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Watching your bearded dragon bulge out of the eyes can be a terrifying experience. This particularly applies to pet owners who are new to beard grooming. Also, most bearded dragon keepers are only familiar with behaviors like head bobbing and arm flailing.
The bearded dragon's bug-eyed behavior is due to four main reasons. It could be that your bearded dragon is preparing to shed, has itchy eyes, is yawning, or has raised his blood pressure on purpose.
Most often bearded dads talk about googly eyes on bearded dragons. While this behavior is common in people with beards, it can easily go unnoticed. Also, it only occurs for a limited period, after which the eyelids return to their normal shape.
However, if you are a great keeper of beards, you must have seen your bearded dragon wow. To offer a more detailed explanation, let's go through the reasons listed above for bulging eyes in bearded dragons.
Chickens for...
#1. Bearded dragon eye bulging as it prepares to pour
The bulging eye of the bearded dragon in preparation for the molting process is one of the credible theories commonly used to explain why bearded people have bulging eyes. Like all reptile species, bearded dragons shed their skin periodically as they grow. The molting process is scientifically known as ecdysis, and it occurs naturally in healthy bearded dragons.
Savvy beard owners report that their bearded dragons' eyes usually bulge out for just a few days before they begin to droop. By enlarging the eyes, men with beards can stretch out the old layer of skin that covers the eye area. This makes the outermost layer easier to peel, speeding up the peeling process.
If you have had pet reptiles for a while, you should be aware that the eye region is one of the areas most affected by trapped shed. Therefore, bulging eyes are, in fact, a solution to the problem of hair loss in bearded dragons. Helps to loosen the skin of the eyelids and adjacent areas.
Further:Why is my bearded dragon closing one eye?
Further:Bearded dragon sunken eyes? (5 main causes)
#two. bulging eyes in bearded dragons due to high blood pressure
Increased blood pressure in the bearded eye area can also cause your bearded dragon's eyes to bulge. Reptile experts claim that bearded dragons can redirect blood flow to the tissues around their eyes.
As a result, there will be a gradual increase in blood pressure, causing the eyelids to bulge outward. This theory is attributed to the ability of horned lizards to increase blood flow to the eye area. These lizards adopt this behavior when threatened by predators.
As such, bearded dragon experts believe bearded dragons have the same ability. However, there is still a lot of research to be done to see if bearded dragons can raise their blood pressure on purpose.
#3. Bearded Dragon Googly Eyes to Relieve Itching
The other theory often used to explain bulging eyes in men with beards is that they do it to relieve itchy eyes. The eyes of a bearded dragon are unique in that there is a gap behind them. Barbets can fill this cavity with blood if the need arises.
According to professional bearded dragon breeders, itchy eyes can cause a bearded dragon to fill the aforementioned cavity with blood. This, in turn, will relieve the itchiness and give your bearded dragon the comfort it needs.
However, like the previous theory, this explanation is not as reliable as the first theory.
#4. Bearded dragon with bulging eyes after yawning
Just like humans, bearded dragons yawn from time to time. This behavior is common during the morning when bearded dragons wake up from their sleep. Some beard breeders have noticed that their bearded dragons occasionally bulge out of their eyes after yawning.
There is no clear explanation as to why they do this, so further research may help explain this mystery. Also, not all bearded dragons have bulging eyes after yawning.
Observation: It is understandable that some of the theories do not seem to hold up because more research is still needed on this topic. For now, these are the possible explanations for bulging eye behavior in bearded men.
Baby bearded dragon eye sticking out
Baby bearded dragons have bulging eyes for the same reason as adults. In fact, babies and young people with beards are more likely to have bulging eyes than adults. This is because they shed their skin at a much higher rate than fully grown bearded dragons.
To make sure nothing is wrong with your bearded dragon, you can check its eyes. If there are no visible signs of an underlying health condition,an exotic vetcan help identify the problem.
Why do bearded dragons close one eye and keep the other open?
Keeping bearded dragons can be very interesting as they exhibit a variety of unique behaviors. Closing one eye is one of the common behaviors that pets often exhibit. This can happen due to a number of factors:
Inadequate and insufficient lighting.
This is probably one of the main reasons why your bearded dragon might be closing one eye. Bearded dragons need UVA and UVB radiation to stay healthy. In captivity, they obtain this mainly from artificial light sources, such as mercury vapor lamps and fluorescent lamps.
