Why Is My Bearded Dragon Twitching? An Extensive Guide To The Causes And What To Do

Twitching and odd body movements in bearded dragons can be alarming for owners. If your bearded dragon is twitching, shaking, or displaying unusual behaviors like head bobbing or arm waving, you’re probably worried there could be something seriously wrong.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Twitching and shaking in bearded dragons can be caused by low calcium levels, vitamin deficiencies, illness, stress, or temperature regulation issues.

Ensure proper heating and nutrition, and see an exotic vet if twitching persists or worsens.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the possible reasons for involuntary movements and tremors in bearded dragons. You’ll learn how to spot key symptoms, address possible underlying causes with adjustments to diet and environment, and determine if a vet visit is required.

What Does Normal vs Abnormal Twitching Look Like?

Normal twitching in bearded dragons is usually characterized by small muscle contractions or brief tremors. This can occur when they are falling asleep, waking up, basking, or otherwise resting.

Examples of normal twitching include:

• A light flutter of the eyelids
• A slight shaking of the legs
• Subtle tremors of the tail or body
• Momentary muscle spasms of the jaws or throat

This type of twitching is involuntary and reflexive. It may be more noticeable in juveniles or babies as they sleep and grow. As long as it only occurs intermittently and does not seem to bother or hurt your dragon, minor twitching is nothing to worry about.

Abnormal Twitching

Abnormal twitching refers to episodes that are more frequent, prolonged, severe, or unusual. This can indicate an underlying health issue such as metabolic bone disease, parasites, respiratory infections, nutritional deficiencies, or other problems.

Examples of abnormal twitching include:

• Violent shaking of the limbs or head
• Repetitive jerking motions
• Full body tremors that last more than a few seconds
• Twitching combined with lethargy or loss of appetite
• Seizure-like muscle contractions

If your bearded dragon is experiencing severe, persistent, or strange tremors, it likely signifies illness or distress. Other symptoms may also be present like weight loss, labored breathing, or swelling.

You should have your dragon evaluated by an exotic veterinarian to diagnose and treat any underlying issues.

Distinguishing Features

Here is a comparison of notable differences between normal and abnormal twitching:

Paying attention to the specifics around twitching episodes will help you recognize normal behavior versus problematic signs requiring medical intervention. If in doubt, call your herp vet for their expert assessment.

Common Causes of Bearded Dragon Twitching

Metabolic Bone Disease

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is one of the most common reasons for twitching and tremors in bearded dragons. MBD occurs when Dragons don’t get enough calcium and vitamin D3, leading to soft and malformed bones.

Twitching and muscle spasms are a telltale sign that the bones can’t properly support muscle function. To prevent MBD, it’s essential to use correct UVB lighting and calcium supplements. Catching it early and adjusting the diet can often resolve twitching.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Aside from calcium and D3, vitamin deficiencies in vitamin A, B, and E can also cause tremors and twitching. Each vitamin supports nerve function and muscle health in specific ways. Without adequate vitamins, nerves misfire, and muscles spasm uncontrollably.

Twitching from vitamin deficiencies isn’t as severe as MBD but reducing quality of life. Veterinary assistance assessing vitamin levels can identify any deficiencies. But providing a balanced diet with veggies, proteins, and supplements usually resolves vitamin-related twitching.

Stress and Anxiety

Bearded dragons are surprisingly sensitive animals. Too much handling, loud environments, changes in habitat, or improper heating can stress out Beardies. Chronic stress can manifest in twitching muscles as hormones like cortisol build up.

Eliminating environmental stressors and providing a stable routine typically reduces stress-related tremors. But severe anxiety may require medication assistance from an exotic pet veterinarian.

Incorrect Heating

Bearded dragons are cold-blooded and rely on external heat to regulate body temperature. Improper temperatures can prevent muscles from functioning optimally. Temps too low cause muscles to become slack and twitch. Temps too high overheat muscles into tremors and spasms.

Aim for a basking area around 100 F and a cool end around 85 F to support muscle health. Double check heating elements with digital thermometers and adjust as needed until any twitching subsides.

