Are Bearded Dragons Poisonous? Bite Risks & How To Prevent Them (Vet Reviewed)

If you're considering a Bearded Dragon as a pet, it's important to know everything there is to know about the species so that you can provide it with the best care.

Bearded dragons are gentle, generally tolerant, and friendly pets that are not poisonous. However, you may be surprised to know that they are technically venomous. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are risky pets, as their venom is very mild and not harmful to humans, but if you happen to get nipped by your reptile friend, it could draw blood. Read on to learn more about the unassuming venomous Bearded Dragon and its bite so that you can safely handle your pet.

What Is the Difference Between Poisonous & Venomous?

The terms venomous and poisonous have different meanings. The fundamental difference is in how the toxin enters the body. Biologists state that the term poisonous refers to organisms that release poison when you ingest them, while venomous applies to an organism that injects toxins through a bite or sting.

Are Bearded Dragons Poisonous to Humans?

Australian scientists carried out tests in 2005, which revealed that Bearded Dragons are capable of producing small amounts of venom.¹ The venom that it contains has some structural similarities to rattlesnake venom, known as crotamine. Small venom-producing glands are located in the lower jaw, and when they bite, tiny amounts of venom may be released.

However, a Bearded Dragon’s venom glands are considered underdeveloped, which means that they do not play an important role in defense or hunting. The venom secreted by a Bearded Dragon is also mild and is not considered medically significant to humans.

Are Bearded Dragons Hazardous Pets?

For many years, Bearded Dragons were not considered venomous, and venomous bites were always thought of as something mainly associated with snakes. Now that you have learned they are venomous, you may wonder if keeping them as pets is risky. No, they are not dangerous to humans as long as they have a suitable environment and proper care.

Their venom is extremely mild and not used to kill prey, which means that a reaction is very unlikely if you’re bitten. It’s said that Salmonella is more worrying than a Bearded Dragon’s venom, and even that risk is greatly reduced by taking the correct precautions.

A Bearded Dragon’s Bite

So if the venom of a Bearded Dragon is mild, is it serious if it bites you? Bearded dragons very rarely bite since they typically have a passive temperament and will avoid conflict with humans, and even if they do, it is usually not serious. However, you may feel a little pain due to the sharp teeth, but that pain will be short-lived. In fact, rather than feeling pain, the bite will feel more like a brief burning or tingling sensation and a lot less painful than if your dog bit you. If your pet bites you, it may draw blood, and the wound may swell a little.

The venom won’t be harmful to humans unless they have an allergic reaction. However, Salmonella is something of concern. A Salmonella infection can cause intestinal problems and fever. Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be passed on to humans. If you get bitten, clean the area right away with soap and water. Watch for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, and seek medical care if these symptoms worsen. Although allergic reactions are rare, seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs such as severe swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing.

How to Prevent a Bite from Your Bearded Dragon

It is fairly simple to prevent your Bearded Dragon from biting you. Along with keeping your pet healthy and happy, here are a few helpful tips.

• When a Bearded Dragon is agitated or stressed, it may bite. Keep an eye out for signs of agitation and stress, such as their beard puffing out and turning black. Avoid picking your dragon up or attempting to handle it until it is calm. If handling is necessary, move slowly and gently rather than forcing interaction.
• Be sure to handle your Bearded Dragon properly. Avoid approaching your Bearded Dragon from above since it may confuse you for a predator. Support their legs and place your hand under their belly to gently lift them up. It is also important to educate your children on how to correctly handle a Bearded Dragon.
• Avoid feeding your reptile by hand. They may be hungry, and if you feed them by hand, they may end up biting you. Instead, use a pair of tweezers or a food bowl.
• Keep your Bearded Dragon happy and healthy with a well-balanced diet of 80% plants and 20% insects. Ensure its terrarium setup is similar to its natural habitat. Choosing the correct size will help your dragon feel less stressed and more comfortable. Keep its terrarium out of direct sunlight, away from loud noises, and somewhere where it is dark at night.
• Your dragon will need regular opportunities to move, explore, and regulate its body temperature. If you provide your Bearded Dragon with all these things, along with lots of gentle, respectful handling, it will be a healthy, stress-free, and happy pet.
• For your safety, always wash your hands before and after handling your pet.

Final Thoughts

While Bearded Dragons are not poisonous, they are technically venomous. However, they are perfectly safe to keep as pets since their venom is very mild and not harmful to humans, and they rarely bite. You can easily prevent biting by learning to handle your pet Bearded Dragon and keeping it healthy and happy. Don’t let the fact that they are venomous sway you, as these reptiles make excellent pets. They are friendly, tolerant of handling, and gentle when their needs are properly met.

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Featured Image Credit: Ashley Whitworth, Shutterstock