I. Introduction
Lizards are increasingly popular pets that are relatively easy to care for. An important aspect of caring for your lizard is monitoring their poop to ensure they stay healthy. By understanding the digestive system of lizards and what normal and abnormal poop looks like, you can get valuable insights into your pet’s health and wellbeing.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide on understanding, identifying, and properly dealing with lizard poop. We will cover topics ranging from the basics of their digestive system, what normal poop looks like, signs of abnormal poop, common diseases identified through poop, and steps to take when you notice unhealthy poop. Tips on general poop cleanliness and maintenance will also be shared.
Equipping yourself with this knowledge will help you become a responsible and caring lizard owner. By closely monitoring your pet lizard’s poop, you have the power to identify issues early and take actions to keep your pet happy and healthy.
II. Basics of Lizard’s Digestive System
Lizards are carnivorous so their digestive system is designed to process insects and meat. Their digestive system contains standard components like the mouth, stomach, small intestine and colon.
The duration of digestion varies by lizard species and factors like temperature. For example, bearded dragons take 4-7 days to fully digest a meal while leopard geckons digest food in about 3 days. Digestion also slows down if the temperature drops below a lizard’s optimal range.
There are a few key factors that affect lizard digestion:
- Temperature – The surrounding temperature impacts enzymatic processes related to breaking down food. Colder temperatures slow down digestion.
- Humidity Levels – Dehydration causes constipation so low humidity impacts healthy poop.
- Diet – Poor nutrition leads to diarrhea or constipation. A balanced diet supports good digestion.
- Gut Health – Parasites, infections and disease affect the gut’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Overall a healthy digestive system is vital for your lizard to properly break down and excrete waste. The characteristics of their poop gives clues into digestive health.
III. Normal Lizard Poop: Signs & Identification
Normal, healthy lizard poop can vary slightly by species in terms of color, volume and consistency. However, there are some general signs of normal poop you should look out for.
Healthy bearded dragon poop is solid and brown, resembling dog poop. Other lizards like leopard geckos will produce poop that is more liquid-like and black/white in color.
Normal poop is passed regularly, corresponding to when a lizard eats their meals. Bearded dragons may poop 2-3 times a week while other smaller lizards poop 1-2 times a day. Portion size also varies based on age and size of your lizard.
The color of healthy poop is typically brown or black/white. Consistency should be solid or only slightly soft. Shape is not very telling unless it is runny diarrhea.
Use the visual guide below showing different types of healthy lizard poop to understand what to look out for:
[Insert images of healthy colored poop of proper consistency and regularity]
Looking inside the toilet area of your lizard’s tank daily helps you establish a sense of normal poop frequency and appearance unique to your pet.
IV. Abnormal Lizard Poop: Signs & Identification
Abnormal lizard poop can signify an underlying illness, especially issues with digestion or parasites. There are a few clear signs that indicate unhealthy poop:
Color
- Red/bloody
- Green
- Grey/pale
- Yellow (sign of liver disease)
Consistency
- Watery diarrhea
- Extremely hard chunks
Irregularity
- Increased/decreased frequency
- Constipation
Other
- Foul smell
- Visible parasites
- Undigested insect parts
Parasites, bacterial infections, neurological issues, and metabolic disorders often manifest through poop irregularities. Illnesses commonly linked to unhealthy poop include:
- Coccidia – Parasitic protozoa
- Pinworms – Intestinal parasites
- Adenovirus – Viral infection
- Gout – Liver and kidney disorder
If abnormal poop persists for over 48 hours, it is cause for concern. Seek veterinarian support immediately if you notice bloody stools combined with lethargy.
V. Diseases Related to Abnormal Lizard Poop
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common lizard diseases that impact digestion and show symptoms through poop abnormalities:
Coccidiosis
- Caused by coccidian parasites
- Diarrhea, bloody stool, weight loss
- Parasites damage intestinal lining inhibiting absorption
Gastrointestinal Infections
- Bacterial, viral, fungal & parasites
- Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, foul smell
- Disrupts gut function and digestion
Gout
- Caused by kidney/liver dysfunction
- Solid urates as byproduct of protein metabolism
- Symptoms: Swelling, lethargy, appetite loss
Adenovirus
- Contagious viral infection
- Severe diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy
- Spreads through feces and touch
Pay attention to any symptoms beyond just poop changes to identify the root illness. Vomiting, appetite changes and lethargy often accompany diseases that impact digestion and poop.
