Why is My Leopard Gecko Pale? Possible Causes and Solutions

Leopard geckos are the perfect house pet as they live up to 20 years and are easy to take care of. It might also cause you a lot of concern if they do not appear suitable. But trust me leopard geckos turning pale is natural and all part of the shedding process. In this article, we will discuss the various factors that can lead to this and how to help them.

Leopard geckos turn pale generally due to shedding, food, water, or temperature. There are also chances they are under some kind of stress. And if all of the things are fine, then they might have developed an illness.

Why is my Leopard Gecko Pale?

A keen eye on your leopard gecko’s health and appearance will help you detect if something is wrong with your pet. As a current owner of a six-year-old leopard gecko, I have faced several problems and gained a lot of insight regarding their medical conditions. 

If your leopard gecko turns white, it is usually nothing to stress about. It is a natural phenomenon for leopard geckos to shed old skin to show a new layer of skin. Leopard geckos have scales all over their body that help retain moisture in their skin. There is space between the new scales and the skin. Hence, giving leopard geckos enough space to grow.

During the shedding process, leopard geckos turn pale as the scales on their skin separate and fall off. This process generally occurs a few days before leopard gecko starts to shed their skin. When a leopard gecko is young, it sheds once every month as its body grows rapidly.

To help your leopard gecko while shedding period, the first thing you should avoid is causing more stress to your pet. At the time of shedding, leopard geckos are under a lot of stress and go into hiding. They might also be irritated or aggressive in such conditions.

You should also minimize physically handling your leopard geckos as they are already in a lot of discomforts. Just leave your leopard geckos alone and let them shed in peace. You can also give them nutritious food and water to ease some stress.

What to do When your Leopard Gecko Turns Pale?

Always keep a good check on your leopard gecko’s health and appearance. Doing this will help you detect any issues early on. Generally, leopard gecko’s color fading – is not a major issue to be concerned about. Although, it leads to a change in behavior and eating habits. Leopard geckos might also get aggressive during these times. Here are a few things that you can do if your leopard gecko is turning pale:

Give your leopard gecko space and time to heal. For the first few days of shedding, let your leopard gecko rest and provide it with a lot of care. Do not force your leopard gecko out of hiding. At the time of shedding leopard geckos are extremely stressed and aggressive. So it’s better to let them be and heal in peace.

Leopard geckos do not want to be touched while they are shedding. So, try to minimize physically carrying them around. Although, you should care for them by making your pet eat and drink right. At the time of shedding, leopard geckos are sensitive to physical touch and might also attack if you agitate it hard enough.

You can also spray the enclosure with slightly cold water to provide them with comfort during these times. You can also keep a small pot for them to hide in, doing so will make them more comfortable while shedding their old skin.

Lastly, feed your leopard gecko with nutritious food and keep them hydrated. Your pet will need extra care and attention during this time. If they continue to remain pale, then take them to a vet as soon as possible.

6 Reasons Why Your Leopard Gecko Is Pale But Not Shedding

Leopard gecko turning white is considered normal as it is all part of a process. But if they do not start shedding their skin within a few days, you should pay a closer look at their lifestyle. Here are some of the reasons why your leopard gecko is pale but not shedding:

Reason #1 – Temperature 

Temperature can be a leading factor in a leopard gecko’s appearance. If the temperature is anything above 86 degrees Fahrenheit, it might make the leopard gecko look dull and pale. Higher temperatures inside the enclosure will make your leopard gecko lose more moisture and might result in a change of color.

You should maintain an optimal temperature inside the enclosure. Spraying the enclosure with cool water will help provide the extra moisture that has led to your leopard gecko turning pale.

Reason #2 – Food 

If your leopard gecko is not shedding and turning pale, it might have to do with the food. Not feeding your leopard gecko with nutritious food might also be a reason for it turning pale or white. 

Discoloration also occurs if your leopard gecko is not getting enough vitamins and minerals. So feed your pet with live proteins such as grasshoppers and mealworms. Doing so will provide your leopard gecko with both moisture and fats.

Reason #3 – Dehydration

Not getting enough water is one of the prime reasons for turning pale while not shedding.  You should know that leopard geckos get most of their water from their food. But in hot temperatures, they might need access to more water.

Keeping a small bowl of water serves as a great addition to your leopard gecko’s enclosure. Also, try to balance the temperature and spray the tank with water to promote shedding.

Reason #4 – Stress

Your leopard gecko’s skin might also turn pale if it is under a lot of stress. Stress could be of any kind due to loss of appetite or illness. Check if anything has been bugging them recently and remove it as soon as possible. 

They might also get agitated about the food they are getting or the environment they are living in. You should check if there is enough space in the enclosure and if everyone is getting enough food (incase you have more than one leopard geckos).

Reason #5 – Illness 

If your leopard gecko is in the perfect environment and still looking pale without shedding, then it might be due to some illness. Leopard geckos turn pale if they are ill or too stressed. A loss in appetite due to illness might also be the cause for them to look white.

If your leopard gecko develops a mouth rot or sometimes a tail rot, it might also bring a change in its appearance. Check for any possible infections and take them to a vet as soon as possible.

Reason #6 – Brumation

Leopard geckos go through brumation in the coldest month. Brumation also changes the color of your leopard gecko. It is crucial to lower the temperature during the winter so they can feel they are in their natural habitat.

While going through brumation, leopard geckos are barely active and eat less. It is a very natural process and nothing to be worried about. You should lower the temperature and give it less food to clear its digestive tracks.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

Leopard geckos begin to appear pale or white when they are shedding their skin once every month. It is a natural phenomenon and is nothing to be worried about. If a leopard gecko is not shedding and is still turning pale, it might have to do with the wrong food, temperature, or some possible illness. Keep a keen eye out if they are under stress and resolve it as soon as possible. Say cautious about any illnesses and treat them immediately by consulting a vet.