Its always smart to clean the spot of the bite to prevent any bacteria or infection from setting in (although the risk of that is very low). But as someone whos been scratched up by a cat, I can tell you there is NO comparison. Like most animals, there is a correct and incorrect way to hold a bearded dragon. They've Gotten A Bit Too Excited 3. A bearded dragon that is afraid of you or appears to be overly relaxed when approaching may become uncomfortable with you. Minor discomfort, such as a sore finger or a cut, is possible with bearded dragon bites, but severe damage is unlikely. These are all things you can influence as an owner and should be pretty easy to recognize. Therefore, it is safe to say that bearded dragons are not vicious at all and make very good pets. Bearded dragons get their name from the scaled and spiked . My name is Caroline McKinney, an experienced animals expert and researcher. Nonetheless, they exhibit a sense of affection and will prefer spending time with their owners. The Surprising Answer, Do Bearded Dragons Eat Their Shed? Or perhaps youre simply poking and prodding at them (really bad) causing them to become annoyed. Try to feed them from your palm. Vision Church. Snakes, turtles, and large lizards like iguanas are often (and sometimes unfortunately) associated with painful bites. Some bearded dragons can bite down with some real force, and it can be slightly painful. Generally, a bearded dragon bite will heal on its own without medical attention. Thats why your goal should always be to keep them in a relaxed, calm, and stable environment. Honestly, weve never done this but understand that some people like to play things safe. By ensuring your bearded dragon has a normal feeding schedule and is eating enough, you really shouldnt have to worry about this. It is critical, however, to avoid allowing these two animals to go out without supervision, whether they are best friends or not. If your bearded dragon is calm and docile on the inside but aggressive outside, it could be considered normal. If your bearded dragons are feeling threatened or unsafe, they may react by biting. Hunger is probably the most common and least serious reason for a bearded dragon bite. Adults have much larger teeth and have a greater bite force. Expert Tip: If you do have to make a big change in their environment, its not the end of the world. Bearded Dragons are capable of biting as they do have teeth. a bearded dragon has a bite force of 94 psi. Exploring The Pros And Cons Of This Alternative Diet, The Reptilian Connection: A Look at Slot Machines Featuring Reptiles and Amphibians, Are Bearded Dragons Eyes Sharp? A bearded dragon is not typically aggressive toward humans, but it does bite on occasion. When a bearded dragon feels like they need to defend themselves, they bite more frequently. Also, please try to bear no ill will towards your bearded dragon if they did in fact bite you. Keeping multiple bearded dragons in separate terrariums is the best way to reduce the likelihood of aggression between them. For instance, maybe youre refusing to put them down and are instead forcing them (bad) to have a cuddle. They might also turn their beard black or puff themselves up. In addition to its docile nature and distinctive coloration, bearded dragons are one of the most popular reptiles to keep as pets due to their docile nature and unique markings. Adult bearded dragons, on the other hand, can break your skin, but it wont be painful. A lack of movement in general. Its important to let your bearded dragon adjust to new people slowly. Beardie name (s) hazel my female year old beardie. They're larger, and rather than resting on top of the jaw bone, they're actually semi-socketed into the inside edge of the bone. Now, there are truly several reasons why a bearded dragon might bite you. A lot of new owners dont realize that bearded dragons can get their own version of the zoomies that you see in other pets. Bite force is measured in pounds per square inch, psi. Because of their friendly nature, a bearded dragon bite can usually be caused by something. There are a number of situations that can make bearded dragons feel unsafe or threatened. However, this is definitely not a common behavior and they wont go out of their way when feeling threatened to bite you the way a dog or snake might. In other words, though it is impressive for its size, it will not cause you much pain-if any. Just like people, the mood of your bearded dragon will vary. It is critical to understand how a bearded dragon eats and what is required for its health before owning one. Similarly, if another animal or bearded dragon extends its territory beyond your beardies territory, it can cause it to become irritated. A bearded dragon bite is something that many new and prospective owners wonder about. The bites are caused by a small mite called the beard mite that lives within the facial hair of those who have beards. Youre far more likely to get intentionally scratched by a cat (because theyre demons) than bitten by a bearded dragon. Do bearded dragons bite? Like other species of Bearded Dragon, this lizard relies on more bluff than bite; trying to appear larger and spikier than it really is to any potential predator. Subscription was sent successfully, check your email, Why Is My Bearded Dragon Running Around Like Crazy, Is 40 Gallons Enough For A Bearded Dragon. Once a week, change out the sand completely. It seems that a lot of people think these creatures might be poisonous or something! Simply let them acclimate to their new home before you try and resume handling. A bearded dragon is a lizard with a flat body that can range in size from small to medium in size. Youre Doing Something They Dont Like, How To Avoid Getting Bitten Again