If the light inside the cabinet is too bright or too dim, it may affect your bearded man's eyes. The light output should be kept between 8% and 10% to avoid possible complications.
stuck shed
Incomplete molting is a common problem in bearded dragons. If the skin around the eye area sags partially, your bearded dragon may experience discomfort. This can force them to close the affected eye and keep the other open.
You can remove hair stuck in your bearded dragon's eyes with damp cotton swabs. Gently rub the unruly fur with the cotton swab repeatedly until it is soft enough to peel.
Response to environmental stimuli
Beards can also close their eyes when focusing on things around them. It could be a live insect inside their enclosure or anything else they perceive as prey.
If you don't know why your bearded dragon closes its eyes, consult a vet.
Can bearded dragons open their eyes?
Bearded dragons can't poke their eyes out even when they poke them out. Beards have strong eye muscles that hold the eyeballs in place, so the chances of them popping out are slim to none. Additionally, a bearded dragon's eye sockets provide enough space for its eyeballs.
Most beard groomers usually go crazy when they see their googly eyes for the first time. Well, you will be happy to know that your bearded man will not hurt his eyes or lose them.
Is the bearded dragon eye something to worry about?
The googly-eyed phenomenon shouldn't worry you, as it's normal for bearded dragons to do so. It is important to note that people with beards bulge out their eyes temporarily.
If your bearded dragon's eyes have been swollen for many hours, you should take him to the vet. There is a possibility that they may suffer from an eye infection. The vet will perform a physical exam and may also perform blood tests.
If you want a good resource for treating bulging eyes in bearded dragons, be sure to check out our guide atMain over-the-counter antibioticsfor bearded dragons
What Causes Eye Infections in Bearded Dragons?
Eye infections in bearded dragons are mainly caused by bacteria and fungi. Both the former and the latter thrive in unsanitary conditions, so be sure to clean your beard enclosure regularly. However, certain factors can predispose bearded dragons to eye infections:
Hipovitaminosis A
Commonly known as vitamin A deficiency,hipovitaminosis AIt mainly affects bears that have a poor diet. Bearded dragons are omnivorous, which means that their diet must include both insects and plants.
A lack of vitamin A can weaken the immune system, predisposing barbets to bacterial and fungal eye infections. You can prevent this by providing your bearded dragon with a varied and equally nutritious diet.
Fresh greens like kale, dandelion greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens can provide essential nutrients. Gut-laden insects are also recommended.
parasites
Ectoparasites such as mites can cause severe eye irritation in bearded dragons. Consequently, the affected eye may swell/bulge over time. Parasites can also carry pathogens from one bearded dragon to another, thus spreading the infection.
In most cases, wounds caused by parasites become sites of infection. You can combat dust mites by usingAerosol for natural chemistry reptile mites.
loose substrate
Loose substrates, such as sand, can cause eye irritation. This can happen if the particles come into contact with delicate parts of the eye. If the problem is not resolved in time, it can worsen, exposing the bearded man to infections.
Signs of Eye Infection in Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragon eye infections can be fatal if early treatment is not given. Knowing the common signs of eye infections can help save your life.Bearded Dragon Life:
eye abscess
An abscess is a pus-filled cavity that is usually characterized by swollen lumps in the affected areas. Bacterial infections can cause pockets of pus to form behind the bearded eyeball. This can easily be confused with googly eyes, so you should be able to tell the difference between them.
A serious bacterial infection can result in blood poisoning. Be sure to make an appointment with your vet before the infection gets out of hand.
If you suspect your bearded dragon may have a cyst or tumor around its eyes, be sure totake a look at our articledescribing different treatment options.
Inability to open the eyes.
Infections can cause pain and discomfort, so your bearded dragon may not be able to open his eyes. If this is the case, then you should not force the bearded man to open his eyes, as this will do more harm than good.
Instead, you should reduce the glare of the light inside the case. Appropriate treatment should be given after consulting a veterinarian.
Puffiness around the eyes
Swollen eye tissue can also indicate the presence of an infection. However, not all bearded dragon eye bumps are caused by infections. As discussed above, bearded dogs can have bulging eyes when they shed.
Why do my bearded dragon have crusty eyes?
Crusty eyes are also another sign of bacterial infection in bearded dragons. What happens is that the infection causes irritation, thus causing excessive production of eye fluids. You can treat most bacterial eye infections in bearded dragons usingFluker's Reptile Eye Rinse.
The solution is non-irritating, but super effective when it comes to fighting infection-causing pathogens. However, the best way to protect your bearded dragon from eye infections is to maintain good hygiene.
