My Bearded Dragon died, emotional moments

how do I grieve my bearded dragon died last night

The loss of a pet is more than just the loss of an animal, it is the loss of a companion and friend.

Whether it was your bearded dragon that died, or any other pet you loved, it is likely you are experiencing the stages of grief and you may need the support of family and friends to help you progress.

Unfortunately, telling your family or friends ‘my bearded dragon died last night’ doesn’t always bring the comfort and support you might expect. Not all family and friends understand our attachment to our scaly friends.

Is my Bearded Dragon dead or sleeping?

If you are positive your bearded dragon has died then skip this bit. If you are not 100% sure your bearded dragon is dead, then consider:

  • Your bearded dragon may be brumating and not dead.
  • Get a vet to help assess.

There are some unique challenges with reptiles in assessing death. For example, after a reptile’s brain has died its heart can beat (Simpson, n.d.) and the body can continue for hours (Pollock, 2012).

Even for vets, there is no way to be completely sure of death (Pollock, 2012) except where decomposing has started, or vital body parts are damaged. So don’t give up with your bearded dragon until you are absolutely sure.

The heart can keep beating after death.

Pollock, 2012

Why the Loss of a Pet Upsets Us So Much

Many of us share a strong bond and love with our animal companions. Our bearded dragons bring companionship, joy, and fun to our lives. They can add structure to our days, keep us social and active, offer a sense of meaning or purpose and aid us to overcome challenges in life. So, it’s normal to feel beset by grief and loss when your cherished bearded dragon dies.

Death of a cherished pet can leave us feeling devastated and generate all sorts of painful and difficult emotions. Never feel ashamed or guilty about grieving for your best companion.

While we all respond differently to loss, the way you show your grief will often depend on various factors such as your personality and age, the age of your pet, and the conditions of their death. Generally, how important your pet was to you will determine the intensity of your emotional pain.

If you lived alone and your pet was your only companion, it will be harder coming to terms with their loss. You may even feel a profound sense of guilt if you were unable to provide expensive veterinary treatment to prolong your pet’s life.

While going through loss is an inevitable part of owning a pet, here are some ways to help you get through the harder moments, cope with the pain.

bearded dragon died last night

How do I Grieve my Bearded Dragon?

Everyone experiences grief in different ways, and it takes time. How you grieve your bearded dragon will be different for others, there is no “normal”. It may take weeks, to months, or more.

Ignoring the pain may likely make it worse. Allow yourself to go through the stages of grief and heal over time. Don’t repress your emotions and feelings. Let it transpire and experience the feelings of sadness that will come.

I feel guilty my bearded dragon died

Feeling guilty that your bearded dragon died is truly not uncommon. Thoughts of ‘what if’s’ will come in like, ‘I should have taken him to the vet’ or ‘I should have changed this one thing’.

Perhaps they were valid, perhaps they were not. Either way, this is one of the stages of grief and holding on to them will slow you down. You know this. You cannot change what has been done, but you can change your next moment and the moment after that.

Prayer of Serenity

Recite the Prayer of Serenity (by Reinhold Niebuhr), feel the meaning in it.

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next
Amen

I can’t believe my Bearded Dragon died!

Another early stage of grief is denial. In this stage, you may feel like your pet is still alive. You may have a hard time coming home to find your bearded dragon is not waiting for you. There is no meal to be prepared, no play to be had.

Denial of your bearded dragon death will make it harder for you to move past your pet’s death and cope. Practice breathing short breaths in, long breaths out, let is pass.

Release your anger in healthy ways. Anger is a major emotion in the grieving process. Your anger may be focused on what killed your pet.

Let yourself be angry for a time, you will know how long is enough. If it gets to bitterness and rage, it is going too far and will only make you feel worse.

Anger can also be a distraction from resolving your feelings of grief and make you hold onto your grief. Release it and begin to heal.