In The Future. The Benefits Of Dandelion Greens For Bearded Dragons: A Comprehensive Guide, Can Wet Cat Food Be A Healthy Option For Bearded Dragons? Their jaws are strong enough to clench and crush hard-shelled insects such as beetles. If your bearded dragon is being aggressive, there are some signs to look out for. Even though bearded dragons are not fond of eating vegetables, they will eat anything. Bio Bubble Pets. To avoid bearded bites, it is important to keep your beard clean and groomed regularly. The cool thing about bearded dragons is they will show you when you do something they don't like. Although a bearded dragons bite is not particularly dangerous to humans, it can cause significant damage to small animals, such as mice and lizards. Bearded dragons are docile creatures; if you find that he is becoming irritated for no apparent reason, you should take him to the vet It would be the worst thing to get bitten if you had a swollen beard. Hello! If a bearded dragon is hungry, he or she will not fight with other dragons. Their enclosure, the environment, and you are all things they dont trust yet. Bearded dragons bite but they don't really bite for no reason at all. Bearded dragons are generally thought to be harmless and non-venomous, but they can still deliver a painful bite if they feel threatened. For bearded dragons, there could be no apparent cause for aggression, and they may also exhibit brumation symptoms. Although the bite itself is not poisonous, it can still cause a lot of pain. The best way to avoid this is by sticking with consistent handwashing habits before you handle them. Hunter Briggs is an experienced reptile breeder who has been keeping and raising various species over the past seven years. You will learn what to look out for in your bearded dragon and what to do if it becomes aggressive. During the mating process, male bearded dragons will head-bob with such force one or both of their front legs will lift and down giving the appearance of stamping their feet. Hold them firm enough that they cant jump and get away, but not so firm that they feel uncomfortable. Make certain that they are not biting to make you feel bad. This is especially true if you follow the precautions outlined below. If your beardie is looking forward to food and it's way past its feeding time, then it may be so eager to eat, that it will mistake your finger for food and accidentally bite your finger. You should avoid moving your hand or arm too much if youre bitten by a bearded dragon, or you may be more likely to hurt the dragon. Bearded dragons are generally docile creatures and rarely bite. the bite you would feel can be related to a nipping sensation rather than an actual bite you would feel from other animals such as a dog. Bearded dragons can make excellent, entertaining, easy-to-care for pets if given appropriate care and veterinary treatment. Dont jump into handling your beardie a bunch after youve just gotten them. Is The Bite Dangerous? Symptoms of a bearded bite include redness, itchiness and swelling at the site of the bite. Even though these lizards have tiny sharp teeth, it really just feels like a brief pinch or sting. Your veterinarian may advise you if your bearded dragon becomes aggressive or perceives you as an enemy. This article will explore the potential severity of an aggressive bearded dragon bite and provide insight into how to avoid them. You should not be concerned about getting poisoned by these bites. Bearded dragons are a popular pet choice for a variety of reasons, from their attractive appearance to their gentle nature. [Answered]. Did you know that you could have won a $100,000 cash prize if you correctly answered the questions? You may be surprised at how strongly it can bite down. Those needle-sharp little teeth and surprisingly powerful jaws can draw blood. In severe cases, a bite from a bearded dragon can lead to infections like salmonella. Bearded dragons like to eat. They can feel threatened, be hungry, or not be well socialized. As lizards grow older, their teeth begin to fade. Your main concern should be to clean the spot of the bite to get rid of any bacteria. Other signs of aggression include curling their body, arm waving, and blowing bubbles. This is something that you and your beardie will get better at over time if you continue feeding them by hand (this is something thats more common for snacks and treats than full meals. I learned my lesson and now take more precautions when handling him to make sure that neither of us is put in a situation like that again. Bearded bites can be quite painful and cause a burning, itching sensation. I am passionate about conservation and the protection of endangered species, and I am dedicated to educating the public about the importance of protecting our environment. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. You must be patient with your beardie if you want to tame it. A bearded dragon bite can cause a painful bite and leave you with a infected mouth area. As such, be sure to read on to discover everything you need to know about a bearded dragon bite. There are only a few venomous lizards in the world. So if for some reason you find it happening frequently, simply try changing up your feeding strategy a little bit. As a hatchling (less than 2 months old), they will eat 2-3 times a day. Reptile.Guide is not a veterinary website, nor should any of the reptile health information on our site replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. Understanding the cause of a bearded dragon bite is actually a very important skill that all owners should develop. Adults should consume 30-50 crickets or roaches per week, or 15-20 fattier worms per week. Well briefly cover that in the following section, but theres really not much to do! A bearded dragon is not aggressive and is a great pet for the novice owner. A fragment of bone was exposed and displaced in this case, as the fracture was severe. Youll learn if they bite (spoiler alert: they do), why they bite, and if a nip from these lizards is anything to worry about. 