Why Is My Bearded Dragon Crying

Okay, so you've got a bearded dragon. Awesome! They're like the chillest little dinosaurs you can have as a pet. But then you notice something… are they… crying? Are those tiny tears welling up? Panic sets in. Are you a bad beardie parent? Did you forget to renew their Netflix subscription (they probably wouldn't watch it anyway)? Let's unpack this mystery of the "crying" bearded dragon.

First things first, bearded dragons don't actually cry in the emotional sense like us humans do. They don't weep because their favorite cricket ran away or because they watched a particularly moving commercial about dog food. So, you can breathe a sigh of relief. You haven't emotionally scarred your scaly friend (probably).

So, What's With the Watery Eyes?

Think of it less like shedding tears and more like…well, having a dusty windshield. Their eyes get irritated, and their bodies have ways of dealing with that. Here's a rundown of the most common culprits behind your beardie's "tears":

• Debris and Dust: Imagine trying to drive with a layer of grime on your glasses – not fun! Similarly, small particles like substrate (that's the stuff at the bottom of their enclosure), shed skin, or even just dust in the air can irritate your beardie's eyes. It's their way of cleaning things out.
• Eye Infections: Just like us, beardies can get eye infections. If you notice redness, swelling, pus-like discharge (yuck!), or if your beardie is constantly pawing at their eye, it's time for a vet visit. Think of it like when you have pink eye – nobody wants that!
• Vitamin A Deficiency: Vitamin A is crucial for healthy eyes. If your beardie isn't getting enough of it in their diet, their eyes can become dry and irritated, leading to watery discharge. Imagine trying to read a book in dim light – straining your eyes isn't pleasant.
• Shedding: Sometimes, shedding skin around their eyes can cause irritation and watery eyes. Think of it like when you try to peel a sticker off something and it leaves a sticky residue – annoying, right?
• Improper Lighting: The wrong kind of UV light or bulbs that are too close can damage their eyes. Make sure you are using proper lighting fixtures and the right kind of bulbs.

How to Play Beardie Eye Doctor

Alright, so you've identified a potential cause. What now? Here are a few things you can do to help your little buddy:

• Gentle Cleaning: Use a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball to gently wipe around their eye. Think of it like wiping your own face after a sweaty workout – refreshing! Always wipe away from the eye, not towards it.
• Saline Solution: You can use a reptile-safe saline solution to flush out any debris. It's like giving their eyes a mini spa treatment. Just make sure it is safe for reptile use!
• Review Their Diet: Make sure they're getting a varied and nutritious diet with plenty of vitamin A. Think of it like feeding yourself – you need a balanced diet to stay healthy, and so does your beardie! Carrots, squash and dark leafy greens are great choices.
• Check Your Lighting: Double-check that your lighting is appropriate and the bulbs are the right distance from your beardie. You don't want to accidentally give them a sunburn (or eyeball-burn)!
• Consult a Vet: If the problem persists or worsens, or if you suspect an infection, don't hesitate to take your beardie to a vet who specializes in reptiles. They are the experts and can provide the best treatment.

Remember, even though beardies don't cry about breakups or bad TV shows, watery eyes are still a sign that something might be amiss. A little observation and care can go a long way in keeping your scaly friend happy and healthy. Now go give your beardie a gentle eye inspection. (And maybe a cricket as a peace offering, just in case.)

Keep in mind, this is for information purposes only, always consult with a vet that specializes in reptiles for any health concerns for your bearded dragon.