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Home » Lizard Poop: Everything You Need to Know (With Photos)

Lizard Poop: Everything You Need to Know (With Photos)

Lizards, those fascinating creatures that roam our planet for millions of years, often leave their mark in the form of droppings – like much every other creature.

While lizard poop may not be the most glamorous topic, it holds valuable information about these elusive reptiles, especially if you are a lizard pet owner or find yourself having to deal with a lizard infestation.

So, here it goes – let’s talk about lizard poop.

What does lizard poop look like?

Lizard poop is typically small, dark brown or black pellets with a white tip. The white tip is actually uric acid, which is the lizard’s urine.

Lizards don’t produce liquid urine like humans do, so their waste is a dry, semi-solid mixture of feces and uric acid.

The size of lizard poop varies depending on the size of the lizard.

Small lizards, such as geckos, may have droppings that are only a few millimeters long, while larger lizards, such as iguanas, may have droppings that are several centimeters long.

Lizard poop. A small, dark brown or black pellet with a white tip.
Lizard poop. A small, dark brown or black pellet with a white tip. The white tip is actually uric acid, which is the lizard’s urine.

Lizard poop is usually small and firm, resembling elongated pellets or capsules. Its unique black coloration, accompanied by the white or yellowish tip, sets it apart from other animal droppings.

While it can sometimes be confused with the feces of rodents or bats, the presence of the white tip is a clear indicator of lizard waste.

Lizard Poop Risks & Cleaning

Lizard droppings can potentially contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella, campylobacteriosis, and leptospirosis, which can lead to illnesses in humans.

Although the likelihood of getting sick from handling lizard poop is relatively low, it is still advisable to take precautions.

When cleaning lizard droppings, take care to pick them up using paper towels without direct skin contact.

Dispose of the droppings and used towels in a sealed plastic bag, then thoroughly clean the affected area using a disinfectant cleaner.

After cleaning, remove gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

How to get a pet lizard to poop

If your pet lizard is having trouble with irregular bowel movements, it may be dealing with constipation, a condition that can potentially harm its health.

To assist your lizard, consider the following steps:

Begin by assessing your lizard’s diet. Ensure it receives sufficient fiber by including leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits in its meals. Fiber aids in digestion and can prevent constipation.

Keep a close eye on your lizard’s water intake. Dehydration can lead to constipation, so make sure it has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Promoting hydration can help prevent constipation.

You can also help your lizard by offering a lukewarm bath or soak.

Many owners of larger lizards, such as bearded dragons and tegus, find this practice beneficial. It can establish a routine for waste elimination directly in the bathtub or sink and make disposal more convenient.

If constipation persists, consider gently massaging your lizard’s abdomen. This can stimulate bowel activity and encourage regular defecation.

Be careful and apply only gentle pressure to avoid causing discomfort to your lizard.


What is the white part of lizard poop?

The white part of lizard poop is actually uric acid, which is the lizard’s urine.

Lizards don’t produce liquid urine like humans do, so their waste is a dry, semi-solid mixture of feces and uric acid.

The uric acid is stored in a separate bladder from the feces, and it is expelled from the body separately.

Can lizard poop be harmful to humans?

Lizard poop can contain bacteria that can be harmful to humans. However, the risk of getting sick from lizard poop is very low.

If you do come into contact with lizard poop, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Can lizard poop be harmful to dogs?

Yes, lizard poop can be harmful to dogs.

It can contain bacteria that can cause illness, such as salmonella, campylobacteriosis, and leptospirosis, as well as parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms.

If your dog comes into contact with lizard poop, it is important to wash them thoroughly with soap and water.

You should also watch for any signs of illness, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy.

If you see any of these signs, you should take your dog to the vet immediately.

How do I tell lizard poop apart from rat and mice poop?

Lizard poop can be distinguished from rat and mice poop based on a few key differences.

Lizard droppings are typically smaller and firmer compared to the droppings of rodents. They often have a white or yellowish tip, which is the uric acid component.

In contrast, rat and mice droppings are larger, elongated, and have a more cylindrical shape.

Additionally, rodent droppings may contain visible hairs, while lizard droppings do not.

What is the difference between lizard poop and snake poop?

Lizard poop and snake poop have some distinct characteristics that can help differentiate between the two.

Lizard droppings are typically black or dark brown in color and may have a white or yellowish tip, which is the uric acid component. They are small and firm in texture.

Snake droppings, on the other hand, vary depending on the species and their diet.

Snake poop may have a tubular shape, similar to lizard droppings, but it is often more liquid and may contain undigested remains of prey, such as bones or fur.

Snake faeces can also be lighter in color, ranging from brown to white, depending on the snake’s diet.

How to get rid of lizard poop (and smell)?

To effectively remove lizard poop and minimize any associated odor, it’s important to follow a few steps.

First, protect yourself by wearing disposable gloves. Carefully pick up the droppings using paper towels, making sure to avoid direct skin contact, and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag.

Next, clean the affected area using a mild detergent or disinfectant cleaner.

Gently scrub the surface to remove any residue and rinse with clean water. If there is still an odor, you can use odor-neutralizing sprays or a mixture of water and vinegar to help eliminate it.

Apply the solution to the area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean.

Improve air circulation by opening windows or using fans to ventilate the space.

Finally, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling the droppings and cleaning.

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