If your leopard gecko has suddenly started coughing, it can be alarming. Coughing is not normal behavior for leopards geckos and is usually a sign of an underlying health issue.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Coughing in leopard geckos is often caused by respiratory infections, environmental factors like low humidity, or ingestion of substrate.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include antibiotics, raising the humidity, or removing substrate.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the full reasons leopard geckos cough, how to diagnose the cause, treatment options, and steps you can take to prevent coughing in the future.
Common Causes of Coughing in Leopard Geckos
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are one of the most common causes of coughing in leopard geckos. These infections are typically caused by bacteria, fungi or parasites. Some examples include pneumonia, upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) and lung worms.
Symptoms besides coughing can include wheezing, nasal discharge and lethargy. Respiratory infections in geckos often require antibiotics or antifungal medication prescribed by a veterinarian to treat the underlying cause.
Low Humidity
Leopard geckos originate from arid, desert-like environments. If the humidity in their habitat drops too low, such as below 30%, it can irritate their respiratory tract and cause coughing or wheezing. Boosting the humidity level by misting the enclosure, using a humid hide box or simply pouring some water into the substrate can help.
The ideal humidity range for these geckos is 30-40%.
Ingestion of Substrate
Accidentally swallowing substrate like sand or loose particulate matter is another potential cause of coughing in leopard geckos. These particles can irritate the throat and respiratory tract, leading to coughing as the body tries to expel them.
This risk can be minimized by using safer substrates like paper towels, textured tile or reptile carpeting instead of sand or particles. Good husbandry to keep their environment clean is also important.
Stress
Stress can also cause leopard geckos to cough occasionally. Common stressors include improper housing, temperature or humidity levels, lack of hiding spots, over-handling, cagemates fighting and abrupt environmental changes. Eliminating or reducing stressors and providing proper care is key.
Their habitat should have adequate heat, humidity, space, hiding areas and peace. If the gecko’s coughing seems stress-related, re-evaluate their environment.
Other Causes
Other less common causes of coughing in leopard geckos can include:
- Metabolic bone disease from lack of calcium or vitamin D3
- Gastrointestinal blockages or obstructions
- Birth defects affecting the respiratory tract
- Toxic fumes, smoke or irritants in the environment
- Shedding difficulties irritating the throat
Diagnosing the Cause of Coughing
Look for Other Symptoms
In addition to coughing, watch for other concerning signs that may provide clues to the root cause. For example, labored breathing, wheezing, gaping mouth motions, discharge from the eyes or nostrils, and weight loss often accompany illnesses leading to coughing.
Monitoring your leopard gecko’s appetite is also wise, as sickness frequently reduces interest in eating. Making note of any habitat changes, new objects or plants in the terrarium, supplements or feeders introduced, or handling procedures can further help your vet pinpoint an irritant if present.
Check the Environment
Ensure optimal habitat conditions aren’t the culprit behind coughing spells. Use hygrometers and thermometers to verify temperatures and humidity levels align with recommendations for leopard geckos. Hot spots over 90°F or drops below 70°F, and moisture higher than 40-50% or lower than 20%, cause distress.
Verify heating elements provide adequate belly heat without overheating the terrarium. Replace old bulbs exceeding 6 months. Eliminate respiratory irritants by switching substrates to paper towel or slate temporarily.
Verify cleanliness and ensure the enclosure and décor lack visible mold, rot, chemical cleaners, paints, adhesives, or pesticides. Consult your herp vet about air quality testing if issues persist despite correcting habitat factors.
Examine the Mouth and Throat
Gently inspect inside your leopard gecko’s mouth using proper restraint methods. Look for discharge, swelling, stuck shed skin, cuts, unusual growths or masses, and other abnormalities involving the oral cavity, glottis, and trachea down through the lungs which may obstruct air flow or contain infectious agents leading to coughing.
Using a recommended oral scope device provides clearer visualization while minimizing stress. Skin abrasions or smallExternal wounds around the head and neck may also compromise normal breathing and swallowing.
Note if any difficulty opening the mouth exists or loss of tongue function apparent when feeding.
Take Your Gecko for an Exam
Schedule a veterinary exam when persisting, worsening, or puzzling coughing occurs. Your herp vet will obtain a thorough history of husbandry, nutrition, supplementation, recent purchases or environmental changes, and unusual behaviors noticed.
Complete hands-on physical and visual inspection, palpation, blood panels, cultures, cytology, x-rays, endoscopy, or other diagnostics aid identifying underlying infection or irritation. Once any adverse husbandry or secondary health conditions are treated, most geckos show coughing relief within 2 weeks.
