Why is My Gecko Pooping Blood Clots?
Seeing blood in your leopard gecko’s poop can be really scary. You’re probably worried and want to know if your little buddy is okay. Don’t panic! This article will help you figure out why this is happening and what to do about it.
Why is There Blood?
There are a few reasons why you might see blood in your gecko’s poop. Some reasons are no big deal, while others are more serious.
- Food Choices: What your gecko eats can affect their poop. Waxworms are like candy for geckos – yummy but not too healthy! They need a balanced diet of insects like crickets and mealworms.
- Tummy Troubles: Sometimes, geckos get constipated. This means they have trouble pooping. If your gecko hasn’t pooped in a few days, they might be constipated, and that could cause some bleeding.
- Ouch! Internal Injuries: Sometimes, blood in the poop means your gecko might have gotten hurt inside. This can happen if they fall from something high or get in a fight with another gecko.
- Pesky Parasites: Parasites are tiny bugs that can live inside your gecko’s belly and make them sick. Yuck! Bloody poop can be a sign of these unwelcome guests.
- Eating No-Nos: Geckos sometimes try to eat things they shouldn’t, like the moss or paper towels in their humid hide. This can hurt their tummies and cause blood in their poop. It’s important to make sure their humid hide only has safe things in it!
What Should I Do?
If you see blood in your gecko’s poop, it’s super important to take them to a special animal doctor who knows about reptiles. This kind of doctor is called a “herp vet.” They can figure out what’s wrong and help your gecko feel better.
Here’s how to find a herp vet:
- Ask Around: Talk to other gecko owners or people who work at pet stores. They might know a good herp vet in your area.
- Search the Web: There are websites that list reptile vets. You can find one close to you.
At the Vet’s Office
The vet will ask you about your gecko’s behavior and if they have any other symptoms besides the blood in their poop. They’ll also want to know about your gecko’s past, like if they’ve been sick before.
The vet might examine your gecko’s body and look at their poop under a microscope. This helps them see if there are any bad bugs causing trouble.
The vet might tell you to do some of these things:
- Switch Up the Menu: Change what you’re feeding your gecko.
- Give Medicine: Sometimes, your gecko might need medicine to get rid of parasites or fight off an infection.
- Surgery: If your gecko has a serious injury, they might need surgery.
Keeping Your Gecko Healthy
You can’t prevent all the causes of bloody poop, but there are things you can do to keep your gecko healthy and happy!
- Good Food, Good Mood: Give your gecko a healthy mix of insects. Don’t overdo the waxworms!
- Safe and Clean Home: Make sure your gecko’s enclosure is clean and safe, so they don’t get hurt or sick.
- Regular Checkups: Take your gecko to the vet for checkups even if they seem healthy. This helps catch any problems early on.
Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re worried about your gecko, take them to the vet! Getting help early can make a big difference in your gecko’s health and happiness.