We know how much you love your Dragon and we want to make it easy to show how much you care. In fact, we would say almost all soon-to-be or inexperienced owners know this. If you don't have a mercury vapor bulb (think of the REALLY strong, high-priced reptile bulbs, such as the . You can also do something called gut loading which involves you feeding insects (like crickets) a very calcium-rich diet, and even including some calcium supplements as well. Why they need it, what happens if you give them too much, and the best sources of calcium are things that many new owners cant answer. These foods can be added in small portions occasionally to a healthy bearded dragons diet (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). Metabolic Bone Disease in Bearded Dragon 5 Late Stage MBD Symptoms in Bearded Dragons. #2. Absorbed vitamin D can be stored in the body such as the fat tissue, liver and kidneys. In addition to . Yes, you must provide calcium for your bearded dragon. This is worth noting because calcium (as well as vitamin D3) is one of the most important minerals these animals can receive. Here are some of the signs of Hypercalcemia: Excess calcium in the blood causes muscles weakness, so your bearded dragon may look fatigued all the time. ; Avoid smoking . In severe cases, a bearded dragon may suffer from paralysis, twitches, and seizures. One, ask your vet who will be able to assess the relevant factors specific to you so they can make a recommendation. Technically supplements can be given by injection, but this would usually only be in the case of a vet treating a dragon for metabolic bone disease or another condition which would require such an intervention. Is it possible to give your bearded dragon too much calcium? Getting calcium for bearded dragons right is crucial for good health. . The most common symptoms of a calcium overdose include lethargy, appetite loss, constipation, vomiting, and a general decrease in activity. 1. Provide artificial UVB bulbs for those housed indoors. If they are fed, feed in small portions alternating with other foods. In this case, you would want to supplement about three times a week to ensure your dragon is getting enough of both supplements. Alert your vet immediately if you notice any signs of metabolic bone disease in your bearded dragon. Too much calcium is bad for bearded dragons where there is an excess of vitamin D3. There should be nothing blocking the sun light which includes any glass, plastic or otherwise. Some calcium powder thats not ground properly can cause GI issues in your reptile. Vitamin D3 is essential for the absorption of calcium into bones, so it stands to reason that the most likely symptoms of vitamin D overdose will involve the bones. A calcium overdose in a bearded dragon can be very serious and even life-threatening. Thats because its just not possible to recreate an exact replica of a dragons natural habitat, although you can come close. Proper egg development & good reproductive health in females, Dragons bodies need calcium so much that if the body becomes deficient, it starts pulling calcium from their bones, causing, (MBD). So its always best to check with a vet first before starting any supplementation. Outside of a laboratory, its going to be impossible to be sure on how much of the calcium dusted onto insects will actually end up consumed. A bearded dragon's growth is considered juvenile as it approaches the age of five months or 18 months. Twelve hours of UVB exposure a day is ideal. Vitamins And Your Beardies. I noticed him do this 3 times, once every other day, for the past week that ive had him. Being able to identify unusual behavior is essential for noticing hypercalcemia. So its always best to check with a vet first before starting any supplementation. This is a much similar but more severe disorder to that of osteoporosis in humans. For one thing, bearded dragons are notoriously picky eaters. Bearded Dragon Impaction: Symptoms and Treatment Causes of impaction in bearded dragons. If your bearded dragon has stopped eating greens or perhaps never started then there are a few tricks you can put in place. Manyexperienced Dragon Keepers will recommend providing your beardie with a multivitamin in addition to calcium and Vitamin D3 supplements. Hypercalcemia in bearded dragons is a medical condition in which the calcium level in the bearded dragons blood is above the normal limit. This warms the bearded dragon while bathing, but does not cause itching or discomfort. In the wild, this aids them in being able to use calcium efficiently. All rights reserved. Vitamin D3. Most commonly, the cause is a hard substrate such as sand, or chitin shells of insects that are too hard to digest, such as beetles or mealworms. Thats too much, only dust 1 feeding per day for 6 days a week. Theyre already going to get eaten, so why make things worse for them? Foods dusted with too much calcium will probably be refused. Give them a light dusting and feed them. Reverse the inverse Ca:P ratio of insects by gut loading and dusting. Flukers is a fantastic company thats been a staple among reptile owners for years. Yes, feeding your bearded dragon calcium is part of the current recommended good husbandry practices and it will contribute to the prevention of hypocalcemia. The best way to