Seek immediate help if open-mouth breathing, lethargy, or bluish skin/nails develop indicating critical distress.
Catching coughs early and investigating probable causes through habitat checks, at-home oral exams, and veterinary care provides the best opportunity for quick recovery. Never hesitate contacting experienced herp veterinarians at the first signs of respiratory distress in pet leopard geckos.
Treating a Coughing Leopard Gecko
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are one of the most common causes of coughing in leopard geckos. These are typically caused by bacteria, fungi or parasites invading the respiratory system. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, nasal discharge, lethargy and loss of appetite.
If left untreated, respiratory infections can be fatal. The treatment involves antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian to clear the infection. Supportive care like keeping the enclosure warm, hydration and nutrition are also important.
Low Humidity
Leopard geckos come from arid regions and require a warm, dry environment. However, humidity that is too low can irritate their respiratory tract and cause coughing fits. The ideal humidity level is between 30-40%. Using a hygrometer to monitor humidity and adjusting as needed is important.
Providing a humid hide gives the gecko a choice to self-regulate. Spraying the enclosure with water 1-2 times per day or using a humidifier can also help raise humidity if it drops too low.
Ingested Substrate
Accidentally swallowing substrate like sand or loose particles whilst feeding can cause coughing in leopard geckos. These substrates can irritate the throat and respiratory system, sometimes causing impaction.
It’s best to house leopard geckos on safer substrates like paper towels, reptile carpets or tiles that cannot be ingested. Also, feed insects in a separate dish instead of directly on the substrate. Carefully observe feeding and quickly remove uneaten insects to prevent accidental substrate ingestion leading to coughing.
Stress
Though often overlooked, stress can also cause respiratory issues in leopard geckos. Excessive stress from poor husbandry, habitat, handling, or environmental factors can suppress their immune system. This makes them prone to respiratory infections manifesting as coughing.
Ensuring optimal care practices like maintaining appropriate heat gradients, providing adequate shelters and hides, safe handling procedures and minimal disturbance can alleviate stress. Also, thoroughly clean the habitat to prevent accumulation of excrement and urates which can irritate the respiratory tract.
A healthy, low-stress gecko is less likely to develop a cough.
Preventing Coughing in Leopard Geckos
Keep the Enclosure Clean
Keeping your leopard gecko’s enclosure clean is one of the best ways to prevent respiratory infections that can lead to coughing. Their enclosures should be spot cleaned daily to remove feces, urates, and uneaten food.
All decor items, dishes, and hiding spots should be cleaned at least weekly with a 3% bleach solution to kill any potentially harmful bacteria or fungi. It’s also important to completely replace the substrate every 4-6 weeks to prevent buildup of microorganisms.
A clean environment will help keep your gecko healthy.
Maintain Proper Humidity
Leopard geckos do best when the humidity in their enclosure is between 30-40%. Having too little humidity can dry out their respiratory tracts, making coughing and infections more likely. To boost humidity, add a humid hide or box with damp moss for your gecko to enter when they wish.
You can also mist the enclosure 1-2 times per day avoiding directly spraying the gecko. Using cypress mulch or coco coir substrates can also help retain some moisture. With proper humidity, your leopard gecko’s respiratory system will stay hydrated and healthy.
Use Appropriate Substrate
Substrates can harbor bacteria and molds if not kept clean, contributing to respiratory irritation in leopard geckos. Recommended substrates are paper towels, reptile carpets, tile, or coconut coir. Avoid sand, wood shavings, corn cob, or walnut shell substrates as particles can be accidentally ingested leading to impaction.
Smooth substrates like tile or paper towels are best as they are easy to disinfect and won’t snag gecko toes or claws. Proper substrate selection reduces risks of respiratory infections that cause coughing in leopard geckos.
Minimize Stress
Stress can negatively impact leopard gecko immune systems, so minimizing stress is key to respiratory health. Provide plenty of hides and plants for cover so they feel secure. Limit handling to 15-20 minutes daily after they’re acclimated. House geckos alone as cagemates can be stressful.
Ensure proper temperatures with a warm side of 88-92°F and a cool side around 75°F. Avoid loud noises, excessive vibrations, or frequently moving enclosure locations. Give an appropriate and consistent day/night cycle of 12-14 hours light and dark.
By reducing stressors your leopard gecko will be better able to resist respiratory infections and coughing.
Conclusion
Coughing is not normal for leopard geckos. If your gecko starts coughing, it’s important to identify and address the underlying cause right away.
With proper treatment of any illness, adjustments to your gecko’s environment, and steps to prevent potential causes, you can get your gecko’s health back on track and stop the coughing. Monitor your gecko closely and contact an exotic vet if the cough persists or worsens.
