Why is my bearded dragon opening his mouth? (2024)

Why is my bearded dragon opening his mouth?

When a bearded dragon reaches its thermal maximum, it will often sit with its mouth open. This behavior, called gaping, shows that the lizard is at its optimal temperature for basking. This gaping will allow a bearded dragon to dissipate extra body heat.

Why is my bearded dragon opening his mouth at me?

It's A Sign of Aggression. Bearded dragons are generally calm and docile lizards. However, if they feel threatened, angry, or afraid, they may open their mouths as part of an aggressive stance. When an animal feels threatened or afraid, it will go into a fight or flight response.

Is it bad if my bearded dragons mouth is open?

As they do not sweat, opening their mouths is the best way to remove excess heat from their bodies. You can usually see beardies opening their mouths when they are basking to prevent overheating. What is this? There is absolutely nothing to worry about when you see them do this as this is normal behavior.

How do I know if my bearded dragon is too hot?

Here's one final piece of advice from Molesey Vets' team – it's not normal or healthy for bearded dragons to sleep all day in the summer as they can miss vital basking time. If your pet has become lazy, lethargic, and isn't eating, this could be a sign of being too hot (or something else).

Why is my bearded dragon opening his mouth and shaking his head?

Bearded dragons shake their heads due to dominant behavior, calcium deficiency, neurological issues, mating response, respiratory infection, and stress. Usually, head shaking is associated with dominance, however, if the behavior is habitual it may be a cause for concern.

Do bearded dragons open their mouth when hungry?

Bearded dragons have a habit of opening their mouths, and it's not because they're hungry. In fact, they usually aren't! Your bearded dragon is probably just trying to stretch their muscles—just like humans do! They stretch their mouth wide to stretch their whole face and beard and keep it open for some time.

What is wrong with my bearded dragons mouth?

Lizards like bearded dragons are predisposed to periodontal disease that can progress into severe calculus buildup, gingivitis (inflammation of the gum line), gingival recession, and even deep bone infections.

Do bearded dragon bites hurt?

Bearded Dragon Bites

Dragons rarely bite. When they do, it's rarely serious. A dragon bite may be painful because their teeth are sharp. If you are bitten, the site may swell and bleed.

Why does my bearded dragon try to bite me?

As you might imagine, a bearded dragon bite is far more likely to occur if they feel like they need to defend themselves. It's a pretty universal animal response, and it works like a charm. There are a number of situations that can make bearded dragons feel unsafe or threatened.

What are signs of a dehydrated bearded dragon?

How do I know if my bearded dragon is OK?

Do Beardies like hot or cold water?

Bearded dragons are cold-blooded, so it's important to use lukewarm or warm water (between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit is a good rule of thumb). Cold water will make your dragon sick. If you let your dragon swim outside in a lake, pond, or a kiddie pool, it's still important to monitor the temperature.

What happens if my bearded dragon doesn t get enough calcium?

Dragons' bodies need calcium so much that if the body becomes deficient, it starts pulling calcium from their bones, causing metabolic bone disease (MBD). Unfortunately, MBD is one of the most common diseases among domestic bearded dragons, but it's so easily preventable with proper diet and care.

How do I know if my bearded dragon has an aneurysm?

The aneurysms are often suspected when a swelling is seen on the back of the head, usually on one side or the other. Other tests that your veterinarian may want to do are X-rays, a complete blood count and chemistry panel and a fine needle aspirate of the swelling.

Why does my bearded dragon close his eyes when I pet him?

Believe it or not, bearded dragons typically close their eyes when you pet or hold them because they're scared and want to get out of the situation. It's a coping mechanism and often acts as a warning to back off. If you don't, their behavior could progress to more aggressive actions.

Can you hold a bearded dragon after eating?

Handle Your Bearded Dragon Immediately After He Eats

But it is actually a bad idea to handle any reptile immediately following a meal – including bearded dragons. Bearded dragons who are handled immediately after a big meal are unlikely to be terribly comfortable during the process.

Do bearded dragons crave affection?

Bearded dragons are the only known reptile to show affection for their human companions, which is why they make great exotic pets if a reptile is the kind of animal you are looking for. Also known as “Beardies” they are not particularly lazy pets.

At what age do Beardies start brumation?

Most Bearded dragons don't start brumating until they are at least ten months to one year old, although they can be difficult to predict when it comes to brumation, and may brumate one year, but not the next, may brumate every year.

How long can bearded dragons go without food?

How Long Can A Bearded Dragon Go Without Food? As desert dwelling reptiles, bearded dragons can go weeks without food, sometimes a few months. This allows them to survive in their native habitat when food sources are scarce.