13) tail twitching bearded dragon bite guide - find out why they bite & what to do about it. Beardies have a low jaw force, so if your pet bites you, you're unlikely to get a mark. We want to make certain that children of all ages can participate in activities that are appropriate and suitable for them. Children and people with compromised immune systems are more at risk and should be monitored closely for signs of dehydration. This is more likely to occur if you handfeed, or directly interact with them during their feeding time. This is just one of the MANY reasons why it is so important to only adopt a bearded dragon from a reputable breeder. Don't pull the jaws open in one rough motion; this may injure the bearded dragon. Simply open their mouths if they bite you or do not let go, and you will be able to free your finger. They have the highest Bite Force Quotient (BFQ) of any living animal. This usually happens around feeding time, but it can occur in other instances as well. Its another signal or piece of information you can use to provide them with better care. A bearded dragon bite injury is not serious and can be treated at home. No, bearded dragons cannot be vicious. Humans are unlikely to become ill from the majority of diseases that a bearded dragon may carry. You can keep your lizard happy (and prevent yourself from getting bitten) by recognizing these signs. A bearded dragons aggressive behavior is likely to protect it if it is threatened in any way. If bitten, the area should be washed with warm water and mild soap. We wanted to include this reason first because it's the least exciting and most obvious cause on the list. You will frequently be able to handle them, but they will sometimes refuse to do so. And if so, how serious of an injury or pain can it cause? It is best to remain calm and avoid doing anything that could cause further harm if you get attacked by a bearded dragon. In severe cases, a bite from a bearded dragon can lead to infections like salmonella. Move your hand towards your bearded dragon from the front or side. Their bite force PSI is somewhere around 700. I was immediately concerned about whether or not he had rabies or other illnesses that could be transmitted through biting. The next reason why your bearded dragon might bite is that you're doing something they don't like. It will also discuss the importance of providing a safe and secure environment for your bearded dragon and what to do in the event of a bite. Its instances like this where they may be more likely to bite. 1. The nature of the bite matters as well. You meant the beads, not the bearded lizard. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, so parents are advised at all times to keep an eye on their children. A bearded dragon's bite may or may not hurt depending on the age, size, and amount of force exerted on the bite. So, Do Bearded Dragons Bite? It is possible to actually draw a little blood from a bite. 5 Reasons Why Bearded Dragons Bite 1. Some of their venoms, such as that of the Mexican bearded dragon, have been used as medical treatments. In some cases, you will simply come into contact with a bearded dragon and be bitten. You wont know it all on day 1, and thats ok. Just do your best to improve each day! A beardie may simply be hungry and a little too excited for food. When they are panicking, they become more likely to be threatened. Because they are not yet ready for pickup, this indicates that they are not ready. Corn Snake Bites: Do They Hurt & What Should You Do? Here are some of the most common reasons why a bearded dragon might bite: #1: The Young Bearded Dragon Bite: While your bearded dragon is young and growing and figuring out the world around them, you may find them a little skittish or worrisome with new things. Theres a difference in pain between a small nip by accident and an intentional bite when theyre upset. Youll also want to make sure youre not squeezing them or pinching them too tightly as they can be quite fragile. yes, bearded dragons can bite whenever they feel threatened or are in a bad mood. if the teeth didn't break your skin, washing your hands with soap is enough. It is critical to keep them on a feeding schedule in order to avoid this. This isnt a malicious act and pretty much requires you to be handling them or feeding them in a way that brings up their excitement levels. Now, just because bites dont tend to hurt much or happen too frequently, that doesnt mean the bearded dragons will never bite. Its just the way it goes. It is very possible that your beardie is sick and needs to be taken to the veterinarian if you find that he is becoming irritated for no apparent reason. When you know why the bite happened its relatively easy to prevent it from happening in the future. It is possible to identify the causes of dragon bites not only to avoid future bites, but also to help develop sensitivity to their requirements. Regular handling and providing enrichment activities can help to keep your bearded dragon calm and reduce aggression. Unlike other pets, bearded dragons are an animal that many people dont have prior experience with. Sometimes theyll be fine with you handling them, and other times they wont. Youre not in any immediate danger. It is critical to care for your bearded dragon and to provide it with a safe and comfortable environment in order to prevent him from acting aggressively. 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