Can Bearded Dragon get sick from Humans? Sick beardies can look pretty bad. Therefore it is crucial to be able to tell whether your bearded dragon is ill or not. There are several signs of sickness in bearded dragons, including lethargy, lack of appetite, and lack of movement. If you’re concerned that your bearded dragon might be sick, here’s some advice on what to do.
We are not veterinarians, and therefore cannot diagnose or give medical advice. But we can give you the answers to some of the most common questions.
Bacteria can be spread between humans and bearded dragons through zoonosis and reversed zoonosis.
Zoonoses (also known as interspecies disease transfer) is when a disease is transferred from one species to another. Human to animal or vice versa.
These diseases are usually passed to humans by consuming infected animals. Thye can also be passed through contact with infected animal bodily fluids or animal faeces. This is called zoonosis.
On the other hand, reversed zoonosis is when a disease is passed from humans to animals. This could result from the unhygienic handling of pet food and open pet wounds. e.t.c
Bacteria cause the majority of zoonotic infections.
Below is a brief delve into the various infectious bacteria that can be spread between Humans and Bearded Dragons:
In this article
Salmonella.
A bearded dragon can carry salmonella and not show any signs of illness. It is highly recommended that you always wash your hands thoroughly after handling your bearded dragon or their faecal matter. Your bearded dragon can contract the disease and not show any symptoms. This may inadvertently pass the infection on to another person that may handle your bearded dragon. Proper hygiene is vital to the appropriate care and health of your bearded dragon and your health.
Read more on this article on how to prevent the spread of Salmonella.
Campylobacter.
Campylobacter is a common cause of food poisoning in humans. A bearded dragon could be infected with this bacteria if handled without proper handwashing practices and unhygienic handling techniques.
Keep in mind to often wash your hands before and after handling your bearded dragon or their faeces. This is because cross-species contamination of this bacteria could be quite possible, and you end up being infected too.
Aeromonas and Pseudomonas.
Aeromonas and Pseudomonas are bacteria found in the intestinal tract of a bearded dragon. It is highly recommended to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your bearded dragon. Bearded dragon feces, or anything other body substance could harbour these bacteria.
You must keep your bearded dragon’s skin clean. Practice good hygiene while handling your bearded dragon. If you or your bearded dragon has an open wound or scale rot, get them to the vet for treatment. Practice extra care to avoid cross-species contamination by trying to treat the pet yourself.
Tips on Good Hygiene Practices
As discussed above, the common cause of the disease transfer from humans to bearded dragons is poor hygiene. This is also true for any other pets in general. We are therefore clear that Bearded Dragon get sick from Humans?
Here are tips to protect yourself and your pet from Zoozotic infections.
- While handling your bearded dragon, wash your hands well to prevent getting the lizard sick or getting infected yourself.
- Do not eat while handling your pets.
- Don’t let your beardie run around the house. Be extra vigilant especially in your kitchen, where they could come into contact with human food.
- Don’t keep your bearded dragon’s cage in your kitchen, living room, or bedroom. For a number of the states in Australia, where the reptile cage is located forms part of the rules of having a licence to own reptiles.
- Clean its cage with gloves, and always wash your hands after cleaning it. If you can’t wash immediately, use a hand sanitizer.
- Never clean your bearded dragon’s food containers or other accessories in your kitchen sink.
- Dispose of bearded dragon’s droppings down a toilet and not in a sink or a bath.
- Avoid kissing your bearded dragon.
- Your baby should not be kept close to your bearded dragon. If your baby has touched your bearded dragon, wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water. It is advisable to even consider a bath.
- Salmonella from your pet can also be on your clothes; take precautions before holding an infant.
How can you tell if your bearded dragon is ill?
Bearded dragons may be affected by many different diseases, and signs of disease can vary. Any significant change in appearance, appetite, activity level, or breathing pattern should be cause for concern. This must be immediately evaluated by your veterinarian.
If your dragon is in terrible shape, it may need to go to the hospital. In some situations, they will need to get treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU). It could also need medications and fluids, along with forced feeding.
How are diseases in bearded dragons treated?
If a bacterial pathogen causes an infection, the dragon will often require antibiotics to be administered. Administration can either be oral or injected into the bloodstream. If the problem is severe, the dragon may be hospitalized and receive even more aggressive treatment and supportive care.
You should consult your reptile veterinarian immediately if you notice any signs or symptoms of illness to avoid serious illness.
In Conclusion,Can Bearded Dragon get sick from Humans?:
If you suspect that your dragon may be suffering from any of the bacteria mentioned above, it is best not to handle them. Once they have received a vet’s attention and are clear of any signs or symptoms of disease, you can go ahead and begin handling your bearded dragon again.
If you are experiencing any of the bacteria mentioned above, do not attend to your bearded dragon. It is advisable to have someone relieve you until you are clear of any diseases. You can however handle your dragon when you have been seen by a doctor and have been appropriately treated.
Proper husbandry practices are essential for keeping your bearded dragon healthy and happy. Ensure to wash your hands properly while handling your bearded dragon, and never kiss your bearded dragon. Keep the pets’ habitat and feeding equipment clean to ensure you and your beardie will be at your best.
