What to Do with a Dead Leopard Gecko?

As reptile owners, we grow very attached to our pet geckos. 

It is always hard when they inevitably pass away, but death is a part of life. 

Preparing a plan for what to do with a dead Leopard Gecko makes the process easier for you when the time comes. 

Removing the dead Leopard Gecko as soon as possible after it passes is best. Use gloves and wash your hands. This is especially important for shared enclosures with other pets. Many people like to plant the gecko body in a planter or garden bed to have a little reminder of their beloved pet. 

It is never easy to say goodbye to our beloved pets. 

If your Leopard Gecko passed away, it’s good to know what to do. 

Read on to see what to do with a dead Leopard Gecko. 

How To Deal With A Deceased Leopard Gecko

If you are a Leopard Gecko owner, you know your beloved pet will eventually pass away. 

If this has already occurred, there are certain steps you need to take to care of the dead gecko. 

It’s best to research what to do with the dead gecko before the death happens, but sudden deaths don’t give gecko owners this luxury. 

This is why it is a good idea to make a plan before you even bring your baby geckos home. 

Most people will bury their dead geckos in a garden. 

This allows the owners to feel like their Leopard Gecko continues to live on through the plants and soil it nourishes. 

Planting the gecko body in a potted plant also works if you live in an apartment or space without a yard. 

If you experience a sudden Leopard Gecko death, do not throw them in the trash unless your local ordinances allow it.  

How Long Do Leopard Geckos Live?

The lifespan depends on the species of gecko. 

Our beloved Leopard Geckos live for 10-20 years in captivity. 

A female Leopard Gecko has a shorter lifespan than a male Leopard Gecko. 

This is mostly the case if you use the female Leopard Gecko for breeding and mating. 

The breeding process takes a toll on the female Leopard Gecko and will shorten its lifespan. 

If you keep female geckos but do not breed, they will have roughly the same lifespan as male geckos. 

The Leopard species of Gecko has one of the longest lifespans of all geckos kept as pets. 

This makes them a serious commitment. 

Deaths in Leopard Geckos will happen later from natural causes than other types. 

Gecko enthusiasts will be very sad at their gecko dying, but it is a part of life. 

As soon as we bring our baby Leopard Geckos home, it’s good to have a plan in place. 

Even though healthy adult geckos have a long lifespan, there are still possibilities for accidental injuries and illnesses in Leopard Geckos capable of cutting their life short. 

How Can I Get My Leopard Gecko To Live Longer?

Hatchling geckos and juvenile geckos are so adorable. 

It is hard to think about death in geckos when they are young, but owners need to consider it. 

While your gecko can’t live forever, some steps must be taken to ensure they stay happy and healthy. 

Here are some tips for keeping them as happy and healthy as long as possible. 

Access To Water

Having water bowls or a water dish in the enclosure is important. 

This way, geckos get the necessary intake of water each day. 

Make sure to provide a constant water source for your pets. 

Swapping out the bowl for fresh water daily will help keep bacteria, mold, and fungus growth to a minimum. 

Ensure you only provide clean drinking water. 

Fresh water is key to keeping geckos happy, hydrated, and healthy. 

Balanced Diet

Providing a proper diet and food source for your gecko is very important. 

A healthy diet of insects, including crickets and mealworms, is the best diet makeup for geckos. 

One of the best measures to support a long and healthy life is providing a healthy diet of quality food with vitamins to ensure all the nutritional needs of your beloved gecko are met. 

Proper Tank Temperature

As you likely know, reptiles regulate their body temperature through outside heat sources. 

Providing a heated section with warm temperatures and an unheated section with cold temperatures allows them to properly regulate their internal temperature. 

If the tank is too hot or too cold, your gecko won’t be able to access the actual temperature range they need to stay healthy. 

Cleaning Enclosure Regularly

Keeping a clean enclosure helps prevent many health issues, including annoying parasites and bacterial infections in Leopard Geckos. 

The potential infections common in dirty cages are very dangerous and may shorten the lifespan of your gecko. 

Keep things clean by setting up a schedule and addressing untidy conditions as soon as possible. 

A bacterial infection will turn serious if not addressed. 

Monitor The Health

Keeping an eye on the health status of your gecko will help catch issues early. 

Maintaining a healthy diet, a clean enclosure, and constant access to water is a great start. 

Make sure to monitor how they are eating. 

Loss of appetite is a common indicator of health issues, so catching this behavior early will help catch problems quickly. 

Weighing your gecko will also help to catch the early signs of health issues like infection or disease. 

Similarly, a lethargic Leopard Gecko often suffers from some issues needing addressing. 

Keeping an eye on them to monitor their behavior and health will help you give them a long and healthy life. 

Keep Things Calm to Reduce Stress

Loud noises like music, video games, and movies are often very stressful for geckos and aren’t part of their healthy lives. 

As a gecko owner, you must acknowledge your gecko’s mental and physical well-being. 

Stress has many health consequences like losing appetite, excessive hiding, glass swimming, and tail waving. 

If your gecko is exhibiting any of these behaviors, they are likely stressed out, and it is important to address the stresses of stress.