Strange or not? bulging bearded dragon eyes (2023)

There are many behaviors that beardies exhibit, butbearded dragonGoogly eyes are quite rare and have scared off many dragon owners.

Hello beard lovers, don't panic! It's a little scary, but it's actually normal behavior for a bearded dragon.

This article will take you through the wide eyes of bearded men and everything you need to know about it.

Hope you found it useful, but first, let's check out our bearded dragon buggy eyes infographic. You may not need to read this article for more information.

It's no joke! Reading it will help you to deeply understand the reasons and what to do when your bearded cats exhibit this trait.

Strange or not? bulging bearded dragon eyes (1)

Satisfied

  • Understanding the bulging eyes of the bearded dragon
  • Why do bearded dragons have bulging eyes?
    • Bearded dragon bulging eyes during molting
    • Bearded dragon eyes bulging from yawning
    • Bulging eyes due to high blood pressure
    • Bearded dragons with itchy bulging eyes
  • Should I be concerned when my bearded dragon's eyes bulge out?
  • Why are my bearded dragon eyes puffy?
  • Can bearded dragons gouge out their eyes?
  • Why do bearded dragons close their eyes when they are awake?
  • bearded dragon eye infection
  • Ending

Understanding the bulging eyes of the bearded dragon

Strange or not? bulging bearded dragon eyes (2)

Wide-eyed bearded dragonsIt is one of the behaviors that dragons exhibit, but only on specific occasions. The bulging eyes of bearded dragons will disappear immediately afterwards.

When it comes to wide eyes, is the first image that comes to mind a chameleon?

Haha, yes, you are right!Chameleons pierce their eyes more often than bearded dragons to increase their ability to see a larger area.

This is possible thanks to the muscular eyelid, which prevents the eyeball from protruding, and the presence of a deep cavity to keep the eye in its position.

If you're lucky enough to have seen a bug-eyed chameleon, it's no different than bearded dragons. It happens quickly and sometimes you don't even notice.

The main concern here is: why exactly do bearded men bulge their eyes?

(Video) Bearded dragon eyes popping out (weird)

First, I need you to know thatgoogly eyes on bearded dragons is not something you should worry about. It is actually common and normal behavior in bearded dragons for four reasons: molting, yawning, itching and high blood pressure.

Now, let's dive into the reasons why bearded dragons have bulging eyes. Don't miss any information.

Why do bearded dragons have bulging eyes?

Strange or not? bulging bearded dragon eyes (3)

You'll always hear people talk about waving their arms,black beard,moving the head, youmouth opening in bearded dragons. However, not many people will talk aboutbearded dragon wide eyes.

When I first saw him, I was genuinely shocked.

Guillermo

I couldn't help but go online, and when I was done Googling it, I told my reptile vet.

That's how scary googly eyes can be, especially for new beard owners.

yes this is himfirst time you notice wide eyesbehavior in their beards, you are lucky to receive this information.

If youI haven't seen this before, you won't be too surprised to notice your bearded dragon's bulging eyes.

Again, as I shared earlier, yourbearies is doing this with a purpose, as we'll see.

Bearded dragon bulging eyes during molting

Many people notice that their baby tends to have bulging eyes for a while (just a moment) and then it goes back to normal.

The reason behind this is that bearded dragons do this to tighten the skin around their eyes.

Another warning is that babies and young people with beards tend to have bulging eyes more often than adults.

The main reason is that adult bearded dragons shed only every few months, while babies and juveniles shed more frequently.

Bearded dragon eyes bulging from yawning

Hey, does that sound weird? I see it strange.

(Video) Dragon EYE POOPING OFF #Shorts

Yawning, some owners say that after yawning, their bearded eyes begin to swell. I haven't noticed this on my bearded dragons.

But if you read the reason below, you'll see some salient points. I noticed this too and that's why I added this reason to the list.

Bulging eyes due to high blood pressure

Horned lizards have a unique way of defending themselves against predators through a bloodstream. That's how they do it, the muscles around the eye contract and stop blood from flowing to the heart.

Instead, blood flows into the eyes and fills the sinuses. As the muscles continue to contract rapidly, the pressure on the thin breast membrane increases, causing the membrane to rupture.

Then the lizard releases a jet of blood that rises a meter from the eyes; this scares off predators, causing them to flee. Horned lizards also use this mechanism to get rid of foreign objects from their eyes.

