Bearded Dragon Care

Exotic reptile care

Expert bearded dragon care, right here in Sherman Oaks.

Bearded dragons are remarkable reptiles—calm, personable, and surprisingly attentive to their environment. But despite their easygoing reputation, they require precise, species-specific care to remain healthy. At Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center, we provide expert, evidence-based guidance for every stage of bearded dragon ownership, from proper habitat design to nutrition, hydration, wellness exams, and early detection of illness.

Whether you're new to reptile care or already a seasoned keeper refining your husbandry practices, our team delivers advanced reptile veterinary support right here in Sherman Oaks, CA. We understand exactly what these desert-origin lizards need—strong UVB output, correct temperature gradients, balanced diets, and careful observation of subtle behavioral cues.

Wellness Exams Urgent Care Husbandry Guidance Diagnostics Nutrition Counseling + Book a visit

A bearded dragon perched on a log in a terrarium, representing bearded dragon exotic pet care services in Sherman Oaks

Veterinary Care

Do bearded dragons need a vet?

Absolutely. Regular veterinary care is essential for identifying nutritional imbalances, parasites, metabolic bone disease (MBD), and early shifts in weight or behavior that may signal deeper health issues. Annual wellness exams with a reptile-experienced veterinarian help ensure that your dragon's husbandry, growth, and diet remain on track year after year.

If you're searching for a reliable bearded dragon vet in Sherman Oaks, CA, our team at Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center is equipped to support dragons of all ages—babies, juveniles, and adults.

Species & Morphs

Types of bearded dragons

There is one primary species kept as pets—the Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)—but a wide variety of morphs exist, ranging in color, pattern, and scale type.

Smallest species: Pygmy Bearded Dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)
Largest species: Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
Common morphs: Leatherback, silkback, hypomelanistic, translucent, dunner, and more.

These morphs differ in appearance, not in husbandry requirements, making proper care universally important across all types.

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Husbandry guide

What they need to thrive

Habitat

Bearded Dragon Habitat Requirements

Correct habitat setup is crucial—not optional. A poorly maintained environment is the fast track to metabolic bone disease, respiratory illness, and behavioral stress.

A proper enclosure includes:

40–120 gallon terrarium (adult size)
Basking bulb + UVB tube lighting (UVA recommended as well)
Temperature gradient: 95–110°F basking / 75–85°F cool side
Humidity: 30–40%
Safe substrate: tile, reptile carpet, or paper—not sand
Environmental enrichment: branches, hides, rocks, sturdy décor
Shallow water dish for drinking and humidity stability

Bearded dragons sleep 8–12 hours at night and prefer hammocks, hides, or branches for resting. Their lights must be turned off at night—darkness is necessary for proper sleep cycles.

UVB & Lighting

UVB & Lighting Essentials

A strong UVB source is non-negotiable. The ideal setup is a 10.0 T5 high-output UVB tube spanning at least half the tank, combined with UVA and appropriate basking heat.

UVB supports digestion, energy levels, bone health, and calcium metabolism. Without it, dragons rapidly develop severe, irreversible conditions such as MBD.

Handling & Housing

Handling & Housing Behavior

Most bearded dragons tolerate gentle handling well, and many enjoy being held once they bond with their owner.

Slide your hand under the chest.
Support both the belly and tail.
Never grab from above—this triggers a fear response.

Bearded dragons must live alone. Co-housing leads to stress, fights, and injuries, even in seemingly peaceful pairs.

Diet & Feeding

Diet & Feeding Guide

Bearded dragons are omnivores, but their nutritional needs change dramatically with age.

Baby Dragons (0–5 months)

70–80% insects
20–30% greens/vegetables
20–60 small crickets per day, split into multiple feedings

Juveniles

50% insects
50% vegetables

Adults

70–80% vegetables
20–30% insects

Greens/Veggies (daily)

Collard greens
Mustard greens
Turnip greens
Squash, zucchini
Green beans
Bell peppers (moderation)

Fruits (treats only)

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
Apples (peeled)
Mango
Watermelon, cantaloupe
Pineapple
Oranges (rarely)

Insects

Crickets
Dubia roaches
Worms (superworms, mealworms sparingly)
Hornworms, calci-worms

Foods to Avoid

Avocado
Rhubarb
Fireflies
All processed human food

Dragons drink from bowls, from droplets on décor, and absorb moisture from vegetables. Hydration is a key part of preventing impaction, overheating, and lethargy.

Behavior & Lifespan

Shedding, Behavior & Lifespan

Shedding: Babies shed frequently; adults shed several times per year.
Lifespan: 10–15 years in captivity.
Noise/smell: They rarely make noise and typically have no odor if the enclosure is kept clean.
Color change: They may darken when cold or stressed; lighten when warm or relaxed.

Bearded dragons also have a parietal "third eye" that detects light and overhead movement—a survival adaptation from their wild desert habitat.

Reproduction Facts

Eggs per clutch: 15–30
Fertility signs: white, firm eggs with visible veins when candled
Unfertilized eggs: dispose of them—they will not develop
Age dragons stop laying: ~4–6 years old

Health & illness

Common health concerns, in detail.

Dragons can develop a wide range of medical conditions—some of which require urgent care. Our team at Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center uses physical exams, fecal testing, bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound, and cultures or biopsy to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Common illnesses

Conditions We Diagnose & Treat

Bearded dragons can develop a wide range of medical conditions. Common illnesses include yellow fungus disease, metabolic bone disease, parasites/worms, constipation/impaction, hypercalcemia, heatstroke, respiratory infections, diarrhea/vomiting, eye/ear infections, fungal infections, abscesses, adenovirus, scale rot/mouth rot, seizures, prolapse, dehydration, coccidia, and cancer.

When to call us

Signs Your Dragon Needs a Vet Visit

Bring your dragon in if they stop eating or drinking, produce watery stool, show respiratory effort, become lethargic, have visible injuries, or appear stressed or ill.

Emergency signs

Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

Emergency signs include a baby not eating for 48 hours, exposure to temperatures below 60°F, prolapse, seizures, significant trauma, and labored breathing. Prompt veterinary evaluation prevents minor issues from escalating into life-threatening conditions.