When it comes to a leopard gecko’s health, it can occasionally be difficult to determine what is wrong because there are numerous potential causes for the wide range of issues that they encounter. But when it comes to respiratory issues, there is typically only one explanation for why things are the way they are, and this is it.
Why is the respiration of my leopard gecko quick? They most certainly have respiratory illnesses because of the way they are breathing. Low temperatures in the tank, along with a few other factors that make it more difficult for their bodies to operate normally, are typically the source of this sickness.
How Fast Should A Healthy Leopard Gecko Breathe?
Leopard geckos often breathe up to 20 times per minute, depending on their age, weight, and state of health. Usually, these breaths are slow and deep. In fact, if you pay close attention to your gecko, you’ll see that its chest muscles slowly rise and fall as they breathe. You’ll also notice that your leopard gecko breathes more quickly when it’s stressed or anxious.
However, difficult breathing is not typically quick or shallow breathing, which is a symptom of a problem. The respiratory mechanics of leopard geckos are temperature-dependent, which is something you should bear in mind. These animals’ heart rates rise when they are exposed to heat because they breathe more deeply and quickly.
This increases the amount of blood that gets to their brains, which increases productivity and sharpens reflexes. In the end, this makes it easier for leopard geckos to hunt insects and avoid predators.
Because of this, leopard geckos that are frequently exposed to freezing temperatures struggle to breathe and even move about.
What Should You Do When Your Leopard Gecko Starts Breathing Fast?
If you find that your leopard gecko is breathing quickly or has any other respiratory problems, you should take them to the vet right away. Such circumstances are regarded as emergencies and demand prompt medical attention.
When you take your leopard gecko to the doctor for rapid breathing, they will perform a physical examination, order some bloodwork, and, if required, take X-rays. Additionally, they might perform a fecal examination, request your gecko’s medical history, or collect a sample of bacteria from their respiratory system. Once they identify the underlying reason of your leopard gecko’s illness, doctors may recommend antibiotics, probiotics, or fluids to keep the animal hydrated. Your veterinarian might even advise giving your leopard gecko a warm water bath to help clear out its nose.
What Kinds Of Respiratory Conditions Are Common In Leopard Geckos?
Leopard geckos are prone to a number of respiratory ailments, some of which involve quick breathing as a symptom. The most typical ones consist of:
- Pneumonia
Lung inflammation or infection is a defining feature of this illness. While bacteria are the primary culprits, viruses and fungi can also be to blame. parasites, too. Consequently, depending on the microorganism that caused it, it is typically treated differently. In addition to wheezing, pneumonia can cause mucus bubbles to form on your gecko’s nose.
Make sure your leopard gecko consumes a balanced food, lives in a tidy habitat, and is exposed to ideal temperature and humidity conditions to prevent the development of this disease. The likelihood of pneumonia developing in your gecko is typically increased by low tank temperatures and heavy humidity.
- Chronic rhinitis
An allergic or non-allergic reaction may cause this syndrome. It typically exhibits signs like a runny nose and watery eyes.
How Can You Keep Your Leopard Gecko From Breathing Fast?
To prevent your leopard gecko from breathing quickly or experiencing other breathing issues, there are a number of things you can do. One is that you can make sure your gecko’s tank is always heated and at the right temperature. You can do this by using a trustworthy thermometer and heat mats. Make sure the tools you already have are in good working order.
Remember that 70 degrees Fahrenheit or so at night and 80 to 85 degrees at the daytime are the ideal temps for leopard geckos. Below this, your leopard gecko may experience irregular breathing patterns and develop other respiratory problems. In fact, your leopard gecko may succumb to hibernation if temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time.
As a result, make sure to constantly record the tank’s daytime and nighttime temperatures; if you take your animal companion to the clinic, they may even ask you for these numbers. You could also decide to purchase a thermostat for your leopard gecko’s tank to simplify the process. When temperatures get too high, this device will automatically cut off your heat source.
The fact that your leopard gecko typically won’t become ill from brief exposure to severe temperatures should not be overlooked. Your gecko should be alright as long as you quickly fix the problem; long-term exposure is what you should truly be concerned about.
Making ensuring the humidity in your leopard gecko’s tank is kept between 30% and 40% is another way to prevent them from breathing quickly or erratically. Long-term exposure to increased humidity levels can cause your leopard gecko to start breathing quickly and experience other respiratory problems. Therefore, be sure to frequently check the humidity levels in your pet’s tank with a working hygrometer.
Conclusion
Any strange activity by your leopard gecko should be noted if you notice it breathing heavily. Heavy breathing doesn’t always indicate a respiratory illness, although the likelihood is higher if the person has spent a significant period of time in an environment with high humidity or cold temperatures.
