18 year old bearded dragon

[strawberry 06]

Hi everyone I'm new to this forum, and looking for info on how to tell when dragons are getting old. I've had my dragon Strawberry since 2006 and I think he's dying of old age but don't want to put him down. He's not really eating and lost some mobility in his back legs...is there anything I can do to keep him comfortable?

 

[Sadie]

Hi everyone I'm new to this forum, and looking for info on how to tell when dragons are getting old. I've had my dragon Strawberry since 2006 and I think he's dying of old age but don't want to put him down. He's not really eating and lost some mobility in his back legs...is there anything I can do to keep him comfortable?

Wow your guy has done great and you have been a great beardie mom---- I can see if I can have Tracie help you here
@Drache613

 

[strawberry 06]

Wow your guy has done great and you have been a great beardie mom---- I can see if I can have Tracie help you here
@Drache613

Thanks so much, he means the world to me and my wife, we had another one last 13 and thus little sandfire bearded dragon has a strong will to live...lol gonna miss him

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Wow, congratulations on having an 18 year old dragon.
That is very unusual for them to live that long. You have
obviously taken great care of him!
I agree, if he is not suffering, there is no need at all to
put him down!
Since his back legs have gotten weak, you could try
doing some water therapy to work on getting him to
swim around for more strength. Have you checked the
UVB light for him, to be sure it's up to par, strength wise?
You can consider giving some organic chicken or turkey
baby food, mixed with sweet potato or squash baby
food to help put some weight on him.

Let us know how he is doing.
Tracie

 

[strawberry 06]

Hello,

Wow, congratulations on having an 18 year old dragon.
That is very unusual for them to live that long. You have
obviously taken great care of him!
I agree, if he is not suffering, there is no need at all to
put him down!
Since his back legs have gotten weak, you could try
doing some water therapy to work on getting him to
swim around for more strength. Have you checked the
UVB light for him, to be sure it's up to par, strength wise?
You can consider giving some organic chicken or turkey
baby food, mixed with sweet potato or squash baby
food to help put some weight on him.

Let us know how he is doing.
Tracie

Thanks so much Tracie I will most definitely give this a try . His UVB light is up to par as well. Thanks again for reaching out to me.

 

[Drache613]

Hello!

You are very welcome. You would be amazed just how much small changes can make, even in a dragon of that age.
Please let us know how he is doing. I hope it helps him out & gives him more energy.

Tracie

 

[strawberry 06]

Hello!

You are very welcome. You would be amazed just how much small changes can make, even in a dragon of that age.
Please let us know how he is doing. I hope it helps him out & gives him more energy.

Tracie

So we gave him some baby food and slowly exercising his legs and he seems to be a bit better, hopefully things turn around for our dragon Strawberry he seem to be fine not showing any signs of pain or discomfort. We will keep trying and hope for the best.

 

[strawberry 06]

So with some sad news Strawberry passed away last night. I'm heartbroken but he lived a fantastic life and loved so much. He will be missed deeply. Thank for everyone's help.

 

[Sadie]

So with some sad news Strawberry passed away last night. I'm heartbroken but he lived a fantastic life and loved so much. He will be missed deeply. Thank for everyone's help.

I am so sorry to hear he passed -- you had a lot of good years w/ him - and yes you will miss him that is for sure - - my heart goes out to you and your wife

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Oh no, I am so sorry to hear about your precious Strawberry, he was indeed a trooper! At 18 years
of age, that is a long term relationship & he was well loved. I am so sorry you lost him.

My condolences to you & your family.

Tracie