Lizard Vets

Lizards make fascinating and rewarding pets, from the ever-popular bearded dragon to the friendly blue-tongue skink, sturdy bobtail lizards, delicate geckos and large monitors. Each species has its own unique personality and care requirements, and our team of experienced lizard vets at The Unusual Pet Vets are here to help you keep them healthy and thriving.

Our lizard vets have extensive experience treating a wide range of reptiles, catering to their unique needs. Whether you’re visiting for a routine health check or something more serious, you can feel confident that your scaly friend is in expert hands.

What to Expect at Your Lizard’s Appointment

Every lizard consultation begins with a thorough physical examination, checking the eyes, mouth, limbs, skin, tail and body condition. Because many lizard health problems are linked to their environment, we’ll also discuss your pet’s setup in detail, including lighting, temperature gradients, UVB exposure, diet and enclosure design.

If we notice any concerns, we may recommend diagnostic testing such as faecal parasite checks, X-rays, or blood tests to get a clearer picture of your pet’s health. From there, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your lizard’s specific needs, whether that involves medication, surgery, dietary adjustments or environmental changes.

Common Health Issues in Lizards

Even with the best care, lizards can develop health issues from time to time. Some of the more common conditions we see include:

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Often caused by insufficient UVB lighting or calcium deficiency, this condition can lead to soft bones, weakness and deformities.
Shedding Problems: Retained shed, especially around the toes and eyes, may signal humidity issues or underlying illness.
Parasites: Internal and external parasites are common in reptiles and can cause weight loss, diarrhoea or general ill-thrift.
Respiratory Infections: Poor ventilation, incorrect humidity or cold environments can lead to wheezing, nasal discharge or open-mouth breathing.
Skin Wounds and Infections: These can result from fighting with cage mates, rough enclosure furnishings, or accidental injuries.

If you notice any changes in your lizard’s appetite, behaviour or droppings, it’s always best to book a check-up. Reptiles are experts at hiding illness until it’s quite advanced.

Lizards Are Best Treated by a Trusted Lizard Veterinarian With In-depth Knowledge of Lizard Medicine.

When Should You Take Your Pet Lizard to a Reptile Vet?

It is not looking alert, not active and tongue is not moving

Eyes and mouth aren’t clear

It is moving around the enclosure with an open mouth

It is not breathing normally

It is struggling to shed (usually snakes shed all in one go but if it is shedding in little pieces there may be a problem)

It is not eating regularly or omitting a foul odour when it opens its mouth

You notice any skin wounds or lumps

Preventative Care and Husbandry

The key to keeping your lizard healthy is excellent husbandry. A correct enclosure setup provides your pet with everything it needs to thermoregulate, digest food properly and stay in good condition.

Your lizard should have a temperature gradient in its enclosure, including a basking spot at the right heat level and a cooler retreat zone. UVB lighting is essential for calcium metabolism; without it, lizards can develop severe bone problems. UVB bulbs need to be replaced regularly, even if they still appear to work, as their output declines over time.

Diet also plays a vital role. Insectivorous species, such as bearded dragons and geckos, need a variety of appropriately sized insects that have been gut-loaded and dusted with calcium. Omnivorous lizards like blue-tongues benefit from a mix of leafy greens, vegetables and some protein sources.

Regular health checks are an important part of good care. Even if your lizard appears healthy, an annual or biannual visit allows us to detect subtle issues early and review your setup to make sure everything is still optimal.

When to See a Lizard Vet

Bring your lizard in for assessment if you notice:
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Lethargy or hiding more than usual
Difficulty shedding
Swelling, lumps or wounds
Soft or deformed limbs or jaw
Breathing difficulties or discharge from the mouth or nose

Early intervention can make a big difference to recovery, so don’t wait until symptoms worsen.

Our “ScaleStart” Package

For new or young lizards, our ScaleStart Package is designed to give your reptile the best start in life. This package includes a full health and husbandry check, parasite screening, and discussion of lighting, diet and setup. It’s ideal for first-time owners or anyone wanting reassurance that their pet’s environment is just right.

Expert Care for Every Lizard

At The Unusual Pet Vets, we’re passionate about reptiles of all kinds. From preventative care and husbandry advice to surgery and advanced diagnostics, our reptile-savvy team provides comprehensive veterinary care tailored to your lizard’s individual needs.

If your scaly companion needs a check-up or you have any concerns about their health, book an appointment online or contact your nearest Unusual Pet Vets clinic today.

FAQs

How often should my lizard see a vet?

Most pet lizards benefit from a health check once or twice a year. These visits allow us to assess body condition, growth, skin health, shedding quality and review enclosure setup. Regular checks help identify husbandry problems before they lead to illness.

What should my lizard be eating?

Lizard diets vary significantly by species. Some require insects, others eat a combination of vegetables and insects, while some are carnivorous. Feeding the wrong diet is a common cause of illness, so we can help create a species-appropriate feeding plan and supplementation schedule.

Why is my lizard having trouble shedding?

Incomplete shedding is often linked to low humidity, dehydration, poor nutrition or skin disease. Shed that remains around toes, tail or eyes can restrict circulation and cause injury. Veterinary assessment helps identify the cause and prevent complications.

What signs indicate my lizard may be unwell?

Signs of illness include reduced appetite, weight loss, lethargy, abnormal faeces, swelling, wounds, sunken eyes, abnormal posture or avoidance of basking. Reptiles often hide illness, so early assessment is important.

Does my lizard need UV lighting?

Most diurnal lizards require UVB lighting to absorb calcium and maintain bone health. Incorrect or outdated UV lighting can lead to metabolic bone disease, weakness and deformities. We can assess your lighting and heating setup during a consult.

Can lizards get parasites?

Yes. Internal parasites can cause weight loss, diarrhoea and reduced growth, while external parasites can irritate the skin. Routine testing allows early detection and treatment.

What enclosure conditions are essential for lizards?

Proper temperature gradients, humidity levels, UV lighting, clean substrates and hiding areas are critical. Even small environmental issues can cause chronic stress and illness. We can help review and optimise your setup.

Why is my lizard losing weight?

Weight loss may result from inadequate diet, parasites, incorrect temperatures, stress or underlying disease. A veterinary exam allows us to assess body condition and run diagnostics if needed.

Can you tell the sex of my lizard?

In many species, sex can be determined through physical characteristics, while others require professional examination. Knowing the sex helps with breeding plans and social housing decisions.

What should I do if my lizard stops eating?

Loss of appetite is a concern and may indicate stress, enclosure problems or illness. If your lizard stops eating beyond normal species patterns, we recommend booking an appointment promptly.