Why does my bearded dragon poop on me?

If you have a bearded dragon, chances are you’ve experienced this before. Your beardie is happily sitting on your lap when all of the sudden, he starts to poop. And not just a little bit …

bearded dragon poop on me

If you have a bearded dragon, chances are you’ve experienced this before. Your beardie is happily sitting on your lap when all of the sudden, he starts to poop. And not just a little bit – a lot! 

But why do they do it? Is it because they’re mad at us? Or is there another reason? While it may seem like an annoyance, there is a method to their madness. 

Let’s take a closer look at why your furry friend might be using you as a toilet.

Table of Contents

Do bearded dragons poop on you?

The answer to this question is unfortunately yes, bearded dragons can and will poop on you if they feel the need. This usually happens when they are stressed or scared, so it’s important to be aware of the signs that your dragon is feeling uneasy.

If you see your dragon start to scoot around or act restless, it might be time to move them to a different spot. Otherwise, you could be in for a messy surprise! Bearded dragons typically only poop once every few days, so if you see one go during an encounter it’s likely because they felt threatened or uncomfortable. 

Bearded dragon poop is not generally dangerous, but it can be messy and smelly. If you are unfortunate enough to be the recipient of a bearded dragon’s droppings, it is important to clean them up as quickly as possible.

Overall, just be aware of your dragon’s behaviour and try to stay out of their way when they’re having a moment!

Read also: Why Does My Bearded Dragon Open His Mouth?

Why does my bearded dragon poop on me?

Owners of bearded dragons often ask this very question. It’s only natural to be a little concerned when you go to pick up your pet and they relieve themselves on you.

Let’s look at some of the main reasons why a bearded dragon may poop on you from time to time, and what you can do about it.

1. Fear

One of the common reasons why bearded dragons may poop on you from time to time is actually due to fear. If for example, you have previously handled them roughly or in an ungentle manner then they may instinctively react with fear each time you come near them.

2. They don’t like you

It’s not pleasant to think about, but some bearded dragons just don’t like their owners and will do things to express this dislike. Pooping on you is one way that they may show their displeasure at having to spend time with you.

3. Change of Environment

Bearded dragons seem to be very stressed out when they are introduced to new environments and situations which make them very agitated. This can cause them some stomach problems which result in pooping on their owners.

Another thing you should know about bearded dragons is that they hate being picked up from above and this can also cause them to poop out of stress because they are not used to being held like this and it makes them very uncomfortable.

4. Incorrect Temperatures

While many owners do not realize it, the temperature of your home can have an impact on the mental state of your bearded dragon. Bearded dragons (even babies) need warm temperatures to remain calm and happy. If the temperature in your home becomes too cold or too hot, then it could cause your pet to become very stressed out.

5. Change in Diet

If you have recently changed their diet, they may be reacting to this. It can be very common for a bearded dragon to not like the new food that they are being given and therefore, they try to avoid eating it. This can cause them to become constipated which may lead them to go to other areas such as on you because they don’t want to use their litter box. 

If you recently changed your bearded dragon’s diet, it would help to consider getting a faecal exam done by a vet so that you can determine whether or not it is due to a problem with their digestive system. If it is, then you should take them to see a vet as soon as possible so that they can treat their condition and make changes in their diet accordingly.

What should you do if you get pooped on by a bearded dragon?

Warm water and an antibacterial handwash are all that’s needed to get the poop off your hands and clothes. The bacteria Salmonella can be found in many reptiles, including bearded dragons, and can be harmful to your health.

If you’re wearing white, you shouldn’t bother to wash it right away because doing so will only cause more staining to appear on your clothes. Wait for it to dry out completely before scraping off as much poop as you can before washing it down the drain.

Use vinegar to rinse your hands if the poop has been on your hands for more than a few minutes, and then dry with a towel or tissue to remove any remaining residue. With vinegar, you can effectively break down any bacteria that has remained on your skin while also feeling refreshed.

If your bearded dragon does happen to poop on you, don’t worry – it’s not the end of the world! Just clean yourself up and give your dragon a little extra love and attention.

How to prevent your bearded dragon pooping on you?

Having your bearded dragon defecate on you regularly is not something you want to happen. Although there are various tactics you may use to prevent getting into this position, you must first become familiar with them to use them effectively.

1. Provide warmth 

Bearded dragons prefer warmer environments and appear to dislike sudden temperature changes; consequently, you must maintain a pleasant temperature for them so that the shifting temperature within does not cause them to poop on you.

To further dissuade them from defecating on you, you should also divert them with warm water, which is where they prefer to do it.

2. Give space 

Keep your lizard away from you when it doesn’t want to be held, and give it some space if you notice it becoming overly anxious. It’s crucial to realize that your pet may require the assistance of a veterinarian because of the trauma they must have endured during this incident.

Keep an eye out for the telltale indicators that a bearded dragon does not want your attention; otherwise, you risk getting bitten by one.

3. Balanced diet 

Allow them to eat whatever they desire. Assure that you provide them with effortlessly digestible things. However, avoid feeding them excessively or frequently, as this can result in digestive problems in your pet, such as vomiting and diarrhoea. 

4. Potty training

Just like you might teach your dog to use the bathroom outside, you can teach your bearded dragon to poop in one specific spot. The best place to potty train them is on something soft and easy to clean, like a towel or a fleece mat.

It might take a while for your new pet to get used to this location and start going potty there instead of everywhere else in its vivarium.

If you’re new to training your bearded dragon to use the potty, it can seem a little daunting.

But it’s well worth taking the time and patience required to teach this behaviour because you don’t want your beardie pooping on you when you hold it! 

How do you know when your bearded dragon is about to poop?

If your bearded dragon is acting sluggish or not eating, it may be time for a poop. Beardies will typically go to the bathroom 2-3 times per week, so if yours hasn’t gone in a while, it may be time to take a look.

Bearded dragons are also known for their bloated appearance, which is often a sign that they need to poop. If your bearded dragon is exhibiting this behaviour, you should give them a place to do their business as soon as possible. A potty or designated area for your dragon to poop in will help keep their habitat clean and free of waste. Be sure to empty the potty regularly so your dragon doesn’t start using it as a toilet. 

To check, gently lift your bearded dragon’s tail and see if anything is sticking out. If there is, that’s likely poop! If there’s nothing there, you can try giving your beardie a bath to help things along. Be sure to keep an eye on your dragon after bathing it, as it may need some time to dry off before going back into its enclosure.

FAQs

What does it mean when a bearded dragon poops on you? 

A bearded dragon will poop on you because they are stressed, getting used to you, have a digestive problem, or have too many insects in their diet. However, if your bearded dragon poops on you often and it is runny or smelly, consult with your vet as they might have an underlying health condition.

Does bearded dragon poop smell?

It can be a particularly smelly experience if you do not clean your pet’s terrarium regularly. The good news is that it is easy to minimize the smell of your bearded dragon’s poop. By keeping their enclosure clean and using preventative measures such as probiotics or digestive enzymes, you can keep your terrarium odour-free. 

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