Why does my bearded dragon open her mouth and breathe hard after eating?

Question

I have a juvenile bearded dragon. Lately after she eats she starts having labored breathing and opening her mouth. Sounds like a URI but it only happens after she eats. Could she be eating to quickly or is her food to big?

Angel Alvarado, LVT · Accepted Answer

If you suspect a URI, have her seen by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet for confirmation and treatment. Additional symptoms include wheezing or popping sounds while breathing, lethargy, decreased or lost appetite and discharge from the nose or mouth. You are correct in that prey that is too large is also a potential cause. Feed prey that is no bigger than the space between her eyes to ensure she will not have difficulty eating. If mealworms are offered, feed only freshly mooted ones to decrease the amount of chitin ingested. This can pose a problem for juvenile beardies.

Why does my bearded dragon open her mouth and breathe hard after eating?

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