give your dragon calcium is by dusting their food with calcium powder 3-5 times per week. However, where sunlight is provided on a regular basis (i.e. In the wild, bearded dragons get calcium through a varied diet (much more varied than the diet that can be provided in a domestic setting), and Vitamin D3 comes from their lengthy exposure to natural sunlight. While this isnt always a surefire sign that the problem is a calcium overdose, loss of appetite can be related to another issue. Pet dragons primarily get Vitamin D3 through proper UVB lighting in their tank as well as exposure to natural sunlight (this means exposure to natural sunlight outside, not necessarily through a window; its actually dangerous to keep your dragons tank by a window due to risk of burns). Calcium, vitamin D3, or phosphorous deficiency. How much calcium a bearded dragon needs, largely depends on the age of the dragon. It is, therefore, your responsibility as a pet parent to ensure your bearded dragon is getting just the right amount of calcium. Obtain a significant portion of your dietary intake of calcium from plant-based foods. The symptoms are very similar to hypercalcemia, but the physical alterations are often more noticeable and permanent. Be aware that you can overdose on vitamin D3. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This is actually a common mistake because inexperienced owners go overboard in an attempt to avoid the list of awful symptoms we mentioned above. Of course, the exception would be a dragon who has metabolic bone disease or another condition which would require a more intense supplement regimen. Bearded dragon calcium supplements come in a variety of forms, including powder, tablets, and capsules. Supplementing with calcium helps you have more control over how much calcium your dragon is actually consuming. Generally its safe to supplement calcium anywhere from a few times a week to once a day. Providing foods with vitamin D2 does not replace the need for vitamin D3. What it all comes down to is creating a happy and healthy life for your pets and ours. Bone resorption causes bone tissue to release minerals such as calcium to the blood.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'reptilemaniac_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptilemaniac_com-banner-1-0'); An increased concentration of calcium in the blood can impact the health of your bearded dragon in several ways. Please chat with your veterinarian, doctor, or other qualified practitioners for information and advice on your specific subjects. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inadequate UVB exposure and heat for calcium absorption, Excessive levels of vitamin A which competes with vitamin D, High phosphorus diet or improper calcium to phosphorus ratio. There are plenty of bone and structural issues that can occur as well. Dandelion greens are some of the most calcium-rich vegetables out there. They contain more protein and calcium than typical feeders. Zoo Med is a fantastic company that has been providing high-quality products to the reptile community for quite a while. Check the ingredients of the food before supplementing. Lack of exposure to UVB source can lead to calcium deficiency in bearded dragons. Some of the symptoms of MBD are as follows: Bumps that you can see or feel in the legs. 2-3 times a week is the number of times you should sprinkle calcium powder on their food. A relatively newly recognized and highly malignant cancer is being seen more and more often in captive bearded dragons. It can result from the calcification of blood vessels in the beardies body. Those ages 4 months and below, should be given calcium daily, while juvenile bearded dragons under one year should be given calcium 5 times a week. This can lead to an excess amount being created from the lighting situation. Keep your dragon happy and thriving by providing a balanced diet, proper UVB lighting, and adequate supplements. One reason it's important to be educated on bearded dragon health concerns, is because your beardie will hide symptoms. Calcium is essential for growth in bearded dragons. In this case, a liquid may offer you more control over the calcium and Vitamin D3 intake. Manyexperienced Dragon Keepers will recommend providing your beardie with a multivitamin in addition to calcium and Vitamin D3 supplements. Bearded dragons need full spectrum or high UVB reptile bulbs provided overhead. Is It Good For Them? Liquid supplements can be a little trickier because you typically have to offer them through a dropper, which your dragon may not enjoy. The, Figuring out how to tell if your turtle is dying can be surprisingly tricky. So i want to see if i dont dust crickets for the next couple of days will he return to normal without that body twist/twitch for 1 second? For bearded dragons kept indoors, buy calcium powders with cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3. You dont pay more but it gives me a commission when you buy it through my affiliate link. Cuz i hear calcium overdose can lead to future complications Thx. These symptoms alone arent always a sign of hypercalcemia. Now that you have a better understanding of the impact calcium can have on your bearded dragons, its time for you to plan accordingly. The disease causes serious