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My bearded dragon hasn't pooped. Is it impaction? What can I do?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Hello i own an adult bearded dragon and my reptile hasnt been pooping i have tried apple sauce and he still has not pooped in 24 hours and am worried he might have impaction but cannot afford the vet bill right now i just want to know if you know any solutions to help him i have also gave him a warm bath but i dont know if i should give him one everyday especially since its winter time anything helps thank you

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Emi Knafo, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Zoological Medicine Specialist

Published on December 1, 2017

Hi! Since Gronk has not defecated in 24 hours, I think it’s fine to keep trying with warm water soaking 1 - 2 times a day for 10-15 minutes. Make sure you supervise him during the soaks and if he still wants to eat, I would decrease what you offer him until he does defecate. If he usually defecates daily, but still hasn’t defecated after 3-5 days with normal appetite, has any vomiting, change in attitude, activity or appetite, then I do think an examination by a veterinarian is the best thing for him. They can also give an enema or take a radiograph (X-ray) to see if there is a problem inside. Sometimes, some mild dehydration slows down the process and they just need a little boost of fluid to help move things along. So keep going with soaking for now. I hope that does the trick! Good luck, Gronk!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 19, 2019
Such a young and small beardie should not be brumating. If he isn't eating much, don't expect regular or large bowel movements.Check the temperature and photoperiod in the enclosure. Increase both if necessary. You can soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20-30 minutes a few times a week. Gently massage his abdomen, front to back, during the soak to stimulate defecate.
If the behavior persists, consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experience in treating reptiles in case Dwight has an underlying medical condition.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 13, 2018
If constipation last for more than 48 hours I would recommend to try to stimulate your dragons' bowel by giving them a very warm bath and time to run around outside their enclosure. Use your best judgment on bath temperature as you don't want to burn the dragons but without warmth it will not relax the muscles and help the dragon pass it's stool. If you feel it has been a very long time since your dragon has had a bowel movement, and they seem lethargic and limp, contact your local vet.

Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on February 15, 2018
Check the temperature across her enclosure. Low temps can affect digestion in reptiles.
A dragon her age should be getting about 50% prey/protein and 50% greens, vegetables and fruits. As she gets closer to 2 years old, decrease prey amount to about 25% of the diet and increase plant matter to 75% of the diet.
For now, soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20-30 minutes. This will warm her up and provide hydration. Both can get her GI tract moving and a gentle abdominal massage during the soak may stimulate defecation.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Todd Cecil
Veterinarian
Published on February 25, 2020
Thanks for reaching out about Apple Jack. Check and correct husbandry first. The environmental temperature needs to be within the POTZ (preferred optimal temperature zone), as if too cold, immune system wanes, appetite and energy decreases and more. Brumation is usually caused by decreasing environmental temperatures, so if temps are consistent, not brumating. If you think she is ill, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. If constipated, providing a warm water soak for 5-10 minutes could stimulate defecation.
Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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