Leopard geckos are hardy reptiles with long lifespans of up to 20 years in some cases, and they rarely get sick. Of course, that doesn’t mean much when you notice your reptile pet acting strangely and fear the worst.
Because Leopard Geckos are so hardy, they hide sickness well. They have a very slow metabolism and often will only show signs of illness when a disease has progressed to the point where they need medical intervention immediately. Fortunately, for the observant pet owner, there are several tell-tale signs that your reptile is in imminent danger, and keeping an eye out for these signs will help you treat your pet before it’s too late.
In this article, we’ll look at the various signs of a Leopard Gecko dying and what you can do about it.
The 5 Signs Your Leopard Gecko Is Dying
1. Rapid weight loss
Any sort of rapid weight loss is the first sign of a problem. If you’ve noticed your Gecko losing weight rapidly over a short space of time, there may be an underlying illness. This could be happening for various reasons, including a poor diet, poor living conditions, infections, and parasites. A thinner-than-usual tail is the first sign of weight loss. Leopard Geckos store fat reserves in their tails and will live off it if they cannot find food.
On average, male Leopard Geckos weigh between 60 and 80 grams, and females weigh between 50 and 70 grams. If your Gecko’s weight has suddenly dropped below this, take it to a vet immediately.
2. Lack of appetite
A loss of appetite is a sure sign of illness in many animals, including Geckos. Before you panic, your Gecko may just be bored with their food, so you may want to try changing it up. The temperature of your pet’s enclosure may also be contributing to their lack of appetite, so make sure the cage is at the right temperature and humidity.
If your Gecko is not stressed or dehydrated and their tank is in perfect order, there may be something more serious at hand, and they’ll need to go for a checkup with a vet.
3. Abnormal droppings
Another sign that something is wrong is an abnormal or significant decrease in droppings. If there are no droppings for more than a couple of days, something is seriously wrong with your reptile. One of the most common reasons for sudden death in Geckos is impaction. This occurs when they’ve eaten something they are not supposed to, causing a blockage or digestive issues.
Early detection is best because it allows your vet to sort out the issue; impaction can easily cause death if left untreated. It can cause abnormal or reduced droppings, but most commonly, there are no droppings at all. If you notice a sudden change in your Gecko’s droppings, we highly recommend taking them to a vet as soon as possible.
4. Lethargy
Curiousness, enthusiasm, and energy are general signs of happiness and good health in Geckos. If you’ve noticed your Gecko’s mood and energy levels suddenly dip, it could be a sign that they are ill. If they are feeling ill, geckos will often stay hidden in one spot and not move for hours at a time, and if you notice this behavior, you’ll need to take them to see a vet immediately.
5. Sunken eyes
Sunken eyes are usually a sign of dehydration. Dehydration can lead to a host of other issues in your reptile and needs to be addressed right away. Make sure that your Gecko has plenty of fresh, clean water to drink and the humidity level in the tank is adequate.
Other signs of dehydration in Geckos are a loss of skin elasticity, a wrinkled appearance in their skin, dry and flaky skin, a sticky mouth, and muscle loss. These signs usually occur over a few days and not all at once, but proper care should prevent this from happening.
How to Prevent Illness in Leopard Geckos
While a few illnesses are difficult to avoid, there are various ways to prevent your Gecko from getting seriously ill. Geckos are generally long-lived, hardy, and healthy reptiles, and with proper care, they rarely get ill.
Here are a few proven ways to prevent illness in your Leopard Gecko:
- Keep your Gecko’s cage clean and free from droppings and old food.
- Make sure they are eating an appropriate, healthy diet.
- Always wash your hands before and after handling your Gecko.
- Make sure their tank is at the proper humidity and temperature at all times.
- Always check that there is nothing in their cage they can swallow that may cause impaction.
Can You Treat a Sick Leopard Gecko Yourself?
There are a few illnesses that you can treat yourself if they are relatively minor and haven’t progressed very far. Prevention and curing dehydration are simple: Make sure your Gecko has enough clean water to drink! The humidity in their cage also has a large part to play, so make sure it is appropriate for them. A mild impaction found at an early stage can also be treated at home with a warm bath and soft, gentle belly rub. This may be enough to loosen the stool and resolve the impaction; however, if this doesn’t help within a few hours, it’s best to take them to a vet.
Final thoughts
Your Leopard Gecko is an important part of your life, and it can be especially worrying and stressful if you suspect that they have a life-threatening issue. If you notice any of these signs, the best course of action is an immediate visit to the vet, as even a few hours can be the difference between life and death. Additionally, Geckos are experts at hiding illness, so you must act quickly when you notice even the most minor signs.
Related read:
- Why Is My Leopard Gecko Pale? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons
Featured image credit: somsak mungmee, Shutterstock
Contents
- The 5 Signs Your Leopard Gecko Is Dying
- 1. Rapid weight loss
- 2. Lack of appetite
- 3. Abnormal droppings
- 4. Lethargy
- 5. Sunken eyes
- How to Prevent Illness in Leopard Geckos
- Can You Treat a Sick Leopard Gecko Yourself?
- Final thoughts
