Bearded dragons are popular lizards among reptile hobbyists due to their big personalities, relatively easy care requirements, and calm nature. Much of the time, they make delightful and interactive pets.
But there is one thing that some owners may dread: when their beloved dragon poops on them! Why does this happen and can you do anything to prevent it?
In this article, we’ll look at why some bearded dragons start to poop on their owners, why it’s important to address the issue right away, and things that you can do about it.
Why Does My Bearded Dragon Poop on Me
There are several reasons why your bearded dragon might be pooping on you.
Stress or Fear
Bearded dragons can often poop on you as a result of either stress or fear. They might tense up when you pick them up and, if you notice this reaction, it could mean that they haven’t yet fully trusted you. Stress and anxiety can lead to bowel movements in any creature, even dragons.
It’s important to minimize stress for your pet dragon by introducing any new activities, objects, or surroundings gradually. It’s essential to give your new dragon a few days to adjust to its surroundings before attempting to handle it.
Get them used to being around you by feeding them by hand and petting them while they’re in their enclosure too – this way they’ll learn that being around people isn’t so bad!
Diet
It’s clear that diet plays an important role in why your bearded dragon might be pooping on you. If your pet bearded dragon is not eating enough fiber, it may experience constipation and need to go to the bathroom more often.
On the other hand, if they’re eating too many insects high in protein, they could also suffer from constipation and need to go more often. Whatever the case may be, it’s essential to review your beardie’s diet and make sure that their fiber and protein levels are balanced correctly.
Comfort
It’s possible that your bearded dragon pooping on you is a sign of comfort! It may be that they simply feel relaxed, safe, and secure when being around you, so much so that they have no problem releasing their bowels without hesitation. While it certainly isn’t the most pleasant experience, at least you can take joy in knowing that your dragon has grown comfortable with you!
You may also be able to tell if they’re feeling particularly relaxed by their body language. If they climb onto your hand willingly or lay still and easily in your hands, then these are all signals of comfort.
Illness
Illness can be one of the reasons why your bearded dragon is pooping on you. It’s possible that they may be suffering from a digestive system issue that’s causing them to poop more often or in strange places.
There are many potential causes that could impact a bearded dragon’s digestion and cause them to poop on you more often than usual, so it’s important to get it checked out by a professional immediately if you notice these symptoms.
Recently Fed
One possible reason your bearded dragon is pooping on you could be because they just ate something. When they haven’t had enough time to digest their food, your dragon may try and rid themselves of their meal by pooping on you.
It’s important to remember that beardies often take over 24 hours to properly digest food, so any poop after eating could be because your dragon has a stomach ache due to the recent meal.
Change of Environment
One of the main reasons why a bearded dragon might poop on its owner is due to a change of environment. When they are introduced to new surroundings and situations, they become stressed and agitated. This can lead to stomach upset, making them want to defecate out of anxiety.
Additionally, if you try to pick up your bearded dragon from above, it will feel uncomfortable and possibly scared. This could lead it to release its bowels in order to express its distress at being handled in an unfamiliar way.
Became a Habit
It is possible that your bearded dragon has learned to associate you with the safety and comfort of their living situation. If you didn’t give them adequate rest after eating, or their environment isn’t quite satisfactory, this unfortunate behavior may have become routine.
Maybe there’s not enough space, or it’s too dirty – all of these can be contributing factors to why they feel comfortable enough to poop on you.
It could also be that they want to avoid the bacteria in their cage, including leftover food and their own feces. In some cases, dragons learn that it is safe and clean to go outside of their cage on you and so this becomes a habit.
Incorrect Temperatures
Incorrect temperatures in your home can have a huge impact on your bearded dragon’s mental state. They need warm temperatures to relax and be content, however, if the temperature becomes too cold or too hot it can cause tremendous amounts of stress for your pet, sometimes leading to them pooping on you.
Are There Any Health Concerns
A bearded dragon pooping on you may not seem like a big deal, but it’s important to consider the potential health risks associated with it. Because the feces can contain bacteria such as Salmonella, there is a risk of infection if you fail to clean it up properly.
Symptoms of an infection include vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, fever, and more. This issue is much more likely to be encountered by children than adults so if any children are around your reptile friend then close supervision and teaching them how to clean up properly should be a top priority for everyone’s safety.
What to Do if Your Bearded Dragon Poops on You
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having a bearded dragon poop on you, there are several steps you can take to help limit any discomfort or mess that might be caused.
