective in treating bearded dragon sores.

However, if the sores persist or become severe, it is best to consult a veterinarian. With the proper care and attention, your bearded dragon will soon return to its happy and healthy self!

close-up shot of a bearded dragon

Resources

1. Mitchell MA. Zoonotic Diseases Associated with Reptiles and Amphibians: An Update. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice. 2011;14:439–56.

2. Hart S. What’s wrong with my Bearded Dragon? [Internet]. Vet Help Direct. 2020 [cited 2023 Feb 28]. Available from: https://vethelpdirect.com/vetblog/2020/10/19/whats-wrong-with-my-bearded-dragon/

Alina Hartley
Alina Hartley

Alina Hartley is a small-town girl with a ginormous love of bearded dragons. It all started with Winchester, a baby bearded who was abandoned at the shelter by his former owners because of a birth defect that caused one front leg to be shorter than the other. Alina originally went to the shelter looking for a guinea pig, but one look at Winchester and it was love at first sight. From that day on, Alina has dedicated her life to learning everything she can about bearded dragons. She loves helping new beardie parents start their incredible journey with these magnificent reptiles.
Follow her on:
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Read her latest articles HERE
Learn more about her HERE.

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