Quick Relief for Your Blocked Beardy
A calm, warm soak often loosens things and helps a constipated bearded dragon. This short guide walks you through six gentle, vet-aware steps so you can act confidently, soothe your pet, and prevent future blockages with safe, simple techniques today.
What You'll Need
Ultimate Bearded Dragon Bath Guide | Big Al’s
Spot the Real Signs of Constipation
Not sure it’s constipation? These clues separate 'I’m fine' from 'help me'—read them twice.Check your dragon for clear, concrete signs before you try a soak. Look and gently feel—don’t prod hard.
Note recent factors that often cause blockage: diet change, eating loose substrate (gravel, sand), dehydration, cold tank temps, or post-brumation slowing. For example, if your beardy skipped meals after brumation and hasn’t pooped, be more cautious.
If you see severe swelling, blood, or the dragon can’t right itself, skip home remedies and call your vet immediately.
Prepare a Safe, Soothing Soak
Why a bath isn’t just 'water'—small mistakes can undo the whole rescue plan.Use a shallow container like a kitchen sink or small plastic tub so your beardy can’t paddle into deep water.
Fill with warm water at about 90–100°F (32–38°C) — comfortably warm, not hot.
Place a non-slip towel or rubber mat in the bottom so your dragon feels secure and won’t slide.
Keep water depth to the shoulder or chest so your beardy can lift its head easily.
Remove any soap, oils, or bath products — use plain water only.
Have a towel ready for drying and keep the room warm (use a space heater or warm hands if needed).
Keep the soak area calm and prepared so you can focus on monitoring.
Gently Soak — Short Sessions, Close Watching
Short, sweet, and soothing—this is spa day, not shock therapy. Curious how long is safe?Place your dragon into the tub and let it soak for 15–20 minutes to start; extend to 30 minutes only if it stays relaxed and calm.
Stay by its side, talk softly, and watch breathing and alertness — look for steady breaths, open eyes, and responsive limbs.
Tilt the tub occasionally so water flows gently toward the belly to help fluids reach the vent; never force water or pour on the face.
Try very gentle circular belly massages after about 10–15 minutes (see step 4) — use one finger and soft pressure, tracing a tiny clock face.
Offer small, damp greens after the soak to encourage a bowel movement.
Use Gentle Massage or Stimulation When Needed
A little nudge can help—but know when to stop and call the vet. No rough stuff.Try a gentle belly massage in slow, circular motions moving toward the vent for 1–2 minutes. Use one fingertip with soft pressure — think “very light kneading,” not digging. Imagine your dragon relaxed on your lap, eyes half-closed; that’s when to try this.
If you’re comfortable and experienced, you can use a warm, damp, lubricated cotton swab or fingertip VERY gently to stroke just around the vent. Only do this on calm dragons and only if you know the technique.
Move slowly, watch body language, and let the dragon set the pace.
Fix Diet and Habitat to Prevent Recurrence
Fix the root cause—less heartburn, more regular poops. Small changes, big impact.Adjust husbandry after relief: ensure fresh water daily and schedule regular soaks if your dragon tends to block up; if yours tends to sit and hide after meals, soak weekly.
Check and maintain proper temperatures and UVB; create a strong basking spot (around 100–110°F for adults) to aid digestion. Replace loose sand for juveniles and remove any ingestible bedding (no wood chips). Encourage regular exercise and set a consistent feeding schedule to keep gut motility steady.
Know When It’s Time for the Vet
Don’t wait until it’s a crisis—these warning signs mean pro care now.Call your reptile vet if home care and a few soaks (for example, three short soaks over 48 hours) don’t help. Act fast when signs get serious.
Take your dragon to the clinic promptly — vets can give subcutaneous fluids, perform enemas, prescribe medications, take X‑rays to check for impaction or eggs, and arrange surgery if needed.
If your dragon shows no improvement after a few soaks and home care, or exhibits severe symptoms like persistent refusal to eat, severe lethargy, vomiting, visible swelling, blood, or inability to pass stool after 48–72 hours, contact a reptile veterinarian. Vets can provide subcutaneous fluids, enemas, medications, X-rays to check for impaction or eggs, and surgical care if necessary. Quick professional action prevents complications.
Gentle Care Goes a Long Way
A careful, warm soak combined with improved husbandry often resolves mild constipation; monitor your bearded dragon closely, adjust diet and habitat, and contact your vet if issues persist or worsen—are you now ready to keep your dragon comfortable and healthy?
Good read. I liked the vet section — honestly, sometimes people try to DIY forever when it’s time to call a pro.
I tried massaging and hazy diet tweaks for weeks and it was just getting worse. Ended up at the clinic and they gave an enema (gross but necessary) — not trying to scare anyone, just saying: don’t wait too long.
Also, the diet fix tips were solid. More veggies, fewer sticky fruits!