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My leopard gecko won't eat and is losing weight, what can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Lizard | Female | unspayed | 2 lbs

My leopard gecko has not been eating enough , she will eat 1 cricket. It’s been a few weeks but now she’s lost a lot of weight in her belly and a bit in her tail. I can’t afford to go to the vet to get her looked at right now. The first picture is her when she was eating well the other is her today.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on April 5th, 2019

Check the temperature in the enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite and digestion in reptiles. Soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte to provide warmth and hydration. Confirm appropriately sized prey, no bigger than the space between the eyes. You can offer crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms and phoenix worms. Gut load all prey for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value. Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. If she will allow, look in and around her mouth for any signs of injury or infection. This may include redness, swelling, discharge or bleeding. If you see anything suspicious, have her physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose and treat any underlying causes.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 4th, 2017

    If she hasn't lost weight, then she is eating something or using the reserves in her tail. Check the temperature in the enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. Mist her daily or soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and an unflavored electrolyte replacement fluid to treat or prevent mild dehydration. Offer appropriately sized prey. They should be no bigger than the space between her eyes. Crickets, dubia roaches or locusts can be fed. Gut load them and dust with vitamins and minerals several times a week. Follow this link for more information: http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 5th, 2018

    They can go on mini "hunger strikes" occasionally for various reasons (stress, breeding, etc). Monitor her weight. If she isn't losing a significant amount and is behaving normally, then continue to offer food. Soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20-30 minutes twice daily. The best time to offer food is about 2 hours after the heat lamp comes on in the morning. She should be warmed up and ready to eat. Offer appropriate sized prey, nothing bigger than the space between her eyes. Try crickets, dubia roaches, phoenix worm or mealworms. Gut load all prey for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize nutritional value. If she will allow, look in and around her mouth for signs of injury or infection. This may include redness, swelling, bleeding or discharge. See your vet if Nala is losing weight or if you see any of the above mentioned symptoms.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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