Bearded dragons can make excellent pets. They are friendly and intelligent animals. However, you might have concerns about having a reptile in your home. Are they safe around small children? Could they be dangerous? Do bearded dragons bite? It’s essential to address these questions before bringing one into your home.
Do Bearded Dragons Bite?
Yes, bearded dragons can bite. This is normal, as all animals bite at times. They are wild creatures and react based on instinct. Since they can’t speak, biting or nipping is their way of communicating with you. Bearded dragons also use body language to interact with other animals. As their owners, we can observe and learn what these gestures mean, helping us understand what our lizard is trying to tell us.
5 Reasons Why Bearded Dragons Bite
They Feel Unsafe
Bearded dragons may feel threatened, uncomfortable, or unsafe due to various factors in their habitat. If they feel disrespected or forced into something, they may react defensively. This can lead to biting or attacking as a means of self-protection.
They Feel Scared
Bearded dragons can feel scared if not appropriately handled. Mishandling is a common cause of this fear. If you pick them up too roughly or fail to support their weight, they may feel like they’re about to fall. This can lead to them biting you in an attempt to escape. To avoid this, always handle them gently and securely.
They Feel Stressed
Bearded dragons are sensitive creatures that can react to even small changes in their surroundings. They may feel stressed if something in their environment suddenly changes, especially if they are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with it. This stress can lead to anxiety and increase the likelihood of biting. Additionally, stress could be a sign that your bearded dragon is unwell. It’s essential to closely monitor their behavior to ensure they are healthy and comfortable.
They are Hungry
Food is a crucial and exciting part of the day for your lizard. If you’re hand-feeding, there’s a chance of getting bitten. Lizards might mistake your fingers for food. Another reason they may bite is if you’ve touched food, and the scent lingers on your hands. The lizard may bite your fingers, trying to taste the food.
They are Territorial
If you have other pets, your bearded dragon may become territorial. This can lead to biting and aggressive behavior as they try to claim their space.
Do Bearded Dragon Bite Hurt?
A bearded dragon’s bite can hurt, but the pain varies depending on its age and the bite’s force. When a bearded dragon hisses and puffs up, it’s preparing to bite. Avoid approaching it at this time.
A baby lizard’s bite is too weak to break the skin, causing only minor scraping. Juvenile and adult bites are more potent and may draw blood, though they are typically harmless.
Bearded dragons have small, sharp teeth that feel like serrated knives. Most bites are not very painful, but a deep bite may need medical attention in rare cases.
What to Do If You Get Bitten?
Don’t Panic
If your bearded dragon bites you, stay calm and avoid panicking. It may be difficult, but remaining composed will help prevent further injury.
Don’t Pull Your Hand Back
If your bearded dragon bites you, stay calm. Avoid pulling, yanking, or shaking your hand. Sudden movements can scare your pet and make its grip tighter. This can result in deeper cuts and serious injury.
Pull Their Jaws Apart
If a bearded dragon bites you, pick them up and place them on a flat surface like a table. With your free hand, gently try to separate their jaws and open their mouth. Apply slight pressure slowly, and you may feel their grip loosen over time. Continue until they release their hold. Be cautious not to force the jaw open suddenly, as it could cause injury to the dragon.
Treat the Wound
After removing your hand or finger from their mouth, inspect the injury. If there is no broken skin or visible blood, you’re fine and don’t need to take further action.
However, if the skin is broken and bleeding, you must treat it. Start by washing your hands with soap, then apply an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment to the wound to prevent infection. Finally, cover the area with a band-aid.
If you experience severe pain or notice lumps that may suggest broken bones, it’s best to seek medical attention immediately.
How to Avoid Getting Bitten?
Here is how you can avoid being bitten by your bearded dragon:
- Feed them consistently so they can anticipate mealtime.
- Â Handle them gently and with patience.
- Â When carrying them, ensure proper support.
- Â Avoid pinching or poking them.
- Â Forcing them into action will cause fear and discomfort, making them feel trapped.
- Â Do not startle or surprise them. Steer clear of sudden movements.
- Â If they’re squirming, don’t hold them.
- Â Cease hand-feeding them.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons can bite, but their bites are usually not severe and cause minimal injury. Baby and juvenile bearded dragons lack the strength to bite hard enough to hurt you. Adult bearded dragons, however, may have a stronger bite.
They may bite if they feel scared, unsafe, uncomfortable, hungry, or territorial. To prevent bites, observe and listen to your bearded dragon. They are sensitive reptiles, and sudden changes can be complex to adjust.
If bitten, remain calm. Gently pry the dragon’s jaws open to release your hand. Clean the wound, apply ointment, and cover it with a band-aid to promote healing.
Caring for a bearded dragon takes time, and you won’t immediately become an expert. Learning to read your reptile’s cues and behavior will take practice. Be patient, and with time, you’ll become better at understanding your pet.
FAQs
Does a bearded dragon bite hurt?
A bearded dragon bite can cause some pain. It’s usually mild but noticeable. The discomfort varies based on the size and severity of the bite.
Are bearded dragons’ bites poisonous?
Yes, bearded dragons are technically poisonous. However, this is generally harmless to humans.
Do baby bearded dragons bite hurt?
A baby bearded dragon’s bite is not painful. Their teeth are small and not strong enough to cause harm.
What does a bearded dragon bite feel like?
It feels like a long, serrated knife because bearded dragons have small, sharp teeth.
Are bearded dragon’s teeth sharp?
Yes, bearded dragons have sharp teeth.