All bearded dragons have their personality, moods, quirks, likes, and dislikes. If you notice your dragon acting differently, this could be nothing, or it could be a sign that something may be going on with your dragon. Certain signs will be able to tell you whether you should be worried or not. These are some signs of a healthy bearded dragon.
Alert And Energetic
Unless your dragon is sleeping or at rest, it should always appear alert. Some of there signs of alertness are: being bright-eyed — having plenty of energy —it shouldn't be lazy, lethargic, or want to sleep more than usual. Some of these signs could be brumation, but since brumation signs and symptoms of certain types of sickness are quite similar, it will be necessary for you to confirm that it is brumation or something else. The best way to do this would be by consulting a licensed veterinarian.
Good Posture
You want your bearded dragon to be able to support its weight; if it seems to be slouching, then it may be having trouble. Keep an eye on their limbs; if they seem to be having trouble using a particular limb or not being able to use one or more of their limbs at all, then there may be a problem.
Physical Condition
Keep watch on your dragon's weight; you don't want them to be skinny or overweight. However, their fat pads are one area that you do want to be plump and not sunken in at all. Sunken fat pads can indicate serious health concerns such as malnutrition or even organ failure, so if you notice this, you will need to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Another physical aspect to watch for is their eyes; their eyes should look bright and focused, paying attention to what's going on around them. If the eyes seem dull/unfocused, then your dragon may be feeling unwell. You will know how your dragon's scales look; if you notice discoloration or scales that look odd, then it's crucial to attempt to figure out why this may be the case.
Also, regarding the dragon's weight, you should watch the base of their tail; if their hip bones appear to be protruding and the base of the tail looks thin, this could be indicative of an issue. Try and look in their mouth when you can and examine the tongue; it should be a glossy pink color and not pale; the same goes for their gums. (the tip of the tongue will always have a white part on the end, and this is okay). Their teeth should also be generally white, you must watch for any signs of tooth decay, as this can be a severe condition for dragons given that their teeth and jaw are all one piece.
Overall as you have your dragon over time, you will get to know it and how it acts and looks. If you notice something that's out of the ordinary, then it could be a sign that your dragon is unhappy or unwell, and you may need to change something to do with their care or seek veterinary attention.
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