Are Bearded Dragons Poisonous?


pale being dragon lies on a wooden surface but Are Bearded Dragons Poisonous

Raising poisonous pets can lead to devastating results especially in households with kids. This explains why knowing whether bearded dragons are venomous could be a gamechanger for many folks interested in caring for these intriguing pets.

This article answers the question “Are Bearded Dragons Poisonous?” by discussing if the reptiles pose any health hazards at home. We also delve into ways to stay out of trouble when raising bearded dragons in captivity.

Are Bearded Dragons Poisonous?

Bearded dragons secrete venom after biting humans or other animals but fortunately, their poison is non-toxic to humans. Nevertheless, vets recommend washing the bite area with soap or antiseptic immediately to minimize the risk of infections. Also, avoid upsetting beardies to force defensive actions like biting and scratching.

What Happens If A Bearded Dragon Bites You?

Bearded dragons secrete venom into the area of the bite resulting in signs like bleeding and swelling. Previously thought to be non-poisonous, the theory has been debunked in recent times by scientists after extensive studies.

However, the poison quantities secreted are not enough to harm humans, unlike smaller prey that may suffer paralysis and other severe physical hazards. Nevertheless, bearded dragon bites should be cleaned with soap as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, beardie bites can be extremely painful especially when attempts are made to pull the affected hands away immediately after it occurs. Gently prying open the reptile’s jaws to remove the hands could minimize the discomfort associated with the bite.

Do not hesitate to apply an antiseptic such as rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to the injury to reduce the inflammation and lower the risks of suffering further complications. This should ensure complete healing within 24-48 hours.

What Causes Bearded Dragons To Bite?

Bearded dragons are docile reptiles that love to play and bond with humans. They only show signs of aggression like biting when provoked. Here are a few ways beardies may be aroused to bite their owner’s hands.

Accidental Bites

Handfeeding bearded dragons is a tried and tested method to speed up the bonding process but it could lead to accidental bites. Beardies may mistake the feeding finger for food and proceed to sink their teeth into it.

The harm is already done by the time the domesticated reptile becomes aware that the owner’s hand is not edible. Sometimes, beardies can even bite the owner’s unwashed hands after feeding. Smelling the food on the fingers often triggers accidental bites in bearded dragons that are still hungry.

Waking From Deep Sleep

sleeping bearded dragon

Disturbing an animal’s sleep is not only uncool but could stimulate defensive actions that may result in the fingers getting bitten. Bearded dragons require some time to wake up fully from their sleep and can be keen to defend themselves against abrupt physical contact.

Beardies should always be allowed a good night’s sleep under the right temperature and lighting conditions for optimal growth. Never wake them up unless there’s some sort of emergency like a scheduled veterinarian appointment early in the morning or a scheduled tank cleaning period.

Nervous Handling

Bearded dragons require correct handling by humans and failure to do so may lead to biting incidents. They can feel suffocated when handled too tightly resulting in bites as a means of escaping the handler’s grip.

Awkward handling by kids and novice reptile handlers could also spook beardies into biting the fingers to gain freedom.

Threatening Situations

Bearded dragons automatically go into defensive mode when their lives are threatened and biting becomes inevitable. They should always be placed in relaxing environments to increase confidence in their safety.

What Are The Signs of Aggression In Bearded Dragons?

beardie basks in the sun but What Are The Signs of Aggression In Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are best left alone when signs of aggression become apparent to minimize the risk of getting bitten or scratched. Knowing these signs helps owners know how to act correctly at all times to prevent painful bites.

Darker skin coats, loud hissing sounds, and throat fluffing are the most common signs of aggression in pet bearded dragons. Leaving them alone is the best way forward in such situations because playtime could be scheduled later.

Putting bearded dragons back into their enclosures immediately after signs of aggression are displayed during handling can be smart. If you must hold them for some reason during such periods, thick hand gloves with impenetrable material are the way to go.

Are Bearded Dragons Safe To Touch?

Bearded dragons are safe to touch but only when they are relaxed and fully awake in the daytime. Apart from the risk of bites, these reptiles also have rough skins that may lead to scratching when handled. Besides, beardies with long nails can also inadvertently scratch their owners during physical handling.

Placing slate tiles in their enclosures or manually trimming their nails are tried and tested methods to minimize the risk of suffering scratches from the bearded dragon’s long nails. Preventative measures are especially critical for owners with a history of allergic reactions to beardie bites and scratches.

Which Other Ways Can Bearded Dragons Be Dangerous To Humans?

Apart from the swelling and pain associated with bites, bearded dragons could also carry the salmonella bacteria which may be transmitted into the owner’s body after physical contact.

Failure to wash the hands properly in addition to any body part that may have come into physical contact with the reptile can lead to serious health consequences, especially among those with compromised immune systems such as kids and pregnant women.

Unfortunately, even mere physical contact with these adorable pets could have serious consequences for owners and handlers.

Do Bearded Dragons Have Sharp Teeth?

Bearded dragons have up to 80 teeth in the upper and lower jaws that may cause severe pain via physical contact. Wild breeds sink their sharp teeth into the bodies of prey to kill for consumption when hungry.

These teeth can also be sunk into the fingers of humans accidentally or intentionally depending on the domesticated reptile’s mood. The resultant pain and swelling could be enormous which explains why bites should be prevented as much as possible.

Are Bearded Dragons Safe For Kids?

kid with two bearded dragons in his palms as parents inquire Are Bearded Dragons Safe For Kids

Bearded dragons are a great pet choice for kids due to their friendly demeanor and fondness for playing with humans when properly socialized. However, kids should be taught the correct way of handling beardies to minimize the possibility of accidental bites.

Bearded dragons should never be held too tight or awkwardly because it may trigger defensive bites to free themselves. Kids should always be supervised to wash their hands thoroughly with soap to minimize the risk of salmonella and other bacterial transmissions.

Are Bearded Dragons Docile?

Bearded dragons are famous for their docile and pleasant temperaments among pets. They are friendly and bond easily with humans after socialization. These lizards seldom display signs of aggression towards owners in captivity.

Additionally, they are almost always in the mood to play as long as their tank setup is correct and access to healthy nutrition is guaranteed. Avoid provoking actions like waking them up from deep sleep to enjoy a pleasant relationship.

Are Bearded Dragons Poisonous To Dogs?

Bearded dragon venom is not poisonous to dogs unlike other small-sized prey in the wild. Nevertheless, dogs should be protected from these bites because side effects like bleeding, swelling, and pain may be inevitable.

Bearded dragons can also carry disease-causing bacteria like salmonella that could be transmitted to dogs and other household pets. Besides, it is not impossible for dogs to bite these lizards if they feel threatened by their presence in any way.

Are Bearded Dragons Poisonous To Cats?

Bearded dragons could be poisonous to cats during bites since the latter has a smaller-sized body that may suffer reactions from the mild beardie venom. Besides, cats could also attack or even antagonize beardies leading to more stress.

Conclusion: Are Bearded Dragons Poisonous?

Bearded dragons are not poisonous to humans although their bites can be painful and lead to an increased risk of swelling and other side effects. Avoid physical contact with beardies showing signs of aggression like black-colored skin coats or loud hissing sounds.

Proper hand washing is critical after handling bearded dragons because their bodies may be a source of salmonella and other harmful bacteria. Besides, kids should be supervised to wash their hands after playing with bearded dragons.

Bearded dragons could also be a source of pain and discomfort to other household pets like dogs and cats. Keeping these pets away from the reptile can lead to harmony for everyone.

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