Last Updated on February 5, 2025 by Lillian Dodd
What to do if a bearded dragon bites you? It’s always good to be prepared in case something terrible happens. But you can never be too prepared for the worst, and that includes being prepared to treat your bearded dragon’s bite.
Just in case he decides to bite you or any other family member.
You can greatly reduce the chance of an emergency by keeping them calm and happy, but what about when bearded dragons bite without warning or instruction from their owner are we ready for this?! If not then here are some tips on how:
What To Do If A Bearded Dragon Bites You?
If you are unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of a bearded dragon bite, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage and hopefully avoid any serious infection.
To reduce the likelihood of a bearded dragon bite, it’s important to recognize the signs of stress and discomfort in your pet. Bearded dragons typically exhibit stress by puffing up, turning black under their chins, or thrashing their tails. Ensuring they have a consistent routine and environment can help minimize these stress responses. Avoid handling them during feeding times or when they are visibly agitated. Regularly feeding and interacting with your dragon can also help establish a bond of trust, reducing the chance of defensive biting.
Try To Remain Calm
Everyone’s pain tolerance is different but If you get bitten, It will only make the situation worse if you panic. If you are calm in a tough situation, then your little friend will be too.
If most bearded dragons feel threatened, they start acting out of turn, it could result in them getting hurt or even worse: dead! beardie bites are not often at all; only when something provoking such as an attack from another animal (or human).
Refrain From Pulling Back
You should remain calm and avoid yanking on the hand or finger that has been bitten. This could cause the adult or juvenile bearded dragon to bite down harder, which may result in part of your fingers being pulled away.
When lifting a bearded dragon, always use both hands to support their weight fully. Start by placing one hand underneath the chest and using the other hand to support the hind legs and tail. Bearded dragons feel more secure when they can spread their weight across your palm and fingers. Sudden movements and loud noises can startle them, potentially leading to defensive behavior. Always move slowly and speak softly to reassure them during handling.
Body’s Support
Many bearded dragon owners recommend supporting your reptile’s full body or gently placing it on a table to allow it to rest.
Note: Bearded Dragon Bites Hurt
When holding beards dragons horizontally, their grip will naturally tighten if they feel unsupportive; however, when supported from all angles with hands placed carefully around its midsection (or underbelly), this animal was able to loosen up enough for me to take further action.
One of the most common mistakes bearded dragon owners make is overhandling or handling at inappropriate times. Bearded dragons may become more aggressive during shedding, breeding season, or after a large meal. Another mistake is failing to support their full body, which can cause stress and lead to biting. Additionally, handling when your bearded dragon is not in the mood can lead to an unpleasant experience for both you and your pet. Always pay attention to their body language to determine the best time for interaction.
Separate The Jaws
When you are handling a bearded dragon, it’s best to use both hands and gently pry open its jaws. The little guys can bite quite hard if they want.
Note: Grasping the bearded dragon’s jaws, apply steady pressure over time until they have released. Don’t pull them open with one rough motion; this could hurt your pet.
Evaluate The Extent Of The Injury
If it is just a small puncture wound, you can probably clean it and bandage it at home. The extent of the injury from a bearded dragon bite can vary. The severity will depend on what part was bitten and how big it is in comparison with other injuries or organs that are not affected by this type/size dimensions.
A minor wound might only require cleaning to prevent infection while larger wounds and Improper handling often result in infections so treatment should always include antibiotics along with appropriate bandages for protection until healing has occurred naturally without any complications arising due to lack of carelessness during the initial stages after accidentally bite or puncturing one’s skin with sharp teeth when feeding themself too much food at once (which happen).
However, if the injury is more severe, you may need to seek professional medical help.
Clean The Wound As Soon As Possible
Bearded dragon saliva can contain Salmonella bacteria that can cause infection, so it is important to get the wound clean as quickly as possible and get a tetanus shot.
Bearded dragons have mild venom and they frequently carry salmonella on their skin or in their teeth, which can infect their handlers if they break the skin or draw blood with their sharp little teeth
Hand Washing your hands after handling your bearded dragon is always a good idea, and this is no exception. If the skin is broken as a result of the bite, treat it as you would any other wound or scratch. Use warm water to wash and clean the bite area first.
The use of alcohol, peroxide or Neosporin is all viable options. Once the wound is clean, you can apply a band-aid.
Keep An Eye On The Wound For Signs Of Infection
If it starts to have slight swelling, oozing pus, or bleeding excessively, you should seek t medical help of a certified veterinary professional immediately. infections can quickly become serious and even life-threatening, so it is important to catch them early.
If you do develop an infection, make sure to finish the entire course of antibiotics that your doctor prescribes. This will help to ensure that the infection does not come back and cause further damage.
Is It Dangerous To Get Bit By A Bearded Dragon?
The answer to this question is No, not at all.
Their venom has no effect on people, and you’re unlikely to break any bones unless you’re bitten on your finger or foot. However, if skin tears while cleaning up a fresh bite from one of these creatures it might become infected so make sure to clean out the area properly.
Infections caused by reptile bites should be taken seriously. Watch for increased redness, swelling, or warmth around the bitten area, as these can be early signs of infection. Pus, an unpleasant odor, or a fever are also indicators that you should seek medical attention. Accurate diagnosis and treatment, typically with prescribed antibiotics, can prevent further complications. Cleaning the wound thoroughly and monitoring changes in its appearance are essential steps in your aftercare routine.
What Diseases Can A Bearded Dragon Infect You With?
As reptiles, bearded dragons can carry several diseases that can be transmitted to humans. These include Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning, and Reptilian Strand Virus (RSV), which is a potentially deadly virus that affects the respiratory system.
Bearded dragons can also carry other parasites, such as mites and ticks, which can cause skin irritation and infections.
It is important to thoroughly wash your hands after handling a bearded dragon and to clean any surfaces that the reptile has come into contact with. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a medical professional.
Are The Teeth Of Bearded Dragons Sharp?
Bearded dragons’ teeth are not particularly sharp, but they can cause a fair amount of pain if they bite. If you are ever bitten by a bearded dragon, it is important to clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention if necessary.
In most cases, however, the bites are not serious and will heal on their own.
Safe Interaction Tips for Children
It’s important to teach children how to interact safely with bearded dragons to prevent bites. Begin by showing them proper handling techniques and explaining the importance of being gentle. Encourage children to sit down while holding the dragon, reducing the risk of dropping it. Kids should also learn to wash their hands after handling the reptile to prevent the spread of bacteria. Explaining the signs of stress or discomfort in your pet will help them recognize when it’s time to give the dragon some space.
Conclusion
If you have any questions or concerns about bearded dragon bites, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to give you the best advice on how to deal with the situation and make sure that your pet is healthy and happy.
