What Does It Mean When A Bearded Dragon Licks You?

Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Miranda

What Does It Mean When A Bearded Dragon Licks You? Bearded dragons are known for being friendly and interactive pets. They will often lick their owners as a gesture of affection. But what does it mean when your bearded dragon starts licking you?

1. To show dominance/ Submission

Bearded dragons will often lick their owners as a way of communicating dominance or submission. If your bearded dragon is licking you more than usual, it may be trying to assert its dominance over you. On the other hand, if your bearded dragon seems to be licking you less than usual, it may be trying to show submission to you.

For example, if you have two bearded dragons and one starts licking the other more frequently, it is likely trying to show dominance. However, if the same bearded dragon then starts licking you more frequently, it may be trying to submit to you as the alpha lizard.

Bearded Dragon Communication Methods

Bearded dragons communicate in various ways, and licking is just one method. They often use head bobbing and arm waving to express themselves. A quick head bob might indicate aggression or dominance, while slow head bobs paired with a flattened posture can show submission. Arm waving, usually by females or juvenile dragons, serves as a sign of submission or non-aggression. Recognizing these behaviors alongside licking can help you better understand your pet’s mood and needs.

2. Asking for food

Some bearded dragons may also lick their owners as a way of asking for food. If your bearded dragon starts licking you more frequently when it’s been a while since it’s eaten, it may be trying to tell you that it’s hungry.

3. Sign of stress

While bearded dragons may lick their owners as a sign of affection, they may also do so as a sign of stress. If your bearded dragon starts licking you more frequently than usual, it may be trying to tell you that it’s stressed out. This could be due to a change in its environment (e.g. a new pet in the house), a lack of food, or being in pain.

If your bearded dragon is licking you more frequently than usual, it’s important to try and figure out why it’s doing so. Is your bearded dragon trying to communicate dominance, submission, hunger, or stress? Once you know the reason, you can work to address the issue and help your bearded dragon feel more comfortable.

Importance of Monitoring Licking Behavior

It’s important to keep an eye on changes in your bearded dragon’s licking behavior. Frequent licking might signal health issues or environmental stressors. Regular observation can offer insight into their well-being. If you notice persistent or unusual licking, consulting with a veterinarian can ensure your bearded dragon stays healthy. Understanding their licking patterns can also alert you to potential dietary needs or adjustments in their habitat.

The Role of Scent in Bearded Dragon Behavior

Scent plays a significant role in a bearded dragon’s interaction with its environment. They use their tongues to pick up chemical cues, helping them identify food, recognize territories, and even detect the presence of other animals. This sensory behavior enables them to gather crucial information and remain aware of changes in their surroundings. Licking enhances their ability to explore and understand their habitat, making it an integral part of their daily activities.

4. Sense the Owner

Bearded dragons will often lick their owners as a way of taking in more information about them. The licking may also have a calming effect and help to soothe your bearded dragon. Some people believe that the tongue helps to absorb impurities from the skin, which is another possible reason why your bearded dragon licks you.

It’s important to note that not all bearded dragons will lick their owners. Some may never do it, while others may only do it occasionally. If your bearded dragon doesn’t lick you, don’t worry, there’s no need to force it. Just enjoy the time you spend together and be grateful that you have such a friendly and affectionate pet.

Bearded Dragon Sensory Capabilities

Bearded dragons possess sharp vision and a keen sense of smell, aiding them in navigation and interaction. Their forked tongues allow them to taste the air, offering valuable clues about their environment. This ability to perceive chemical signals complements their visual prowess, making them adept predators and curious explorers. Understanding these sensory capabilities sheds light on why they might engage in behaviors like licking, which feeds their curiosity and provides essential environmental feedback.

5. Mark Territory

Some bearded dragons may also lick their owners as a way of marking their territory. If your bearded dragon starts licking you more frequently in certain areas of your home, it may be trying to tell you that those are its territories.

6. Breeding Season

Some bearded dragons may also lick their owners as a way of indicating that they are in the breeding season. If your bearded dragon starts licking you more frequently than usual, it may be trying to tell you that it’s ready to mate.

7. Overheating

If your bearded dragon is licking you more frequently than usual and it’s hot outside, it may be trying to tell you that it’s overheated. Bearded dragons can’t tolerate high temperatures very well, so if it’s too hot for you, it’s definitely too hot for them. If you think your bearded dragon is overheated, take it to a cooler area and give it some cold water to drink.

8. Showing Agitation

If your bearded dragon starts licking you more frequently when it’s agitated, it may be trying to tell you that it’s angry or scared. If this is the case, it’s best to try to calm your bearded dragon down by speaking softly to it and petting it gently.

Why Do They Lick The Surface?

He will lick the surface to capture olfactory sensations. This is their way of taking in more information about their environment.

The licking may also have a calming effect and help to soothe your bearded dragon. Some people believe that the tongue helps to absorb impurities from the skin, which is another possible reason why your bearded dragon licks you.

Why Do Bearded Dragons Have A Sticky Split Tongue?

Bearded dragons use their sticky split tongue to help them capture olfactory sensations. This is their way of taking in more information about their environment. The licking may also have a calming effect and help to soothe your bearded dragon. Some people believe that the tongue helps to absorb impurities from the skin, which is another possible reason why your bearded dragon licks you.