Never feed chocolate to your pet iguana.
Cocoa is toxic to reptiles and can cause severe health issues in iguanas.
The main culprits are substances called theobromine and caffeine found in chocolate.
The body of a lizard cannot process these compounds the same way the human body does, which can cause severe health issues in iguanas, and in extreme cases, can be fatal.
Eating even a small amount of chocolate can be harmful to iguanas, so it is important to avoid giving it to them altogether.
If you think your bearded dragon has eaten chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Why chocolate is toxic to iguanas
There are several reasons why chocolate is off-limits to iguanas and reptiles in general.
Theobromine, a stimulant found in chocolate, is similar to caffeine and is metabolized more slowly in reptiles than in mammals.
This means it can stay in their system for a longer period, causing more harm.
In addition to theobromine, chocolate contains caffeine other harmful compounds that can damage vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, and can even lead to heart problems in reptiles.
Another concern is the sugar content in chocolate. It’s not something iguanas can handle well, and it can lead to obesity and other serious health conditions.
Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in bearded dragons
Chocolate poisoning in iguanas can be severe and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Some of the most common symptoms of chocolate poisoning in reptiles include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hyperactivity
- Trembling
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
If left untreated, chocolate poisoning can ultimately lead to death.
If you observe any of these symptoms in your iguana, contact a veterinarian immediately.
What to do if your iguana eats chocolate
If you suspect your iguana has ingested chocolate, the first step is to immediately get in touch with your veterinarian.
Only vets are equipped to assess the severity of the situation and suggest the most appropriate treatment.
In some scenarios, the veterinarian might advise inducing vomiting to expel the chocolate from your iguana’s system.
Other possible treatments could include administering activated charcoal, which can absorb the toxins, or providing supportive care such as fluids and heat.
It’s crucial to follow the veterinarian’s instructions to ensure the best possible outcome for your iguana.
PetsWithScales.com is an informational website about big lizard pet care. We collect and provide information from different sources across the web on how to keep and care for reptiles as pets. The species we mainly deal with are tegus, monitor lizards, skinks and geckos. Our aim is to provide high quality information to help pet owners make better, more informed decisions about their animal’s diets, health and life.