Green Iguana Sneezes In His Sleep!

Pip, our green iguana, sneezes in his sleep while being held and cuddles.

Green iguanas sneeze as a natural way to expel excess salts from their bodies. They have specialized glands, called nasal salt glands, which allow them to excrete the excess sodium and potassium they accumulate from their plant-based diets. These salts are removed through the nasal passages during sneezing.

Key Points:
Diet and Salt Intake: Iguanas consume a lot of plants, many of which contain high levels of minerals, including salts.
Salt Regulation: Unlike mammals that excrete excess salts primarily through urine, iguanas use their nasal glands to maintain electrolyte balance.
Healthy Behavior: Sneezing in iguanas is normal and healthy. You may notice a fine white or crystalline residue around their nostrils, which is the expelled salt.