Is aboutusing blood for defense in horned lizards.Now what does this mean for bearded dragons? High blood pressure increases the blood flow to the blood vessels present in the bearded eye socket. So when the blood vessels behind the eyes expand, the eyes become puffy.

if you believe thatbearded dragonscould also ownability to increase blood pressure behind the eyes, making his eyes pop out of their sockets.

Again, these are just beliefs of scientists trying to show that bulging eyes in bearded lizards occur intentionally and with a purpose.

There are some situations where people worry that bulging eyes are caused by aeye infection or problem. None of them have been ratified.

Bearded dragons with itchy bulging eyes

Another belief about bulging eyes in bearded lizards is that they do this to sting their eyes. I still can't reject it or specifically accept it as true, but let's see if it seems reasonable.

Bearded dragons have a hollow behind their eyes that is empty. So, the bearded fill this cavity with blood, which ends up pulling out the eyes. It is believed that beards do this mainly to sting their eyes.

Source:Facebook

Sometimes the eyes can look so bulging that you think they're about to burst.

If you are an unprepared witness, you can guess what the answer will be; it will definitely scare you.

(Video) Eye Popping Beardie Facts - Plopcast

There is a belief that bearded dragons tend to stretch their eyes out of their sockets to frighten their owners, which is quite funny.

All these are just mysteries and have not yet been proven.

Should I be concerned when my bearded dragon's eyes bulge out?

Strange or not? bulging bearded dragon eyes (4)

This is a great question, let me clarify that once again the wide-eyed behavior in barbelts is not a cause for concern.

There are only theories from scientists that try to support it. As we've seen, bulging eyes often occur in bearded dragons, especially young bearded ones.

Sometimes, bearded dragons can bulge their eyes without you noticing, because it lasts for a few seconds before the eyes return to their default shape.

With all the reported cases of bearded dragon bulging eyes, there areno injuries or damage reported.

Bulging eyes in bearded dragons are not harmful to health and are not a cause for great concern.

maybe the only onea case you should be concerned about is when this behavior lasts for more than an hour at a time.

If this happens, you should see your reptile vet for a checkup. Your veterinarian can check your bearded pet's blood pressure if it is at a healthy level.

If you don't have time to visit your veterinarian, we have our veterinary support at the bottom of the page. They will answer your question instantly.

Why are my bearded dragon eyes puffy?

Bearded dragon eye puffiness isn't always a big deal, and in most cases, you don't need to worry. It could be due to the same reasons that cause bulging eyes as we saw above. The bearded is likely preparing to enter the molting process.

However, on some occasions where the eyes remain puffy for more than an hour at a time and it occurs more frequently, you may want to visit your reptile veterinarian immediately.

(Video) Bearded dragon eye bulge stretches!

Many medical issues can cause eye inflammation in bearded dragons, including high blood pressure, bacterial and fungal infections, and tumors. Anytime you suspect your barber has a problem, be sure to visit a reptile vet to get their opinion.

Can bearded dragons gouge out their eyes?

It might sound funny, but it's actually a great question. Bluntly let me give you a straight answer, which is no. Bearded dragons will never completely leave your eyes.

They can only gouge out their eyes and not gouge them out. I hope it became clear to you after reading the above article. Beardies protrude their eyes primarily to aid in molting.

So the next time you see your wide-eyed bearded dragon, don't panic. The eyes cannot jump out, not even for a single moment.

Why do bearded dragons close their eyes when they are awake?

Have you ever noticed that your bearded dragon closes its eyes even when it's awake and wonder what that means?

Regardless, it's always good to worry about your pet. This shows that you are a responsible dragon owner.

If you see your bearded pet closing its eyes and not sleeping, it could be for a number of reasons.

Firstly, bulging eyes in bearded dragons can make the eyes appear partially closed, which could be why bearded dragons squint.

The eyes may be closed due to a fungal infection, a bacterial infection, or foreign objects in the eye. Bearded dragons also close their eyes when stressed. in addition, any underlying disease can also force them to close their eyes.

Keep an eye on your dragon at all times, and if you think there is a problem, don't hesitate to visit or call a reptile vet.

bearded dragon eye infection

If a bearded dragon has an eye infection, its eyes look droopy and this is something that might bother it. Drooping eyes can also be caused by kidney problems or eye parasites.