Illness and Disease

Unfortunately, twitching and tremors can also signal underlying illness in bearded dragons. Parasites, respiratory infections, neurological conditions, strokes, and more can all cause involuntary muscle movements. Illness-related twitching may come on rapidly and severely distress your pet.

Seek immediate veterinary assistance if twitching is accompanied by lethargy, appetite changes, or other signs of poor health. With supportive care and treatment, many Bearded Dragons fully recover.

First Aid Steps for a Twitching Bearded Dragon

Seeing your bearded dragon suddenly start twitching can be scary. However, try to remain calm so you can assess the situation and provide appropriate first aid if needed. Here are some key steps to take if you notice your dragon twitching:

1. Check the Enclosure

First, quickly scan the enclosure for any potential causes of the twitching such as a bug that may have bitten your dragon. Also check that temperatures, lighting, and humidity levels are all in the proper ranges as an improper enclosure can cause neurological issues.

Ideally, the warm side should be 95-100°F and the cool side 80-85°F.

2. Look for Injuries or Stuck Shed

Gently pick up your bearded dragon and examine them for any physical injuries or stuck shed which could be causing discomfort and the twitching. Pay particular attention to the eyes, mouth, legs, and tail.

If you find any wounds, you’ll need to provide appropriate treatment after addressing the immediate twitching issue.

3. Check for Signs of Parasites or Illness

Bearded dragons can experience seizures and muscle spasms due to certain parasites, metabolic bone disease, neurological conditions, or even simply stress. Look for other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, unusually frequent head bobbing, etc.

If your dragon seems sick, they need to see an exotic vet ASAP.

4. Allow Them to Twitch

As scary as the twitching may look, it’s often best to just allow your bearded dragon to twitch rather than try to restrain them or stop the movements. Attempting to restrict them can lead to further stress and even injury for both you and your pet.

Stay nearby to monitor the situation but don’t interfere unless absolutely necessary.

5. Note Duration and Provide Supportive Care

Carefully observe how long the twitching episode lasts, making note if it goes on for more than a few minutes. Also document where on the body the twitching occurred. Provide supportive care like lightly misting them with water in case they are overheated or become dehydrated.

If the twitching is severe or lasts longer than 15-20 minutes, immediate veterinary assistance is likely needed. You can attempt to gently soak your dragon in shallow warm water during the drive to the vet office to see if that helps relax the muscles.

6. Isolate in Temporary Quarantine

If an underlying illness appears to be causing the tremors or seizures, temporarily move your dragon’s habitat away from other reptiles you own until the condition resolves. This prevents any potential spread of contagious parasites or infection.

Be sure to thoroughly disinfect their original enclosure after the twitching episode using a reptile-safe disinfectant prior to moving them back.

7. Adjust Enclosure and Diet if Needed

Once your bearded dragon seems to have recovered, reassess their habitat setup and nutritional regimen. Twitching can sometimes stem from environments that are too cold or bright, metabolic issues, or vitamin deficiencies.

You may need to adjust temperatures, upgrade UVB lighting, add more hides/plants, or supplement their feeders with calcium + multivitamins.

With prompt first aid and continued supportive care under the guidance of an exotic pet veterinarian, many dragons fully recover from isolated twitching episodes though the underlying trigger should be addressed.

Monitor your dragon closely in the days and weeks after to ensure their health continues improving.

Preventing Twitches and Shaking

Provide Proper UVB Lighting

One of the most common causes of twitching and shaking in bearded dragons is improper UVB lighting. Bearded dragons need access to UVB rays to synthesize vitamin D3, which helps regulate calcium absorption.

Without enough UVB exposure, they can develop nutritional deficiencies that lead to muscle tremors and spasms.

Make sure your bearded dragon’s enclosure has a UVB fluorescent tube that spans at least 2/3 the length of the tank. The bulb should be rated for at least 10% UVB output and replaced every 6 months. Position it within 8-12 inches of where your dragon spends most of its time.

If you use a mesh top that filters UVB, consider swapping it out for a solid top with cutouts for fixtures.

Use the Right Vitamin Supplements

Along with UVB lighting, providing proper vitamin supplementation is crucial. Dust prey items with a calcium supplement that contains vitamin D3 at every other feeding. At 2 feedings per week, also dust with a multivitamin powder.