VI. What to Do When You Notice Abnormal Lizard Poop
If you suspect your lizard has an illness from abnormal poop, here are important first steps:
Quarantine
Isolate the lizard in a separate tank to prevent spreading illness. Have a UV light, hiding spot, and easy access to food and water.
Hydrate
Boost hydration with extra misting, fruit/veggies, and a shallow water dish for soaking. This combats dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting.
Record Symptoms
Document all physical and behavioral changes no matter how minor to share with the vet. Track changes in poop daily.
Contact Vet
Schedule an appointment and/or collect a stool sample for parasitology test. Stool tests identify parasites, bacteria and fungal infections. Treatment is tailored accordingly.
Seek immediate medical care if bloody stool, repeated vomiting, or lethargy is observed. Home remedies are not appropriate in severe cases. Mild cases may be managed at home by hydrating, boosting temperatures, and ensuring proper nutrition until normal poop returns.
Always consult an exotic pets veterinarian for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Self-medication can make problems worse.
VII. General Lizard Poop Cleanliness and Maintenance
Maintaining a clean habitat and properly disposing of poop is critical for your lizard’s health. Ammonia from urine and old poop promotes bacteria growth. A dirty tank compromises your lizard’s recovery if they are already ill.
Follow these tips for managing your lizard’s poop:
- Spot clean daily using paper towels
- Remove stuck on poop with organic cage cleaner
- Fully disinfect & replace substrate every 4-6 weeks
- Wash hides, bowls with soap weekly
- Use a terrarium vacuum for stuck debris
- Always wash hands before and after cleaning
Look into reptile safe cage cleaning products. Avoid chemical cleaners and fragrances which irritate lizard respiratory systems. An organic reptile habitat cleaner containing beneficial bacteria is ideal for deep cleaning the tank 1-2 times a month.
VIII. Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my leopard gecko poop? Leopard geckos poop 1-2 times per day. Hatchlings under 6 months old may poop more frequently. Seek vet advice if poop decreases.
What does it mean if my bearded dragon has loose stool? Occasional loose stool can be normal but persistent diarrhea likely indicates illness or parasites. Ensure temps and hydration are adequate. Discontinue supplements temporarily.
I found tiny white worms in my crested gecko’s poop. What should I do? This indicates parasitic worms infection. Bring a fresh poop sample to the exotic vet for analysis. Anti-parasitic medication will be prescribed. Quarantine during treatment.
Is spotting blood in lizard poop always serious? Yes, bloody stool should never be ignored as it indicates internal issues or severe parasite infection. Seek vet care urgently for bloody poop combined with lethargy or appetite loss.
Can I potty train my pet lizard? While you can designate a “potty” area lined with paper towels on one end of the tank, lizards cannot be fully potty trained like dogs. Their intestinal tracts lack the sphincter control needed.
IX. Conclusion
Caring for a pet lizard comes with the responsibility of monitoring their poop to ensure good digestive health. Equipping yourself with knowledge empowers you identify issues early and take lifesaving action.
Create a pet lizard poop visual guide to establish your pet’s normal. Monitor poop color, consistency and frequency daily. Seek timely medical intervention at any signs of prolonged abnormal poop. Maintain cleanliness to prevent disease spread.
With this comprehensive understanding of your pet lizard’s poop, you can keep their digestive system running smoothly for a long and happy life full of fun and activity. Paying attention to their waste allows you to pick up on illness before it escalates into an emergency. So inspect those pet poops!
X. References
[1] Adamovicz, L., et al. “Bearded Dragon Care Sheet.” The Spruce Pets, www.thesprucepets.com, 25 Aug. 2021
[2] “Leopard Gecko Poop: What Does Healthy & Abnormal Poop Look Like?” ReptiFiles, ReptiFiles.com, 14 June 2021
[3] Olimpi, Taylor. “Understanding Reptile Poop and Urates.” PetHelpful, PetHelpful, 27 July 2021
[4] Kelsey-Wood, D. “Do Reptiles Poop and Pee? Everything You Want to Know!” Reptile Advisor, 8 Sept. 2021