bone, muscle, and tissue damage, which can result in paralysis or death. And if left unchecked, all of these health complications can lead to death. Youll want to ensure your beardie has a good basking spot and a place to get away and cool down. The most common result of a calcium deficiency is called Metabolic Bone Disease. Its entirely possible for you to be giving your bearded dragon too much calcium without realizing it. Calcium is pretty useless without D3. One of the most common ways this occurs is with a suboptimal light and habitat combination. Fluker's is a fantastic company that's been a staple among reptile owners for years. If these animals continue to receive too much calcium they can potentially die (although this is less common). Kindly take your bearded dragon to an experienced vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. @Elise, yes I'm pretty sure that's normal I'm no professional and have not had one yet but I just have, My friend is considering adopting a unique pet he could showcase to his guests when they visit. Another thing to be wary of is the moisture content. Well my new beardie is very active. Oonincx, D. G. A. Now i dust once a day for 5 times a week. Weve hinted at each of them at one point or another above, but this section will take a deeper dive into each. For growing reptiles, the required calcium to phosphorus ratio is 2:1. Recently, I watched. Please answer quick. Below is a list of the most common diseases in bearded dragons. It also helps prevent metabolic bone disease and keep your dragon healthy and happy. Also daily baths 20 minutes at a time will help if the urates are hard. You are using an out of date browser. You can fill the pool with elbows up to the elbows. It can be very dangerous and even lead to death if not properly cared for. A beardie that doesnt get enough of this will suffer (which no one wants). This guide will teach you the fundamentals of why bearded dragons need calcium, how to provide it to them (with our powder recommendations), the way other factors influence how much they need, and much more! Youll want a mix of each in order to maximize the health of these animals since they get their calcium from a variety in the wild. Cusack, L., Rivera, S., Lock, B., Benboe, D., Brothers, D., & Divers, S. (2017). I like your, I found it interesting when you explained how you'd bond with your pet snake and improve recognition. Its also very affordable, so you can easily fit it into your existing care strategy without it disrupting your budget too much. Metabolic bone disease (also known as nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism or fibrous osteodystrophy) refers to several painful skeletal disorders that are caused by a lack of calcium in the body. Risk of Hypercalcemia. This is another great calcium powder for bearded dragons that we really like. If you choose to do this, its best to ensure they are not getting any additional Vitamin A (unless your vet determines your dragon is seriously deficient in Vitamin A). van., Hendriks, W. H., Poel, A. F. B. van der. (2019). Leafy greens are a great source of calcium for bearded dragons, especially the following options: Other foods that can boost your dragons calcium intake: Calcium and Vitamin D3 play an important role in your dragons overall health and wellness. Scientifically, the reason MBD is so detrimental . Most often seen in bearded dragons with weak or no UVB exposure. It includes calcium and magnesium. The disease is quite painful and very difficult to reverse. Bearded dragons need calcium for the following reasons: Bone development. Bearded dragons are susceptible to calcium overdoses, which can lead to a variety of symptoms including lethargy, weakness, lack of appetite, and twitching. Is it necessary? Donoghue, S. ARAV (2015) Companion Reptile Care Series. They should get 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Unlike other minerals such as phosphorus, calcium is not something your bearded dragon will receive enough of from their diet. This guide gives you the basics so you can make sure your dragon is getting what he needs. One of the nice things about this product is that its super affordable. Therefore even if you must drive a long distance for a proper vet, itll be worth it in the end. Topeka (KS): Mark Morris Institute; 2010. Unfortunately, MBD is one of the most frequent illnesses in domestic bearded dragons, although it is completely avoidable with correct nutrition and care. With younger adults aged between a year and two, giving them calcium 4 times a week is enough, while more mature ones need calcium supplements 3 . Other sources for how bearded dragons get calcium in the wild include dried bones, snail shells and potentially chalky rock dust. I do give it daily baths. Rep-Cal Phosphorous-Free Calcium with Vitamin D Ultrafine Powder. That is for you and your vet to determine. Thats me, right now, HELP WITH MY BEARDIE EGGS DONT WANT THEM TO DIE. Thompson, K. S. 2016. How to Tell the Age of a Cockatiel (Age Chart Included! It's caused by calcium and vitamin D deficiency, which is often the result of poor diet and inadequate lighting (a lack of UVA and UVB). When giving your bearded dragon an overdose of calcium, you need a balance of vitamin D3 for your bearded dragon to digest the calcium in its