Spend time with your family and friends. Concentrate on caring for yourself. Do activities that make you feel good like mingling with good friends, hiking outdoors, or doing a project that inspires you. Focus on activities that can help you to discharge your anger in a way that feels useful and healthy.

Dealing with depression

The feeling of depression is a natural symptom of grief that can make you feel helpless to cope with your emotions. While feeling sad about the death of your pet is important, feeling depressed can cause you to feel worn out, lonely, and isolated.

Feelings of depression can be combated by leaning on friends and family, involving yourself in activities you enjoy doing. Work on your feelings of sadness and seek help if it feels like it is becoming depression.

Getting support and caring for yourself

Share your emotions and feelings with loved ones.

Seek comfort with family and friends who have also lost pets. They understand how it feels to lose a pet and are likely to be sympathetic to your grief. Talk and share memories of your pets.

Go for a walk with a friend. A change of scenery, exercise and a sensitive ear listening to you remembering your pet affectionately will help the grief. No need to talk, just walk.

Walk to help move through grief of bearded dragon dying
A walk with a friend can provide support during grieving.

Keep in mind that some people may not comprehend how deep the loss of your bearded dragon is to you. Connect with other pet owners who have also experienced loss and grief.

Try exploring a new interest like drawing, painting or joining a fitness group. Exercise enhances your mood and helps you to overcome feelings of depression.

You can also practice self-care by taking time on your own to read or do something relaxing and calming. Don’t be alone for too long as this can lead to loneliness and isolation. Keep a balance of time with others and yourself to ensure you are taking care of your physical and emotional needs during this period.

Sometimes, grief can be so devastating it is too much to handle on your own. If after you have talked to family and friends you are still feeling depressed, upset, powerless and unable to function, you can speak with a counsellor or psychologist. If you cannot get an appointment quick enough, see your doctor first.

My Bearded Dragon died, what do I do?

Now your bearded dragon has died there are of course things you must do. The first steps are:

  • Letting go of the body. Cremation or burial are both valid options. Cremations can be arranged through your vet or directly with a pet cremation service. If you prefer to bury your bearded dragon, prepare the hole deep enough that it will not be disturbed by any passing creature. If you are in Australia, most states will require you to report the death to the regulatory authority. You may have to keep the body until they have given the go ahead to do otherwise.
  • Cleaning up and packing away your bearded dragons house and accessories.
  • Consider if and how you would like to pay tribute.

Paying tribute after your Bearded Dragon has passed away

Here are some ways you might like to pay tribute after your Bearded Dragon has passed away:

  • Organise a memorial or funeral service for your pet. When your bearded dragon died a small service in honouring your pet’s life or a more elaborate one.
  • Create a physical reminder for your pet.
  • Create a photo album of your pet
  • Commission a portrait
  • Order a pet memorial plaque
  • Get a tattoo of you are pet…just don’t do it until you are moving out of grief. Never make decisions on anything that will impact you for life during grief that you don’t have to.
  • Support an animal charity in memory of your pet. You can donate your time or money to an animal charity in your pet name for his memorial. Help other pet owners to take care of their pets.
  • Remembrance Book. Add your own dedication in the online remembrance book. Perhaps one day it will also help others to come feel some solace knowing they aren’t alone either.
bearded dragon reflection

References

  1. Simpson, D (Dr). (n.d.) Ending It All: Euthanasia of Reptiles. Karingal Veterinary Hospital, Victoria.
  2. Pollock, C. DVM, DABVP. (2012) How to Verify Life (and Death) in Reptiles. https://lafeber.com/vet/how-to-verify-life-and-death-in-reptiles/

Poems for Grieving

We Meet Again

Smile my sweet prince, I am with you again.
Can you feel my presence? I sense you can.
I do not suffer, I feel no pain.
I am free from the world with much bigger plans.
Smile my sweet prince, for we meet again.

I Am Fine

Ahh little princess, you feel so much pain.
But it serves you no use, I am not of this plane.
My purpose was growth, both yours and mine.
We made it sweet princess, don’t weep, I am fine.

