09/03/2025
- LET'S VISIT WHY A LIZARD WOULD STOP EATING -
At Windward Animal Hospital, we often hear from reptile owners concerned that their lizard has stopped eating. Appetite loss, or anorexia, is a common sign of stress or illness in reptiles, including leopard geckos. While it may be temporary and harmless in some cases, it can also signal a more serious health concern that requires professional attention.
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ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
Improper husbandry is one of the most common reasons lizards stop eating.
• Temperature: Leopard geckos need a warm side of 88–92°F and a cool side around 75–80°F. Without correct temperatures, digestion slows, and appetite decreases.
• Humidity: These geckos thrive at 30–40% humidity with a humid hide (~70%) for shedding. Too much humidity can predispose them to respiratory issues.
• Lighting: While leopard geckos do not strictly require UVB if their diet is supplemented with vitamin D3, research increasingly shows that low-level UVB (2–5%) supports long-term health.
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STRESS:
Stress is another major contributor to appetite loss.
• New Environment: Newly purchased or recently relocated reptiles may stop eating temporarily.
• Handling: Some lizards tolerate frequent handling, but many—especially juveniles—refuse food when overstressed.
• Tank Mates: Leopard geckos should not be housed together; bullying or dominance often leads one to stop eating.
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SHEDDING:
Many lizards reduce food intake just before and during shedding. Irritation around the eyes and mouth makes eating uncomfortable until the process is complete.
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SEASONAL & BIOLOGICAL FACTORS:
• Brumation: Some leopard geckos enter a hibernation-like state during cooler months, naturally slowing their appetite. However, not all geckos brumate in captivity, and true anorexia should never be assumed to be brumation without a veterinary exam.
• Breeding Season: Both males and females may eat less during mating periods.
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ILLNESS OR PARASITES:
Medical conditions are a frequent cause of appetite loss.
• Impaction: Loose substrate or oversized prey can block the digestive tract, leading to anorexia and lethargy.
• Parasites: Internal parasites are common in reptiles and can cause chronic weight loss and loss of appetite.
• Infections: Mouth infections, respiratory disease, and systemic illness often make eating painful or impossible.
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DIET-RELATED CAUSES:
• Prey Size: Insects should be smaller than the space between the lizard’s eyes to ensure safe consumption.
• Food Variety: A monotonous diet sometimes causes refusal; rotating feeders such as crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms may stimulate appetite.
• Nutrition: Insects must be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium and vitamins to prevent deficiencies that can suppress appetite.
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AGING:
Older leopard geckos have slower metabolisms and may naturally eat less frequently than juveniles. While this is normal, age-related illness should also be considered.
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What to Do if Your Lizard Stops Eating
1. Verify that enclosure temperatures, humidity, and lighting are correct.
2. Look for signs of shedding, stress, or illness.
3. Offer a variety of properly sized and supplemented feeder insects.
4. Avoid unnecessary handling or cohabitation with other geckos.
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At Windward Animal Hospital, we recommend:
• Immediate veterinary care if appetite loss is accompanied by weight loss, lethargy, abnormal droppings, bloating, or labored breathing.
• Prompt evaluation within a few days if a juvenile gecko refuses food.
• Monitoring up to 7–10 days maximum in otherwise healthy adult geckos, provided they remain active, hydrated, and show no other concerning signs.
Loss of appetite in reptiles should never be ignored. While some causes are minor, others require immediate medical attention. At Windward Animal Hospital, our experienced veterinary team specializes in reptile medicine and can help determine the cause of your lizard’s anorexia, provide treatment, and guide you on proper husbandry to prevent future issues.
https://windwardanimalhospital.com
(770)569-7298
