Credit: Ian Robson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBearded dragons, like many reptiles, shed their skin as they grow. This process is called ecdysis and typically occurs every 4-6 weeks for young dragons but less frequently for adults. During shedding, a new layer of skin grows underneath the old one before the outermost layer peels off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explanation of the shedding process in bearded dragons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The shedding process in bearded dragons can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks to complete. Typically, a dragon will start by developing a dull appearance to their skin and may become less active or eat less during this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the shedding progresses, the skin around the eyes will become opaque and eventually peel away. The final stages of shedding involve peeling around the nose and mouth areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Causes and symptoms of retained shed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In some cases, a dragon may have difficulty shedding all of its skin properly which leads to retained shed. This can occur due to environmental factors such as low humidity or inadequate substrate in their enclosure that does not allow for proper traction when rubbing against surfaces during shedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of retained shed include flaky or patchy-looking skin around certain areas such as toes or tail, increased scratching or rubbing against objects in their enclosure, and difficulty moving limbs due to tightness around them caused by excess shed buildup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prevention and treatment options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To prevent retained shed from happening in your bearded dragon it’s important to ensure they’re housed in an environment that has adequate humidity levels with proper substrate that allows for good traction during shedding periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also important not to handle them too much during this time since handling could cause stress that inhibits proper shedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your dragon does develop a retained shed you should first try to soak them in a shallow bath for 15-20 minutes at a time. This will help normalize humidity levels and loosen any excess shed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush or washcloth to gently brush off any remaining shed if it’s not too tight around their limbs. If these methods don\u2019t work or you see signs of infection, then you should take your dragon to an exotic veterinarian for professional treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fungal or Bacterial Infection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A white nose can also be a sign of a fungal or bacterial infection. These infections can occur due to poor hygiene, an unclean living environment, or a weakened immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fungal infections are common in bearded dragons and can lead to respiratory issues if left untreated. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, are less common and often result from injuries caused by rough handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overview of Common Infections in Bearded Dragons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some common infections seen in bearded dragons include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Yellow fungus<\/strong> – A fungal infection that appears as yellow patches on the skin and can cause respiratory problems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mouth rot<\/strong> – A bacterial infection that affects the mouth and gums, causing swelling and discharge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Respiratory infections<\/strong> – These are caused by bacteria and viruses that affect the respiratory tract, leading to lethargy, wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms to Look Out For<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you notice any of the following symptoms in your bearded dragon, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- White patches around the nose or mouth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Inflammation or swelling of nostrils<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Mucus discharge from nose<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lack of appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lethargy or weakness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Treatment Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The treatment for fungal or bacterial infections will depend on the severity of the condition. If caught early enough, a simple medication regimen may help resolve the issue without significant complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, more severe cases may require hospitalization for observation and intravenous antibiotics. It’s crucial to keep your bearded dragon’s enclosure clean regularly and ensure that they are hydrated and have a balanced diet to prevent infections from occurring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don’t let a white nose go unnoticed<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
While not always serious, a white nose in your bearded dragon can indicate a more severe problem. Keep an eye out for any symptoms of infections, including changes in behavior or appetite, and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you notice anything unusual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nutritional Deficiencies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they require a balanced diet of both animal and plant-based foods. A lack of proper nutrition can have serious health consequences for your beardie, including a white nose. Nutritional deficiencies weaken the immune system, making your pet more susceptible to infections and diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explanation of How Nutritional Deficiencies Can Affect Your Bearded Dragon’s Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nutritional deficiencies can affect your bearded dragon’s health in many ways, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Reduced growth rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fatigue and lethargy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Muscle weakness or tremors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Poor bone development or soft bones (metabolic bone disease)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increased susceptibility to infections and diseases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen over time, leading to serious health complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common Nutritional Deficiencies That Can Cause White Nose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The most common nutritional deficiencies that can cause white noses in bearded dragons are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Vitamin A deficiency<\/strong>: This is often caused by a lack of leafy green vegetables in the diet. Symptoms include a loss of appetite, difficulty seeing or keeping the eyes closed, swelling around the eyes, and an overall weakened immune system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Vitamin D deficiency<\/strong>: This is often caused by a lack of exposure to UVB light or a poor diet. Symptoms include lethargy, poor appetite, muscle weakness or tremors, and soft bones (metabolic bone disease).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n- Calcium deficiency<\/strong>: This is often caused by a lack of calcium-rich foods in the diet. Symptoms include soft bones (metabolic bone disease), muscle tremors, and seizures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to Prevent Nutritional Deficiencies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Preventing nutritional deficiencies in your bearded dragon is essential for their overall health and to avoid a white nose. Here are some tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Provide a varied diet that includes leafy green vegetables, insects, and other protein sources such as cooked chicken or boiled eggs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dust insects with a calcium supplement at least once a week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ensure your bearded dragon gets enough UVB light by providing a basking area and using a UVB bulb specifically designed for reptiles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Monitor your pet’s weight and growth rate to ensure they are getting enough nutrients.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you suspect your bearded dragon has a nutritional deficiency, consult with a veterinarian who specializes in reptile care.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A white nose in your bearded dragon is not something to ignore or dismiss. It is essential for pet owners to understand why their beardie’s nose has turned white and take prompt action to treat any underlying issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shedding skin or retained shed may require additional care or environmental adjustments like higher humidity levels while fungal or bacterial infections will need veterinary attention and treatment with antibiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A proper diet with adequate nutrition also plays an important role in maintaining the overall health for your pet reptile. By being vigilant about your pet’s health and providing appropriate care when needed, you can help ensure that your beloved beardie stays healthy, happy, and thriving for years to come!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What causes a white nose in a bearded dragon? Bearded dragons are popular reptile pets that can develop white noses. While this may not necessarily be a cause for alarm, it is important to understand the potential causes and implications of this phenomenon. There are several factors that can contribute to a white nose in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":8211,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_gspb_post_css":".gs-box{padding:20px;border-left:5px solid transparent;margin-bottom:25px}.gs-box-text>p{margin-bottom:20px;margin-top:0}.gs-box-text>p:last-of-type{margin-bottom:0}.gs-box.update_type{color:#004458;background-color:#d9edf7;border:1px solid #bce8f1}","footnotes":""},"categories":[16,10,28],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8159"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8159"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8159\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12178,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8159\/revisions\/12178"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8211"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8159"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8159"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jeffreyyounggren.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8159"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}