For dragons over 1 year old, use supplements formulated specifically for adult bearded dragons, which have lower phosphorus and vitamin D3 levels.

Pay close attention to the expiration date on supplements, and toss old containers. Outdated vitamins lose potency and effectiveness. If your bearded dragon is already showing signs of deficiency, you may need to supplement more frequently until their health improves.

Always consult an exotic vet for dosage recommendations.

Eliminate Stressors

Stress is another potential cause of twitching and tremors in bearded dragons. Too much handling, a busy household with kids and pets, or cagemates bullying them can stress your dragon out. Monitor for signs of stress like darkened beard coloring, lack of appetite, and glass surfing.

Provide ample hiding opportunities, a proper temperature gradient, and don’t disturb your dragon when in their hide. Limit handling to about 10-15 minutes per day until any twitching subsides. Make sure your dragon has adequate space and separate enclosures if housing dragons together.

Double Check Your Temperatures

Incorrect temperatures can also lead to twitching and neurological issues in bearded dragons. Dragons need a basking area of 95-100°F at one end, and a cooler area around 80°F at the other end to self-regulate.

Use digital thermometers with probes to monitor temperatures, and adjust heating elements as needed. At night, the temperature can safely drop to around 70-75°F. Ensure you have adequate heating at both ends – an under tank heater on one side and a basking light on the other.

Proper temps will help your dragon thrive.

When to See a Reptile Veterinarian

As a bearded dragon owner, it’s important to know when you should take your reptile to see a veterinarian. Catching health issues early can help prevent more serious problems down the road. Here’s a guide on when to seek medical care for your bearded dragon:

Signs of Illness or Injury

Some key signs that your bearded dragon may need to see a vet include:

• Lethargy or lack of normal activity
• Loss of appetite or not eating normally
• Weight loss
• Labored breathing
• Discharge from the nose or eyes
• Swelling anywhere on the body
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Injuries such as broken bones or cuts

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to schedule a veterinary visit, especially if the signs persist for more than a day or two. Catching problems early can help treatment be more effective.

Wellness Exams

Even if your bearded dragon seems perfectly healthy, it’s a good idea to take them for periodic wellness exams with an exotic pet vet. Many vets recommend bringing healthy adult bearded dragons for a checkup once a year.

Wellness exams allow the vet to establish a baseline level of health for your dragon. That way, if issues crop up later, the vet has something to compare it to. These visits also provide a chance to ask the vet general care questions and address small concerns before they become big issues.

Parasite Checks

Bearded dragons can carry certain internal parasites like cryptosporidium or pinworms. A fecal test allows your vet to check for parasite eggs and provide medication if needed. Parasites won’t always cause noticeable symptoms but can impact long-term health.

Fecal tests are recommended every 6-12 months based on your dragon’s health and housing. Dragons housed with other reptiles may need more frequent testing. Your vet can advise you on an appropriate parasite check schedule.

Significant Life Events

Certain life events may also warrant a veterinary visit for your bearded dragon, such as:

• New dragon: Getting a new reptile checked out shortly after adoption is smart.
• Brumation: Unusual signs during this hibernation-like state could indicate sickness.
• Gravid female: Egg binding is a risk for pregnant females.
• Baby dragon: Young dragons under 18 months need more frequent health monitoring as they grow.

Scheduling vet appointments around these events allows detection of problems specific to baby vs. adult dragons, reproductive health, etc.

In the end, you know your bearded dragon best. If something seems “off” about your pet’s behavior, play it safe and have them looked at. Reptiles are great at hiding illness, so don’t take a “wait and see” approach.

Your exotic vet can provide the expert care needed to get your dragon back to full health.

Conclusion

Involuntary movements like twitching, tremors, and shaking can easily worry bearded dragon owners. But not every case requires panic or an emergency vet visit. Oftentimes, small adjustments to nutrition, lighting, temperatures, and habitat can resolve issue.

By understanding the common causes and implementing some first aid care at home, you can often alleviate mild episodes of twitching. Still, if abnormal behaviors persist for over a day or appear extreme and painful, don’t hesitate to have your bearded dragon evaluated by an experienced reptile veterinarian.

They can check for underlying illness and get your pet back to full health.