Is My Water Dragon Sick?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

will often not show obvious signs of illness until they are very sick, but you should look out for any changes in

appetite or

faeces passed, as well as changes in weight, behaviour, skin colouration or breathing. Other signs of illness include discharges from the eyes, nose or mouth or problems with shedding.

Do Chinese water dragons carry diseases?

Chinese water dragons are prone to bacterial infections called

pseudomonas

, for instance. And other reptiles carry salmonella, botulism, campylobacteriosis, and leptospirosis.

How long do water dragons last?

Water Dragons in captivity live

up to 20 years

. They reach sexual maturity around 4 to 5 years of age. A male Water Dragon can reach a length of 1 metre and weigh about 1 kg.

Do water dragons have diseases?


An outbreak of severe skin disease caused by a pathogenic fungus

has been detected in wild eastern water dragons in Southeast Queensland. This outbreak poses a serious threat to Australia's reptilian fauna.

How can you tell if a Chinese water dragon is stressed?

If a Chinese water dragon feels threatened or is scared,

it may lash out by biting and whipping its tail

. They are arboreal , meaning they like to climb in plants, on rocks, and in trees. They are also adept swimmers and are at their happiest when they have a source of water to dip into.

Do Chinese Water Dragons get lonely?

Housing the Chinese Water Dragon

Unless you know your dragons are accurately sexed, you may be better off with just one,

although it may be lonely

. A male and female pair will likely get along, while two males and even two females may display aggression unless given lots of space in a very large enclosure.

Can Water Dragons drown?

Water dragons need a large water area. … The water area should be at least big enough for the dragon to fully submerge itself, and the dragons should preferably be able to swim around. Make sure that the dragons can get out of the water – they

can drown surprisingly easily

.

How do I know if my Chinese water dragon is dying?

Reptiles will often not show obvious signs of illness until they are very sick, but you should look out for any

changes in appetite or faeces passed

, as well as changes in weight, behaviour, skin colouration or breathing. Other signs of illness include discharges from the eyes, nose or mouth or problems with shedding.

Can Chinese water dragon eat bananas?

Yes,

Chinese water dragons can eat bananas

, but they are extremely high in sugar and phosphorus. Offer once a month or less as a treat.

Are Chinese water dragons poisonous?


THEY ARE POISONOUS

. Adults should be given insects 2-3 times a week, with salads on the rest of the days. … All uneaten insects should be removed from the enclosure as they can bite your dragon and cause injury, especially to the eyes.

Do water dragons need a heat lamp?

Heat & light

Like all reptiles, Chinese water dragons are ectothermus and must have a warm habitat in order to maintain their body temperature. They also need moist, humid air. During the day, use a heat bulb

to warm one side of the terrarium to 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit

(32 to 35 Celsius).

Do water dragons need a night light?

UVB Lights. Water dragons and most other reptiles require UVB light. … Without it, your water dragon may be lethargic, not eat, and develop metabolic bone disease, among other things. Water dragons need

10 to 12 hours of UVB light daily

to stay healthy.

How often do water dragons eat?

Feed juveniles daily;

feed adults every 2 to 3 days

. Feed Water dragons a variety of gut-loaded insects such as crickets, king mealworms, silkworms, and waxworms, as well as grasshoppers, roaches, and earthworms. Pinky mice and small fish may also be fed occasionally.

How can you tell if a water dragon is male or female?


Males generally have more vivid coloring than females

, including a bright orange to yellow area under the throat with pink tones near the lower jaw. Males also develop larger heads, jowls and crests on the back and neck, and their femoral pores are typically larger than a female's.

Do water dragons bite?

Danger to humans

Large adult Water Dragons will appear confident and friendly however they should not be approached as they have very sharp claws and

can deliver a serious bite

.

Are water dragons good pets?

Asian water dragons, also known as the green water dragon or Chinese water dragon, can

make beautiful pets

but they have specific care needs that must be met in order for them to thrive. Once they are used to your presence, they are generally tame and easily handled.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.