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Your bearded dragon may not be able to talk, but they have ways of communicating various issues. A stressed bearded dragon can show some signs. The most common sign is stress marks. As a beardie owner, it’s crucial to be able to read these signs and eliminate the stress triggers.
Several things can make a bearded dragon unhappy, from tank conditions to relocation. Taking care of a bearded dragon is often a little bit more complex. Owners should take their time to know what makes their beardie anxious.
Understandably, if it’s your first time seeing stress marks on a bearded dragon, you may be worried that it’s a health issue. However, as you will see below, most of the time, it’s a normal reaction. This article will address everything you need to know about stress marks, from defining what stress marks on a bearded dragon are to how you can get rid of them.
What are Stress Marks on a Bearded Dragon?
Stress marks are very easy to spot on a bearded dragon. They are dark lines that can sometimes be oval-shaped. Stress marks can appear on the beard, limbs, and belly. Stress marks on a bearded dragon resemble small tiger stripes.
As the name suggests, these marks are mainly caused by stress. Some triggers are pretty easy to identify, others are a bit complex, and you must research. The best way to deal with beardie stress marks is to identify the causes.
To help you figure out what’s wrong, here are some issues that may be stressing your pet lizard;
a) Relocation is a leading cause of beardie stress. The same way human beings feel anxious when they move to a new town is exactly what happens with beardies. When you move your beard dragon to a new home, they will show some stress marks that will disappear once they get acquainted with the new environment.
b) Their tank may have specific problems, such as extreme temperatures. It mustn’t be too hot or cold. Also, if you have recently added new décor. That could terrify them. It’s also worth mentioning that beardies hate smaller tanks. The confinement can be a stress trigger.
c) Bearded dragons also hate loud noises from TVs, yelling from kids, and other unusual sounds.
d) Though affectionate, beardies appreciate solitude. When they are excessively handled, beardies can show stress marks. It’s essential to give these pets their alone time. On the contrary, a lack of attention and affection from the owner can also cause stress marks.
e) Dietary changes can also cause stress marks. However, this will be accompanied by other behaviors, such as refusing to eat. Always make dietary transitions as smooth as possible. Also, ensure that your beardie gets enough vitamin D3 and calcium.
f) During mating season, your adult male beardie can act a little bit crazy and stressed, especially if there are no potential mating partners around. This usually happens from September to March.
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How Do You Know If a Bearded Dragon is Stressed?
You don’t need to be a vet to know your beardie is stressed. Many signs indicate stress. Having educated you about the causes or stress triggers, it’s essential also to do the same about the signs.
The first and most obvious sign of bearded dragon stress is the dark marks that appear on their bellies, chins, and limbs. Stress marks are the number one sign you should look out for.
To narrow down to the root cause of stress, it’s important to look at other signs. For instance, a new dark coloration. That is a sign that your beardie is undergoing shedding, and the stress marks will disappear once they are done. If shedding takes too long, always consult the vet.
Another sign of stress amongst beardies is loss of appetite. A bearded dragon losses appetite when the temperatures are too cold. If you notice this behavior alongside stress marks, adjust the temperatures in the tank.
A stressed bearded dragon can give off low energy. They may be less active and can spend more time hiding than basking. Lethargy and stress are often associated with nutritional issues. Aggressive behavior is the last sign of stress that a bearded dragon can portray. Lack of affection can cause such behavior or constant stress.
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Do Bearded Dragon Stress Marks Go Away?
First, you must understand that stress is a normal phase for any bearded dragon, more so for the younger ones adapting to the environment. Bearded dragon stress marks go away when the triggers are eliminated. Take incorrect tank temperature, for example. If their habitat is extremely cold, the beardie will show stress marks. However, when you regulate the temperatures, the marks disappear.
Bearded dragon stress marks will not disappear if they are constantly exposed to the triggers. Some owners don’t know that beardies should be kept in different tanks. If you have two male beardies, the dominant one will overpower the other, who will always have stress marks on his belly or limbs for an extended period.
The estimated duration for stress marks is from a few hours to a few weeks. To emphasize the above, the sooner you eliminate what’s stressing your beardie, the quicker these marks will fade away. Some stresses like shedding, you as the owner have no control over. You have to wait for the process to end naturally. In the meantime, you can only show compassion and care to your beardie.
Now that you know what stress marks are on a bearded dragon. Should you let the stress marks go away on their own? Absolutely not. There are several ways you can make life less stressful for your pet. That brings us to the following sub-topic.
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How to Get Rid of Stress Marks on a Bearded Dragon?
Here are some ways you can get rid of stress marks on a bearded dragon;
Spice up their tank with décor that resembles their natural habitat. Beardies appreciate living in caves, having plants, and anything else resembling their natural home. This can help with stress and boredom.
Ensure the tank conditions are optimum. Many pet owners only pay attention to the temperature and forget about lighting and humidity.
Feed your beardie a balanced diet. When young, bearded dragons feed on proteins. As they grow old, they turn to vegetables. Nutritional deficiency is a leading cause of stress marks and lethargy amongst beardies.
There is no better way of calming a beardie than giving them a warm bath. This will ease their stress quickly.
If your dragon is new, avoid petting them all the time. Also, ask other household members to do the same. These pets are reserved and dislike too much handling. This doesn’t mean you should ignore them entirely.
Life for your beardie will be much better if you can minimize noise. Avoid placing their tank close to the TV or other entertainment sources.
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Conclusion
If you have been wondering what are stress marks on a bearded dragon? The above article should provide you with sufficient answers. Stress marks on your beardie should disappear when you remove triggers.
However, you should take your pet to the vet for a medical checkup if they don’t. Stress is a common experience for most dragons. The good news is that these marks can be dealt with through observations and making necessary adjustments.