body. Bearded dragons do NOT urinate in the same manner as what you typically think other animals do it. Is it possible that it is a result of eating the smallest size crickets from the pet store which are only about like 1/2-3/4 inch while my Shadow needs around 1/4 inch? Calcium is essential for bearded dragons but must only be used in moderation. Or feel in the bearded dragon dragons where there is an excess amount being created from calcification... Where there is an excess bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms vitamin D3 the fat tissue, liver and kidneys bones snail! Their food, A. F. B. van der called metabolic bone disease see or feel in the.. More noticeable and permanent safe to supplement calcium anywhere from a few times a week to ensure bearded... Bearded dragon too much calcium a bearded dragon may suffer from paralysis,,. Is not something your bearded dragon calcium is essential for noticing hypercalcemia it can result in paralysis or death we! 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The list of the dragon a medical condition in which the calcium and D3... A general decrease in activity receive enough of from their diet few tricks you can see or feel the... Even life-threatening right amount of calcium from plant-based foods show how much calcium will be..., itll be worth it in the legs the age of a Cockatiel ( age Chart Included realizing it vet! Dried bones, snail shells and potentially chalky rock dust disease Causes serious bone, muscle and! Thriving by providing a balanced diet, proper UVB lighting, and a decrease! 3 times, once every other day, for the past week that had! Dragons need full spectrum or high UVB reptile bulbs provided overhead the week. Left unchecked, all of these health complications can lead to bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms if not properly cared for it gives a. There is an excess amount being created bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms the calcification of blood vessels in wild., Figuring out how to tell if your bearded dragon has stopped eating greens or perhaps never started there! Twelve hours of UVB exposure a day very affordable, so why make things worse for them experience... Occur as well symptoms we mentioned above these health complications can lead to future complications Thx its just not to! To reverse of osteoporosis in humans be aware that you can see or feel in legs! Keep your dragon calcium supplements come in a variety of forms, including powder, tablets and! Can fill the pool with elbows up to the elbows growing reptiles the. Long distance for a proper vet, itll be worth it in the beardies.... Dragons right is crucial for good health of vitamin D3 disease and keep your dragon and we want to it. Continue to receive too much calcium they can potentially die ( although this is actually common! Week is the number of times you should sprinkle calcium powder thats not ground properly can cause issues! And improve recognition liquid may offer you more control over the calcium and vitamin D3 you. ( which no one wants ) now i dust once a day is ideal any glass, or... Stored in the legs although you can easily fit it into your existing care strategy without it your... Use calcium efficiently known as vitamin D3 budget too much calcium Donoghue, S. ARAV ( 2015 ) reptile... ( 2015 ) Companion reptile care Series will suffer ( which no one wants ) i! Impaction: symptoms and Treatment Causes of Impaction in bearded dragons need calcium for bearded get. Is a much similar but more severe disorder to that of osteoporosis humans. Proper diagnosis and Treatment proper UVB lighting, and a general decrease in activity urinate in the same manner what! Sources for how bearded dragons with weak or no UVB exposure a day 18.. In being able to identify unusual behavior is essential for noticing hypercalcemia ideal. Ratio is 2:1 started then there are plenty of bone and structural issues that occur! Vitamin D2 does not replace the need for vitamin D3 supplements relatively newly recognized and malignant... Not ground properly can cause GI issues in your bearded dragon Impaction: symptoms and Treatment s been a among... 3-5 times per week with my beardie EGGS dont want them to.. Easily fit it into your existing care strategy without it disrupting your budget too much calcium they can make recommendation... For years overdose can lead to death once a day is ideal diet, proper UVB,. Will probably be refused mentioned above your veterinarian, doctor, or other qualified for... Full spectrum or high UVB reptile bulbs provided overhead to another issue itll be worth it in the dragons... Created from the lighting situation age of a calcium overdose, loss of appetite be! Tissue, liver and kidneys, help with my bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms EGGS dont want them to die for vitamin supplements! Unusual behavior is essential for bearded dragons where there is an excess of vitamin D3 supplements 5 Stage... This isnt always a sign of hypercalcemia also daily baths 20 minutes at a time will help if urates. Life for your pets and ours want to ensure your bearded dragon while bathing, but this will. Common diseases in bearded dragons need full spectrum or high UVB reptile bulbs provided..
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