Do Bearded Dragons Bite? Is It Dangerous?

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Written by Beth Brown

Updated: October 14, 2023

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Some unique concerns come with owning a bearded dragon, an increasingly popular pet. A bite from a bearded dragon is typically uncommon and easily avoided. Small-to-medium reptiles, bearded dragons are known for their docile and friendly nature.

Of the eight subspecies known, Pogona vitticeps, or the inland bearded dragon, is the most commonly owned in the United States. While the breed is native to Australia, these dragons are typically captive-bred in the United States, which means the risk of exposure to parasites and other contagious diseases is limited compared to wild-caught specimens.

Bearded Animals

They may look fierce, but bearded dragons rarely bite.

Reduce the Chance Your Bearded Dragon Will Bite

Take the following steps to limit the risk of bites and to learn how to care for bites that may occur.

Check the Environment

While they’re easy to care for, bearded dragons require specific environments. Monitor your pet’s tank to ensure the habitat is between 80 and 110 degrees. Beaded dragons need one cool side and one warmer side to the tank, which will allow them to self-regulate to their comfort. A cold bearded dragon might exhibit hostile behaviors, as they are cold-blooded and will respond by slowing down and sleeping.

Bearded dragons don’t require a high degree of humidity. Provide a small amount of purified water for your pet to drink. The presence of too much humidity can increase the risk of a bearded dragon developing a respiratory infection, which could lead to aggression.

Pay Attention to Your Bearded Dragon’s Needs

Socialization is the most important step in avoiding bearded dragon aggression. Bearded dragons are highly intelligent and curious reptiles that require proper stimulation. Play with your bearded dragon daily. Don’t over-stimulate or play roughly, however, as this may increase the chance of biting.

Young bearded dragons are more likely to bite during mealtime. Younger bearded dragons require a higher level of protein in their diets than older bearded dragons and may bite out of hunger. Offer a daily source of high-quality protein such as mealworms, crickets, or roaches that are captive-bred for feeding purposes. Allowing your dragon to relax post-mealtime will also reduce bite risk.

Bearded dragons love bright colors and reflective surfaces. Avoid wearing jewelry when feeding your pet.

Pogona vitticeps, the central (or inland) bearded dragon, is a species of agamid lizard occurring in a wide range of arid to semiarid regions of Australia.

Bearded dragons require a varied diet, rich in high-protein insects and vegetation.

How to Care for a Bite

It may surprise you to know bearded dragons do produce venom from small glands in the mouth. In the wild, the venom assists in immobilizing prey. Bearded dragon venom is mild, however, and has no health risk to humans. With any exposure, however, there’s always a risk of a secondary allergic reaction. Monitor any new bite for symptoms of a reaction and contact your healthcare provider with concerns.

Bearded dragon bites carry a typical bite force of between 5 to 98 Newtons. In comparison, breaking a finger bone requires a force equivalent to 1,485 Newtons. A bite from a bearded dragon will rarely break the skin, with most resulting in a pinch.

In addition to a relatively weak bite force, bearded dragons do not have fangs or exceptionally sharp teeth. Bearded dragons have a single row of small, marginally sharp teeth around the rim of their mouths, and many bites result in only a pinch to the owner.

Thoroughly wash any bite with antibacterial soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment and bandage any bite that breaks the skin. If the bite develops any redness, swelling, or other signs of infection, contact your primary care physician for advice.

Special Concerns for Bearded Dragon Bites

A bite from a bearded dragon is often a sign of concern for the pet’s health. Properly socialized, older bearded dragons who behave aggressively may have a health problem and require treatment from a veterinarian. Bearded dragons are curious and tend to eat non-food items from their habitats. This can increase the risk of international impactions, which can be fatal. Seek the advice of a veterinarian If your bearded dragon exhibits aggressive behavior combined with a swollen abdomen, lack of appetite, or lethargic behavior.

Choose a substrate for your habitat that reduces the risk of impactions, avoiding loose sand and small gravel. Bathing your bearded dragon regularly not only safely supplies hydration needs, but also helps to regulate digestion.

Salmonella: The Real Health Risk

While not directly bite-related, bearded dragons do present a salmonella risk. Take care when cleaning your pet’s habitat or after handling your pet, as bacteria may be present in pet waste. Ensure children and adults wash their hands well after either activity to prevent any transmission. The CDC has provided an analysis of the Salmonella risk and how to best protect yourself here.


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About the Author

Beth Brown

Beth Brown is a writer at A-Z Animals. She enjoys researching and writing interesting and obscure facts about animals and places. Beth has been writing for six years and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business. Her hobbies include animal foster and rescue, yoga and mixed media art.

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