How To Care For A Wounded Leopard Gecko

By  Emilia Lamberto

Things Needed

  • A&D Ointment (antibiotic cream, no added ingredients)

  • Cotton swab

  • Lint free towel

  • Small bowl

  • Lukewarm water

  • Gauze (for deep or bleeding wounds)

  • Tweezers

Tip

Clean your gecko's wound daily with lukewarm water and change his gauze as often as possibly. A&D Ointment can be applied everyday or every other day.

Warning

Do not handle your leopard gecko much when he is wounded as this can stress him out. Try to keep it at a minimum, holding him only when you are cleaning his wound. If your gecko is breathing unsteadily, acting strange (lethargic, loss of appetite), or seemingly in shock, get him to an emergency vet immediately.

Leopard geckos can be easily wounded by other geckos, sharp edges on a hide box or shed box and even by pieces of bark or wood that are placed in the terrarium. When caring for a wounded leopard gecko, the main thing to remember is to stay calm. In order to care for a leopard gecko that is wounded, you will need to maintain a steady hand, a soft voice and a gentle touch. Getting him back to health shouldn't take more than a week or two at the most.

Step 1

Examine the wound on your leopard gecko. Check for any debris inside of the wound. If the wound was caused by another leopard gecko, separate them immediately.

Step 2

Remove any debris from the wound gently by using tweezers. Be careful not to press onto the wound as you could injure the gecko further.

Step 3

Fill a small bowl about 1/5 of the way full with lukewarm water and place your gecko in the bowl. He should not be submerged; only his feet and his legs should be in the water. Use your hand or a small cup to gently pour water over the wound in order to clean it.

Step 4

Dry your gecko and his wound with a lint free cloth or towel. Gently pat him. Do not rub the infected area.

Step 5

Squeeze a dab of A&D Ointment onto a cotton swab. Gently rub the ointment onto the wound. If the wound is bleeding, place a small piece of gauze over the wound in order to further protect it and stop the bleeding.

Step 6

Move your gecko to a more comfortable place. If you are using sand as a substrate, shred paper towels and use those as bedding instead. Sand can get inside of the wound, causing more stress for your gecko and possibly infection. Keep him away from other geckos and even crickets as they may bite at the wound.

Step 7

Make an appointment for your gecko at your local exotic veterinarian's office. He will need to be examined by a professional in order to tell whether or not the wound is serious or infected. They may prescribe antibiotics for him.

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