I am Here in the Sunlight

I am here in the sunlight that warms the day
I am here in the moonlight that lights your way
I am here in the rain that leaves all anew
I am here when you wake up, all around you.

I Live On

Spend no money on my body
Pay me no tribute at all
My body was but a transport for soul
Its gone, but I live on.

Joy and Happiness

Remember the times that were good and fun,
Use them for happiness and joy.
Do me great honor by moving along,
Spend no time on sorrow.

Not Confined

We reached new levels of learning in life
And our time is now at an end
But only on this physical plane
Where our souls are not confined.

42 Comments

  1. I lost my 4 yr old Beardie dragon last night. My heart is so heavy. Her name was Jaxie.
    I’m not sure if I’ll ever get over losing her. She helped me recover from my cancer
    Treatments while the family went to work and school. Your silence is Golden.
    I love you Jaxie, I will miss our cuddles and all our daily routines.Thank you for loving me, Seeing your empty tank hurts so much but I can’t bear to put it away yet.
    You completed our family.
    You will be missed Jaxie Girl!
    Love, Mommy & daddy
    And all your siblings Jessa, Jordan, Leon,Mara, Jenica & Mike

  2. Reading this and these comments ha helped bring me a little peace knowing there’s others going through it too… I know some people don’t understand my feeling of loss for my lizard so I’m having trouble talking about it with anyone.

    My 5 year old Beardie Jeffery passed away 2 days ago.. my wife and I got him in college and have always kept him spoiled since. Jeffery stopped eating and stopped being interested in food in late July, and this hasn’t been the first time he’s become disinterested. We made sure to keep fresh veggies and tube worms for him to try to get him going but assumed he was being picky as usual. I started to notice his fat sacks on his head had disappeared 2weeks ago and we scheduled a emergency appointment with our reptile vet.. we took x rays, blood work, antibiotics and the works to find out his poor little kidneys were giving out.. we put him on an all syringe protein and calcium mix diet to help get him rehydrated and food in his belly and he started passing again!!! His color and energy were improving, he was passing and we were syringe feeding him 3-4 times a day and giving him warm baths. I even saw him looking at his food bowl in his tank and I thought he was getting interested. He was passing regularly this past week and starting to even help with the syringe feedings.. my wife and I helped him two days ago feed him dinner and I had to leave for work; then BOOm.. when I come home he’s gone.

    I’m crushed and heartbroken.. I thought he was doing better. When I was in college he’d stay out of his cage all day with me; he was the sweetest dude and never bit a single person. These past few years I’ve been able to get him out of the cage 1-3 times every month and I just feel so terrible. He had a big enough cage but he hated it he grew up being able to just chill wherever.. when I would get him out he’d chill in my back window of my hangout room, and I’m crushed because he spent all the time looking out there and wishing he was outside only to end up being buried right there where he was looking… I miss him so much and I wish I’d have been around more to take him out, have his freedom, and let him sit on me. He’d give the best little hugs and kisses.. he deserved so much more freedom and time; rest easy little dude. I’m so sorry.

  3. I lost revan 24 hours ago now and I’ve never felt this broken before he was my happiness when I have a bad day at school I come home and he’s staring at me with a face that say human hold me it’s cute and he was like a cold blooded puppy for people who understand this pain I don’t know why it hurts a 1000 times worse than my dog I haven’t laughed at absolutely hilarious jokes my friends make and I want to hold him but he’s gone I miss hope someone sees this and I hope nobody has to see it and understand the pain

  5. I just lost my 3yr old beardie today. I’m lost and broken. He was so much more than a lizard. He was my buddy, emotional support. I don’t know how I’ll get over this one. All my other pets had the chance to grow old. I’m so sorry everyone, for your losses. I do find comfort that others understand.

  6. I lost my almost 8 year old beardie on 1/19/2022, my heart is broken. I love that little lizard. I feel his absence everyday, my routine is not the same, my room is not as warm or bright. I don’t have my little scaley bird sitting on my shoulder or cuddling on my neck.