Also, an eye infection can cause the beard's eyes to swell. It becomes inflamed, especially the eyelids. There is also a possibility that the eye is puffy or puffy due to an overdose of vitamin A.

The eye infection can become serious if the lizard is left unattended, so consult your vet if you think your dragon is suffering from this problem.

Ending

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it insightful. Normally, the bearded dragon's bulging eyes are nothing to panic about.

(Video) bearded dragon eye problems....?

It's a natural ability in bearded dragons and is mostly displayed when they want to get rid of it.

You just need to keep an eye on your dragon and observe when this behavior appears and how long it takes to go away.

Next time you see your bulging-eyed bearded man, don't panic, it's common.

FAQs

Why is my bearded dragon bulging its eyes out? ›

Preparing to Molt. One of the more predominant theories regarding eye bulging is that the dragon does it to loosen the skin on the eyelids and around the eyes in preparation for shedding.

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 do healthy bearded dragon eyes look like? ›

The eyes of a healthy bearded bearded dragon should be clear, bright and alert. Eyes that appear dull could simply be a shedding issue. If there is a discharge coming from the eyes it could be something more serious like an infection.

What an unhealthy bearded dragon looks like? ›

Sick beardies may seem weak or grumpy, and they may hide and/or stop basking. Shaking, dizziness, head tilting, and loss of balance are also red flags.

What does dehydration look like in bearded dragons? ›

Signs of Dehydration in Your Bearded Dragon

Wrinkly, dry-looking skin. Loose skin. Sunken eyes. Fatigue.

How do you tell if your lizard is impacted? ›

Detecting Impaction
  1. the inability to excrete regularly or straining when trying to go to the bathroom.
  2. slight leg trembles.
  3. regurgitation.
  4. dragging one or both the back legs.
  5. not walking properly.
  6. you may also see a slight bump along the spinal area.

How should a healthy bearded dragon look? ›

Signs Of A Healthy Bearded Dragon
  • 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.
Apr 18, 2020

What does a calcium deficiency in a bearded dragon look like? ›

Signs of Calcium Deficiency in Bearded Dragons

Lethargy and weakness. Stress. Constipation. Receded lower jaw.

What is abnormal bearded dragon behavior? ›

Abnormal and undesirable behaviors of bearded dragons include: Lethargy. Wobbly walking. Lack of movement.

What does a depressed bearded dragon look like? ›

A depressed bearded dragon might become lethargic and lose their appetite. If they're stressed, they may be hiding more often. Their belly might also become discolored. Since these can also be symptoms of serious health conditions in your beardie, contact your veterinarian to rule out other causes.

How do I know if my bearded dragon is malnourished? ›

Thin tail – A healthy beardie should have a robust (but not too large) tail. A boney or thin tail is a common sign of a malnourished bearded dragon. Deflated fat pads – Bearded dragons have fat pads on their heads. If your dragon appears to have deflated fat pads, it could be missing critical nutrients in its diet.

Does bathing a bearded dragon hydrate them? ›

In addition to providing a water dish and hydrating foods like cucumbers and grapes, baths can be a great way to keep your dragon hydrated. Many dragons refuse to drink from a water dish but will drink from their bath (maybe yours is one of them!).

What are signs of MBD in bearded dragons? ›

MBD does have some specific warning signs. These include swelling of the face, mouth and/or back legs, lethargy, and trembling limbs. In more severe cases, we may also see muscle twitching, general weakness, unusual postures, and deformities.

Does soaking bearded dragons hydrate them? ›

Bathing your bearded dragon is important for several reasons. Hydration is one of the biggest ones. Many beardies don't like drinking from bowls, but will happily slurp up their bathwater. Baths are of course also important for hygiene.

What does coccidia look like in bearded dragons? ›

diarrhoea with or without blood, weight loss and depression, anorexia (not eating) or vomiting after eating, or. poor growth and/or death in both young and old or unwell reptiles.

How do I know if my bearded dragon has Atadenovirus? ›

Common symptoms are loss of appetite and lethargy. Because it can affect the immune systems ability to fight infections, some may have problems recovering from other infections and illness or have recurrent problems with parasites.