How to Help a Bearded Dragon with Googly Eyes
Watching your bearded dragon's eyes pop out of their sockets can be worrying. However, there isn't much you can do to stop this or help the bearded man. Since the behavior is harmless to bearded dragons, you can let it slide.
Also, people with beards often have bulging eyes for a few seconds or minutes. However, prolonged bulging of the eyes should be cause for concern.
Why does my bearded dragon close his eyes when he is awake?
If your bearded dragon keeps both eyes closed most of the time, it could mean there is an underlying problem.
Irritation from foreign debris can cause a bearded dragon to close its eyes. If you suspect you have something in the bearded eye, you can rinse it with a vet-prescribed saline solution.
As a safety precaution, you should never use medicines that you are not sure about. This will not only make the problem worse, but could also kill your bearded dragon.
final verdict
Bearded dragons have a habit of having bulging eyes. As discussed above, bulging eyes can help bearded men shed their skin during the shedding process. Both adult and baby bearded dragons can exhibit this behavior, so there is nothing to worry about.
However, you should keep an eye on your bearded dragon to make sure the bump is not related to bacteria. Regular visits to the vet can help you catch fungal and bacterial infections before they get worse.
FAQs
What's wrong with my bearded dragon's eye? ›
Swollen or puffy eyes of a bearded dragon, for example, can signal that he or she is shedding, has an excess of vitamin A, parasites, or even an eye infection. A tumor, clogged tear ducts, and compromised blood vessels can also all cause swollen eyes in bearded dragons.
How do I know if my bearded dragon has an eye infection? ›When a beardie's eyes droop so that he or she looks like a bloodhound, he or she may have an infection or a problem with parasites. It's also possible that your pal may have kidney issues. Swollen/puffed out eyes are also something to watch out for.
Why do my bearded dragon's eyes bulge? ›Eye bulging is a normal behavior in bearded dragons, and it usually happens when they shed. However, it can also happen if your pet is tired or hungry. Unless your bearded dragon shows other symptoms that indicate it may be sick or injured, there is no reason to worry about eye bulging.
What are some facts about bearded dragons eyes? ›Bearded dragons have THREE eyes
Their two primary eyes see images, just like our eyes. And their parietal eye, located on the top of their head, doesn't see images but is an optical lobe on the top of their head that can sense shadows and changes in light. In the wild, their main predator is a hawk.
Abnormal and undesirable behaviors of bearded dragons include: Lethargy. Wobbly walking. Lack of movement.
How do I know if my bearded dragon is suffering? ›- Respiratory Issues. Healthy lizards should breathe quietly and smoothly. ...
- Secretion. Discharge from the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth can also be indications of sickness. ...
- Weight Loss. ...
- Eye Issues. ...
- Lethargy. ...
- Bathroom Issues. ...
- Discoloration. ...
- Strange Behavior.
Topical treatment using a suitable antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin usually cures any infection. Uveitis is rarely diagnosed in reptiles although it occurs associated with systemic infectious disease, post hibernation disease (hyphema and hypopyon), trauma and neoplasia.
How often should bearded dragons see vet? ›How Often Should a Bearded Dragon Visit the Vet? It is recommended that you have your dragon vet checked every 6-12 months. Regular health checks will allow for the early detection of disease and illness.
Can you get sick from a bearded dragon? ›Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella germs that can spread to you and make you sick. Always take steps to stay healthy around your bearded dragon. Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean.
How should a healthy bearded dragon look? ›- Alert And Energetic. Unless your dragon is asleep or resting, it should always look alert. ...
- Posture. Your pet should be able to support its weight and use all four of its limbs. ...
- Appearance. A healthy dragon is not skinny.
Why is my lizards eye bulging out? ›
As the skin on the eyelids is undergoing the changes associated with getting ready to shed, the lizard will puff out the eyelids when its eyes are closed. These distensions look frightening from the outside, but they apparently help loosen the old layer of skin, readying it to shed.
What are 3 interesting facts about bearded dragons? ›They can hold their breath for up to two minutes at a time. Bearded dragons have amazing vision and hearing—they can see in color, and can even see things that are moving behind them by using their “parietal eye” (a small gap in their skull). Bearded dragons are omnivores—they eat both plants and meat!
Can I bring my bearded dragon to Walmart? ›We do not allow pets in our stores.
How good are bearded dragons eyes? ›A bearded dragon's eyesight is generally excellent; they are great at seeing things from a distance, which is why you may notice that if you drop a feeder for them across the room, they may come running to devour it.
