We purchased a chinese water dragon around six months ago. He seemed very happy. He ate good, and he moved around alot. We had him in a ten gallon aquarium. He ate meal worms, and he ate crickets all the time. His color was good, and he shed often. But now, He seems ill. He sits around and he keeps his eyes closed alot. He moves around very little and when my husband tries to force feed him, he throws the meal worms back up. We recently changed him into a thirty gallon aquarium. We figured he would like the bigger tank since he was growing. He has a hot rock inside, he has the appropriate lighting, and he has a place to bathe. Does anyone have any ideas about what may be wrong with him, or have any suggestions?? We are getting really worried about him. When we put him in the sink to bathe, he opens his eyes and he is alert and tries to swim around. Something just doesnt seem right, and we would appreciate any help we can get. ************************************************************** 03-17-05, 07:06 AM Karrow Welcome to AnswerPool nanjer. Smile
I am not a vet, and always recommend that you visit one if at all in doubt about any pet. This is a reply I gave to a question about chinese water dragons some time ago:
Chinese water dragons are only fed daily whilst they are juveniles. Once adult they eat every two to three days. Providing he looks healthy and isn't thin, I would suggest that you do not feed him for a day or two and then try again. However, if as well as not eating your water dragon appears sick with any of the following - lethargic, change in normal active, behaviour or appearance (sitting around with his mouth open and gasping for breath, dragging a leg, wheezing, turning and staying very dark brown, etc.) - contact your local herp vet immediately. (Or get a recommendation from your local vet, or zoo, on who to contact for herp care in your area.)
Click on the websites below for information on chinese water dragons. I hope they are of help to you.
11-22-05, 09:57 PM tmariel2001 I really need help... I just don't know if this is natural behavior. How can I get weight on this little guy... my little water dragon I have only had about l week and he is so thin. I bought 2 and the other one is doing great.. but I want to help this one... I bought them both from the same store. should I leave him alone..please some one give me some hints.
11-23-05, 08:31 AM tmariel2001 Thank you for that site it is helpful I am calling the petstore and finding out where the closest vet is... it sounds like he may have parasites or something, I can't believe they sold him to me like this.. could the other one I have become infected also I bought them together? He is doing great and getting quite fat and has excellent color.
11-23-05, 02:29 PM tmariel2001 I called the pet store that I bought the little water dragon from and they are going to send him to the vet and call me when he is better and I can have him back... I am so glad.. thank you all I felt like a mom with a very sick baby. Tina
11-23-05, 10:14 PM Tree I sure hope that he's OK..... We're so protective of our pets, aren't we?? Smile If only they can speak!
02-09-06, 01:26 PM kristina06 Confused Frown
hello i have had my water dragon for about 3 months now and he seems to be doing great but for the past couple of weeks i have been seeing some really small bugs on him and through out his cage i dont know what they are or where they come from if anyone knows anything about it please help me i dont want him to die thank you very much
kristina 02-14-06, 02:46 PM Sherasi If you have a vetinarian that knows about this sort of thing, I'd call and ask or take the critter in.
03-23-06, 07:25 AM clarebear Mite infestation is a common problem with water dragons. This usually occurs during shipping or at the pet shop. Your water dragon may end up suffering blood loss from the bites. It is best to get it checked out soon.
I too suggest visiting a reptile veterinarian. Many products that can kill the bugs can also kill your water dragon. Frown
04-20-06, 09:38 AM HIMlover NOOOOOOO ok my dragon has had this it's a calicium deficincy... get a uvb yes B go to petsmart(they know the most about pets!!) and get one then get the calicium dust tp put on your dragons food ok if that doesn't help go to www.triciaswaterdragon.com
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