Do bearded dragons need water during brumation?

Remember that your bearded dragon is completely dormant during the brumation period. Instead, brumating bearded dragons will sleep for much longer than usual to save energy during what would normally be cooler temperatures in the wild. Your bearded dragon will sleep longer but still require food and water.

What are the early signs of mouth rot in bearded dragons?

Signs of mouth rot include a loss of appetite, visible dead tissue in the mouth, pus coming from the mouth and/or nose, and red, inflamed mouth tissue. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these symptoms, or if your reptile seems unusually lethargic or depressed.

What does mouth rot in bearded dragons look like?

Infectious stomatitis (mouth rot) is not seen in bearded dragons as often as it is in other lizards, such as iguanas. It is a bacterial infection of the gums and/or jawbone that appears as pinpoint hemorrhages on the gums, gum swelling, or excessive thick mucus production.

What is mouth rot?

Mouth rot, or Ulcerative Stomatitis, is an infection of your lizard's gums and mouth caused by small cuts and food stuck in his teeth. If left untreated, the infection could kill your reptile. Snakes and lizards are especially vulnerable to the disease. Luckily, mouth rot is very easy to monitor and care for.

Where should you not touch a bearded dragon?

Baby beardies are more skittish and can panic when they are picked up. Try to keep the baby calm and keep one finger under its chin while holding it. Never grab or hold a bearded dragon by its legs or tail.

Do bearded dragons recognize their owners?

Many bearded dragons recognize their owner's voice and scent, and display various signs of comfort and familiarity around them. This can foster a really special bond even though it isn't technically love.

Can you get sick from touching a bearded dragon?

You can get sick from touching your bearded dragon or anything in its environment, and then touching your mouth or food and swallowing Salmonella germs. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching or feeding your bearded dragon and after touching or cleaning the area where it lives and roams.

How do you calm an angry bearded dragon?

Give your dragon a nice warm bath, followed by cuddles in a soft towel. Simply pause as much noise as possible to give your dragon some quiet time. Try turning off the lights until your dragon is more calm (of course you wouldn't want to leave the tank like this for too long so your dragon doesn't get too cold).

Is it good if my bearded dragon licks me?

It's A Sign Of Affection Or Comfort

It does seem to be true that a bearded dragon is more likely to lick you if it trusts you and feels comfortable with you. However, this licking is not necessarily a sign of affection. It could be that it likes the way you smell or feels a sense of safety to have you around.

How often should I bathe my bearded dragon?

As a general rule, bath time three times a week should be sufficient to keep your dragon clean and hydrated. If your dragon absolutely hates baths, then once a week may be a reasonable goal. If your dragon can't get enough bath time, you may want to do it more frequently, maybe even once a day.

What is the fastest way to hydrate a bearded dragon?

Moderate symptoms: For more moderate symptoms of dehydration, you may need to assist your dragon in rehydration by manually offering them water. Dripping a few drops on their nose from a spray bottle will often get a thirsty bearded dragon interested in licking up some water.

Should bearded dragons always have water?

Bearded dragons drink water, need water and continual mild dehydration causes long term health issues. When a bearded dragon is dehydrated, it is also likely constipated. Provide water by a combination of hydrating routines including bathing, misting (spraying), food, drinking from a bowl and syringe or eye dropper.

Do bearded dragons get emotionally attached?

Yes, Bearded Dragons Feel!

Bearded dragons can become attached to their owners and perhaps other animals. Many pet owners tell stories of their bearded dragon's affection from seeking attention to cuddling up (article on bearded dragon cuddles).

Can Beardies drink tap water?

Bearded dragons can drink tap water; however, it is a good idea to use one of the commercially available dechlorinating products to treat the water. There are chloramines and chlorine in the water that you want to remove as well as unwanted minerals present in the water.

How long should I let my bearded dragon soak in water?

Let your beardie soak for about 15 – 20 minutes. Once bath time is over, gently pat your pet dry with a soft sowel. This is very important! If he's still damp when you put him back in his tank, the substrate may stick to him.

Can I bathe my bearded dragon in tap water?

You don't need to use anything really the water in the tub often cleans the lizard itself. It is unnecessary, and soap could damage his skin. Also, bearded dragons will often drink when they are bathing, and you don't want him drinking soap. Never put your bearded dragon into chlorinated water.

How often do Beardies need calcium powder?

Bearded dragons have a higher need for dietary calcium than phosphorus, especially when they are young and their bones are growing. Generally, veterinarians recommend that you LIGHTLY sprinkle a 'Phosphorus-free' calcium powder (calcium gluconate, lactate, or carbonate) on their food daily.