How do bearded dragons act when stressed? ›One of the most common and telltale signs of stress is dark spots or marks that may appear on your dragon's chin, neck, and belly. Stress marks are quite common if: Your dragon is shedding. Your new dragon is still adjusting to her home and environment.
What does a stressed bearded dragon look like? ›Stress marks are most likely to show up on your bearded dragon's stomach, but you might also see them on the underside of your reptile's chin and limbs. These markings appear as lines or stripes, or even as ovals. The pattern can cover your dragon's entire stomach.
Why is my bearded dragon so hyper? ›It could be that they are just feeling active and full of energy and looking for something to do. It could also be that they are feeling stressed or anxious, or that their environment is too hot or cold for them. Bearded dragons also tend to become more active when they are hungry, so it may be time for a snack.
What color do bearded dragons turn when stressed? ›Beardies will often darken or turn black if threatened or upset. If your bearded dragon's coloration of skin becomes lighter, it could be due to an impending shed.
What does a dehydrated beardie look like? ›Signs of Dehydration in Your Bearded Dragon
Wrinkly, dry-looking skin. Loose skin. Sunken eyes. Fatigue.
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, usually given topically as eye drops or ointment, for bacterial conjunctivitis. Antibiotics may help shorten the length of infection, reduce complications, and reduce the spread to others. Antibiotics may be necessary in the following cases: With discharge (pus)
How do I know if my bearded dragon has mites? ›
Diagnosis Reptile mites are visible to the nakes eye, and are initially pale, and darker after a feeding. Mite faeces can be seen as white specks on the animal or within the enclosure. Mites do not like light, so will hide in corners within the enclosure, and also in crevices within the animal's scales and skin.
What causes eye parasites? ›Eye Parasitic Infection by Acanthamoeba
Acanthamoeba is a parasitic protozoan which is found in water and soil. It is often associated with contact lens wear while swimming or rinsing contact lenses with tap water. Acanthamoeba infection causes severe corneal inflammation known as keratitis.
Topical treatment using a suitable antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin usually cures any infection. Uveitis is rarely diagnosed in reptiles although it occurs associated with systemic infectious disease, post hibernation disease (hyphema and hypopyon), trauma and neoplasia.
Why is one of my bearded dragon's eyes closed? ›It's usually to show discomfort! Believe it or not, bearded dragons typically close their eyes when you pet or hold them because they're scared and want to get out of the situation. It's a coping mechanism and often acts as a warning to back off. If you don't, their behavior could progress to more aggressive actions.
What does a bearded dragon infection look like? ›Affected lizards may sneeze, have discharge from their eyes or nose, bubbles from the mouth or nose, unnaturally rapid or shallow breathing, open-mouthed breathing, decreased appetite, and lethargy. These cases call for immediate attention and aggressive therapy from your bearded dragon's veterinary team.
How do I clean my bearded dragons eyes? ›How Do You Get Something Out Of A Bearded Dragon's Eye? If something has become lodged in the eye of a bearded dragon, the best thing to do is to take it to the veterinarian immediately. The vet can flush the eye with a sterile saline solution or use a small instrument to remove the object.
Can an eye infection fix itself? ›Most cases of viral conjunctivitis are mild. The infection will usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment and without any long-term consequences. However, in some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take 2 to 3 weeks or more to clear up.
What is the best remedy for eye infection? ›- Antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral eye drops.
- Oral antifungal medicine.
- Injections of medication near the eye.
- Steroid eye drops (use of steroids is controversial as it may worsen infection)
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops.
- Pain medication.
- Corneal transplant in severe cases.
- Salt water. Salt water, or saline, is one of the most effective home remedies for eye infections. ...
- Tea bags. Placing cooled tea bags on your eyes while they're closed can be a way to relax and unwind. ...
- Warm compress. ...
- Cold compress. ...
- Wash linens. ...
- Discard makeup.
Give your dragon a nice warm bath, followed by cuddles in a soft towel. Simply pause as much noise as possible to give your dragon some quiet time. Try turning off the lights until your dragon is more calm (of course you wouldn't want to leave the tank like this for too long so your dragon doesn't get too cold).
Why does my bearded dragon fall asleep on me? ›
If your bearded dragon falls asleep on you it's more than likely because they trust and love you enough to do so or simply because they enjoy the natural heat that emits from your body. This is always a great sign that your bearded dragon trusts and loves you when they fall asleep on your body.