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 rehydrate my bearded dragon? ›

What are some natural ways to encourage a bearded dragon to drink and hydrate?
  1. Have a soaking dish in your dragon's enclosure so that they can soak anytime.
  2. Add Reptile Electrolytes to the soaking dish.
  3. Offer your Bearded Dragon a warm soak in a tub with added electrolytes once every 7-10 days.

What do lizards look like when they're sick? ›

Sick lizards, on the other hand, often will stay stationary for hours or may even hide under lizard bedding or other objects in the tank. They may be too weak to push up off their bellies onto their legs, so if they move at all, they slither around like snakes.

How active should a bearded dragon be? ›

Bearded dragons should spend at least 30 minutes outside of their terrarium a day. The more often they are out (without getting cold or away from their UVB bulbs too often) the more docile they can become.

How do you know if a lizard is in distress? ›

Behaviors such as thermoregulating, hiding, prolonged soaking, reduced appetite, irregular defecation, attitude, regression/increase in tameness, and more can all indicate signs of stress and illness.

Can a bearded dragon still poop with impaction? ›

Signs And Symptoms Of Impaction

The first sign, of course, is when your beardie stops moving their bowels and fails to poop. Baby dragons usually have a bowel movement every day (depending on their activity level), and adults can actually go for a week or longer without going to the bathroom.

How do you know if a lizard is in pain? ›

Behavioural signs of pain in reptiles

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association has also documented general signs of pain in reptiles including anorexia, immobility, abnormal posture/locomotion, dull colouration, and increase in aggression (Brown and Pizzi, 2012).

Should you hold bearded dragon everyday? ›

Bearded dragons usually tolerate handling better than other lizards. Regular handling helps bearded dragons get used to people, so you should handle your beardie daily. Doing so also minimizes stress during regular care, such as bathing or tank cleaning. They are generally gentle and easy to hold.

What does a unhealthy baby bearded dragon look like? ›

Your pet's eyes should be clear and bright. If he isn't opening his eyes, or if they seem puffy, bulging, or swollen, you could have a sick lizard on your hands. (It's worth noting that this can sometimes be associated with shedding, in which case it may self-resolve.)

Should I give my bearded dragon calcium every day? ›

Bearded dragons have a higher need for dietary calcium than phosphorus, especially when they are young and their bones are growing. Generally, veterinarians recommend that you LIGHTLY sprinkle a 'Phosphorus-free' calcium powder (calcium gluconate, lactate, or carbonate) on their food daily.

How often should I put calcium on my bearded dragons food? ›

Offer bearded dragons between 6 months and 1 year crickets dusted with calcium every other day and with vitamins three times a week. For a bearded dragon over 1 year old, offer calcium every two to three days and a vitamin supplement twice a week.

Do bearded dragons need calcium everyday? ›

Bearded dragons just can't live well without calcium, and supplementing is the best way to make sure they get enough. Keep your dragon happy and healthy by giving your dragon calcium powder each day, mess-free!

What is cryptosporidium in bearded dragons? ›

Cryptosporidia are a type of protozoa – a microscopic, single-celled parasite – which live in the intestines and can have devastating consequences.

How do you test a bearded dragon for parasites? ›

The only way to confirm a parasite infestation is via stool testing. The vet will ask you to collect a fecal sample, and then he or she will test it for the presence of parasites. If your bearded dragon does have parasites, s/he will put given a dose or two of dewormer, which should clear up the problem.

When should I worry about my bearded dragon? ›

If your bearded dragon is shaking or displaying jerky body movements, chances are they could have a calcium deficiency, which can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease, a very serious affliction.

What not to do with bearded dragons? ›

Environment: Don't - While bearded dragons are relatively docile; they can still experience stress. You never want to overstimulate your pet by handing them off to too many different people or getting them out of their habitat in a particularly busy or loud environment.

Why does my bearded dragon hiss when I try to pick him up? ›

Bearded dragons typically only hiss when they feel threatened. If your dragon is new, he may need some time to get used to the new environment and you. Your dragon may also hiss if he sees his reflection, or if you are reaching for your dragon from above.

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 can stress out a bearded dragon? ›

6. No Place To Hide. As much as bearded dragons enjoy climbing around and exploring their tank, they also love to find a nice quiet spot to hide and relax. If your bearded dragon's tank doesn't have enough places to hide, or if the hiding spots are too small, then they are going to be very stressed.