Do Beardies need calcium everyday?

Bearded dragons just can't live well without calcium, and supplementing is the best way to make sure they get enough. Keep your dragon happy and healthy by giving your dragon calcium powder each day, mess-free!

What lights do bearded dragons need?

Beardies in the wild receive ultraviolet light and heat from the sun on a daily basis. In order to best mimic the ultraviolet light in an indoor enclosure, high ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) output light bulbs must be used. 1 Fluorescent bulbs and mercury vapor bulbs are the two sources most commonly used in the pet world.

Is my bearded dragon open mouth breathing?

When a bearded dragon reaches its thermal maximum, it will often sit with its mouth open. This behavior, called gaping, shows that the lizard is at its optimal temperature for basking. This gaping will allow a bearded dragon to dissipate extra body heat.

What disabilities do bearded dragons have?

Abstract. Two common disorders of captive bearded dragons are nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP) and constipation. Recognizing the husbandry factors that predispose bearded dragons to these disease conditions is an important clinical skill.

What does it look like when a bearded dragon is dying?

Some of the most common signs that show your bearded dragon is dying include – refusal to eat, movement issues, lethargy, stool problems, abnormal or wrinkly skin, and breathing difficulties.

What keeps a bearded dragon happy?

Reptiles are well-suited for basking in the sun, which provides them with warmth and UV light. Make sure that your bearded dragon's home has a heat bulb that gets warmer than 95 degrees Fahrenheit (and a nearby rock to lounge on). A heat bulb will keep your bearded dragon warm, but it won't supply much-needed UV light.

How long do bearded dragons live?

Their lifespan is usually 10 to 15 years or more, so they're quite a commitment. It's important to replicate their natural habitat as best you can. Learn more about how to care for your bearded dragon and how to keep them healthy and happy.

Why can't I kiss my bearded dragon?

Play safely: Don't kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, and don't eat or drink around it. This can spread salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick. Keep your bearded dragon out of your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store or prepare food.

What do bearded dragons look like when they're mad?

Beardies show anger in a number of ways, including trying to escape their enclosures, twitchy tails, fluffing their beards, and even biting. Obviously, no one wants to be bitten by their pet, so realizing your bearded dragon is angry is the first step in determining how to fix the problem.

Why do bearded dragons try to lick you?

It's A Sign Of Affection Or Comfort

It does seem to be true that a bearded dragon is more likely to lick you if it trusts you and feels comfortable with you. However, this licking is not necessarily a sign of affection. It could be that it likes the way you smell or feels a sense of safety to have you around.

Why does my bearded dragon stick his tongue out at me?

If you notice your bearded dragon with his tongue out, he's probably investigating his surroundings. This entails swiftly flipping the tongue in and out of the mouth, and then lightly employing the tongue to feel unfamiliar objects. This is how bearded dragons get acquainted with new places and things.

Do bearded dragons get attached to you?

Bearded dragons are the only known reptile to show affection for their human companions, which is why they make great exotic pets if a reptile is the kind of animal you are looking for.

What color is a stressed bearded dragon?

Depending on your dragon, stress marks may look like dark lines, ovals, or spots, or your dragon's entire beard may be black even while it is not expanded.

What an unhealthy bearded dragon looks like?

Your pet's eyes should be clear and bright. If he isn't opening his eyes, or if they seem puffy, bulging, or swollen, you could have a sick lizard on your hands. (It's worth noting that this can sometimes be associated with shedding, in which case it may self-resolve.)

Should you touch your bearded dragon?

Hold Bearded Dragons Until They're at least 6-inches Long

As a rule of thumb, you'll want to avoid any unnecessary handling until your bearded dragon is about 6 inches long or so. By this time, they're usually sturdier and less likely to become injured during handling sessions.

Why shouldn't you kiss a bearded dragon?

Don't kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, and don't eat or drink around it. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick. Keep your bearded dragon out of your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store, or prepare food.

Do bearded dragons let you hold them?

You can hold a bearded dragon for as long as it will tolerate being held. Start with 15 minutes once a day and as it gets used to being handled, you can hold it longer. Some dragons enjoy being held several times a day for several hours. When the beardie becomes restless, it is time to put him back.

Why does my bearded dragon stare at me?

Bearded dragons stare at their owners because they want to be held or let out of the enclosure. They also have staring spells as they are curious about their surroundings and assess for threats. Staring can also happen when they are bored or hungry.

Do bearded dragons have teeth?

Bearded dragons have acrodont dentition, which means their teeth are directly fused to their jaw bones. Acrodont teeth are triangular-shaped teeth and are laterally compressed in shape.