    I miss him so much, he was my little man.

    Flamey i hope you’re basking and happy on the rainbow bridge, wait for me and I will find you again.

    • @Rachel, this is sweet sometimes life gets busy and then I’m alone I think of our baby 3 weeks now jus though of him again I guess we all pass to live one day for eternity he was my sons but like my child I love pets like my kids if that makes sense guys xxx we will all see our babies on the rainbow and be wit them for ever

  8. My bearded dragon passed away two days ago and I can’t shake the feeling of guilt. Jabba was only two and feel I did something wrong. I try to act like I’m not as sad as I truly am because most people around me don’t think much of a lizard as a pet. This helped me to know there are others who feel the same loss that I do. Crying even as I type…

    • @Sonora, my baby was 7 months. Passed two days ago.
      Somehow the dogs broke into his cage while we were gone.
      I’m so hurt and broken.
      I’ve slept and cried. Screamed and yelled.
      Took him for cremation and can go pick him up tomorrow.
      Will get some remembrance items for him. But as of now, I feel a big hole in my heart and life.
      Not only did I lose my baby boy dragon, but I also lost my two fuzzy girl dogs now too. I’ll never be able to forgive them and honestly just want them out of my life.
      I don’t know what to do.

      Have you healed some over the past few months.?

      He was just a baby.
      Our babies were supposed to have 10, 12 or even 15 years of life. & it was so short.
      My Mommy is in Heaven too, I thought maybe GOD decided she could have a bearded dragon….

    • @Tesla Russell, the great things we all love are sent by god just to be taken away there is a reason god sends these gift of love to all of us and it’s to bring people closer and when it’s our beardys time it will be sad but they did what they were meant to do honor their life not push the others away

  9. I lost my beautiful bearded dragon today. I feel lost without him. His name was Rango and he was due to visit the vet tomorrow. He had not eaten for 3 days and I was told it was down to brummation but I wanted him checked over for peace of mind. As he was nearly 1 he was due for a check up anyway.
    I cannot describe the feeling of loss. I did everything correctly, lighting, vitamins, uv you name it he was spoilt, we loved him so much. Maybe in time we will get another one. I never thought I would feel so much emotion as I do now. Thankyou for the time you gave us Rango, we will miss you always.

  10. My bearded dragon died a few days ago and this really help I was grieving for him so bad and I still am I feel like part of me is missing Ziggy you will always be with me.

  11. I didn’t have a bearded dragon but my leopard gecko passed away today and I feel like it’s my fault. This article helped me a little bit tho

  12. I lost my girl this Friday she was about 8/9 years old. My best friend my rock. There will never be another like her she got me though some really rough times in life. I’m choosing to have her cremated after I get her paw impressions to make a tattoo

  13. My beardie Tica passed away two nights ago. A video of her appeared on my phone. I wish I could pet the top of her head and see her little eyes closing, enjoying the petting. Thank you for being there for me Tica when I had no one else. Just knowing you were there made me feel less lonely. I won’t forget you. I’ll miss your little eyes.

    • @Brittany, I noticed there are a type of beardy ppl are very loving ppl in this blog I thought I was the only one like this we loved them like our kids xxx

  18. my beardie spike died a while back it still hurts but that pain never goes away especially cuzz he died the day after my great grandma died…. i still remember i got spike at 8 and he was the only reptile my great grandma would hold she babied him even though she was scared of every other reptile or arachnid or amphibian she even said spikes not a critter he’s family.

Leave a Reply

Trending Posts

Bearded dragons food lists insects vegetables greens
Bearded Dragons Food: With Colored Food Charts
wild bearded dragon diet
Wild Bearded Dragon Diet: Food & Diet Changes by Age & Sex
Can bearded dragons eat dog food, cat food, meat, mice and more.
Can Bearded Dragons Eat…
Bearded dragon won't eat greens and how to fix it
Bearded Dragon Won’t Eat Greens? 10 Tips & Tricks to Fix It