What does healthy bearded dragon poop look like? ›

Healthy bearded dragon poop would be brown and firm with white or yellow urates. The poop will also have a strong consistency and a log-like shape. The white part is the urate which is usually soft and does not smell.

How many superworms should I feed my bearded dragon? ›

Two or three superworms once or twice a week should be sufficient for your adult bearded dragon. Juvenile. A juvenile dragon who can handle the aggressiveness of the worms might be able to eat more superworms in one feeding than an adult.

How long can a bearded dragon go without eating? ›

How Long Can A Bearded Dragon Go Without Food? As desert dwelling reptiles, bearded dragons can go weeks without food, sometimes a few months. This allows them to survive in their native habitat when food sources are scarce. In captivity, this usually occurs during brumation.

Why is my geckos eye swollen? ›

Hypovitaminosis A is caused by a diet lacking in vitamin A which can lead to swelling of the eyelids. Make sure you feed a balanced diet with enough vitamin A to prevent eye problems in your gecko.

How do you fix A lizard prolapse? ›

Reptiles only use the phallus and hemipenes for reproduction, and not for urination, so your veterinarian may surgically remove it, and it the animal can still live a healthy life. To prevent the tissue from prolapsing again, the veterinarian will often suture each side of the vent to make the opening smaller.

Why is my green anoles eye swollen? ›

This could be a parasitic problem, bacterial problem, fungal disease, congenital problem, foreign body or environmental issues. So, you see, you will need a vet to determine what is causing the problem to get the best chance of treating your anole correctly. Please don't wait any longer.

How do you treat A lizard eye infection? ›

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.

What is reptiles conjunctivitis? ›

Conjunctivitis in turtles and lizards without spectacles can be treated with topical eye ointment. Snakes and lizards with spectacles need surgery to drain the abscess and flush the eye with an antibiotic solution. Some affected reptiles, especially turtles, may need supplemental vitamin A.

Why do my leopard geckos eyes look weird? ›

Eye Problems: One of the most common causes of eye problems in leopard geckoes is substrate! Fine sand, dusty mulch, and peat moss can all get beneath the eyelids of leopard geckoes and be very irritating. The gecko may squint a lot and develop a watery to crusty discharge from its eyes.

How do you clean bearded dragon eyes? ›

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.

How can I fix my bearded dragon prolapse at home? ›

Urgent care tips. Keep prolapsed tissues moist until they can be gently cleaned. Liberally and gently apply water-soluble lubricant. Reduce tissue edema with cold compresses or hypertonic solutions like 50% dextrose, glycerin, or hypertonic saline.

What to do if my bearded dragon has a prolapse? ›

Call your vet right away! If action is not taken quickly, the organ can die, which can kill your beardie. En route to the vet, keep your beardie on paper towels and keep the tissue moist with water-soluble KY jelly. Once you arrive, the vet will clean and rehydrate the tissue, then gently push it back in.

Does prolapse go back to normal? ›

For some women, their prolapse gets worse over time. For others, their prolapse will stay the same with conservative treatment options. Prolapse generally does not improve without surgery, but symptoms can be managed with less invasive treatment options.

How do lizards get eye infections? ›

This could happen in any number of ways, for example bedding caught in the eye or a scratch caused by a sharp object. An ulcer may form on the cornea, which is the transparent outer layer of the eye. Ulcers are very painful and in severe cases the eye could burst.

Why do lizards eyes change? ›

Diurnal reptiles generally have more cones than rods. Like humans and other mammals, lizards change the shape of their lens to focus on nearby or distant objects.

Why do lizards eyes look like that? ›

Lizards, as well as frogs, salamanders, and some fish, possess an organ known as a parietal eye, or a “third eye.” This “eye” is very small and primitive, but it is able to perceive changes in lighting and assists with the production of hormones and body temperature regulation.

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.

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.

Can an eye infection heal naturally? ›

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an eye condition that causes the eye to become pink and irritated. The symptoms often resolve without treatment, but home remedies — such as cool compresses — can help ease them.

Videos

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2. Bearded dragon eye swelling
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3. My Bearded Dragon Is Dying!! (Part 44) 😰🦎#shorts
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4. Bearded Dragon Eye Bulging
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5. Bearded dragon dead nose skin removal #shorts
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6. 5 Signs Your Bearded Dragon Is Sad! *Watch If You Own A Bearded Dragon*
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