Put Your Dragon Back into the Enclosure
If your bearded dragon poops on you, the best thing to do is put them back in their enclosure right away. You don’t want them to have contact with bacteria, so make sure to simply rinse them off with warm water (no soap).
It’s a great idea to put your dragon into a safe space and clean up the mess immediately – this can help remind them that if they potty outside of their enclosure, there will be consequences!
Clean Up Immediately
It’s important that you clean up any mess your bearded dragon leaves on you right away. The bacteria in their feces can pose a risk to both pets and humans. It is important to quickly clean your skin and other surfaces with soap and warm water to remove it.
Once you have cleaned up the mess, it is safe to handle your dragon again (as long as they seem okay). Furthermore, if your clothing got covered in poop, be sure to remove it immediately and wash it with warm water and vinegar (if possible).
How to Avoid Getting Pooped on by Your Beardie
Getting pooped on by your beardie is never fun, but there are a few ways to avoid it.
Allow Time to Relax After Eating
If you want to avoid getting pooped on by your beardie, it’s important to give them plenty of time to relax after they’ve eaten. After they have their meal, let them bask under their heat lamp for a while so that their food can properly digest.
It’s best to wait at least a couple of hours before handling them again and try to avoid picking them up immediately. Bear in mind that your pet won’t poop until several days after their meal, so allowing them the space and time to relax will help prevent any stomach-related issues or unexpected bowel movements from occurring.
Activity Before a Big Meal
To avoid getting pooped on by your beardie, it’s important to make sure that they get plenty of activity prior to a big meal. Whether you take them outdoors or just let them roam free in your living room, providing some stimulation beforehand can help them burn off extra energy and feel comfortable in their environment.
When feeding your pets insects, it is important to ensure that the food is properly digested when heated under a lamp. Smaller meals with fruits and veggies should also be accompanied by activity so that they are able to easily digest their food and avoid an inconvenient mess.
Observe Their Bathroom Habits
When it comes to avoiding getting pooped on by your pet beardie, observe their bathroom habits. Pay attention to when they’re more likely to do their business, as well as the types of food that could be contributing to their habits. Once you’ve figured out what works for your pet, plan ahead and create a routine around it.
For example, if you notice that they only poop once every few days, then plan on giving them a bath on those days. This will help form a pattern and let them know when it’s time to go!
A Warm Bath
A warm bath is one way to help avoid getting pooped on by your beardie. Prior to handling them for long periods, put them in a warm bath. This can help stimulate defecation and ensure they remain hydrated. Be sure to clean any poop that falls in the water, as this will ensure further hygiene.
Some dragons may respond more predictably than others when giving them a bath, making it essential to bathe them even if you don’t think there’s a risk of defecation.
Identify Bathroom Behaviors
Identifying bathroom behaviors is a key part of avoiding getting pooped on by your beardie. Keep an eye out for signs such as lifting their tails, digging around searching for a spot to do their business, and/or raising their bodies higher off the ground.
Some bearded dragons also tend to favor certain spots or places outside their enclosure to poop in. If you can recognize these habits then it will be easier for you to avoid getting pooped on by quickly picking up your pet and placing them in a more appropriate spot when the time comes.
Potty Training
Potty training your bearded dragon is necessary for two reasons: to keep your house and its vivarium clean and to ensure you don’t get pooped on while holding your pet. When it comes to potty training your beardie, it’s best to give them a specific spot. Choose something soft, like a towel or a fleece mat, that can be easily cleaned afterward.
You may have to be patient with this process as it may take your beardie some time to get used to the designated spot and start pooping there rather than on other furniture in the Vivarium. Dedicate some time each day to helping them master this behavior. That way, you can avoid the unpleasantness of getting pooped upon when holding your furry friend!
Balanced Diet
Ensuring your bearded dragon gets the balanced diet it needs is essential for avoiding getting pooped on. It’s important to provide them with a variety of healthy options and an abundance of food, but remember to practice moderation – overfeeding can cause digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Eating inappropriate items can also put them at risk of health issues, so be sure to feed them only things they can easily digest like greens, fruits, insects, and small amounts of meat.
How Do You Know When Your Bearded Dragon is About to Poop
Knowing when your bearded dragon is about to poop is essential for keeping their habitat clean and free of waste. Typically, bearded dragons will poop two to three times a week. But if you notice that your beardie hasn’t pooped in a while and has a bloated appearance, it’s time to help them go!
You can check by gently lifting the tail and seeing if anything is sticking out—if so, it’s likely poop! If not, then you can try giving your beardie some alone time in a warm bath in order to help things along. It is important to observe your dragon carefully, as it may require additional time to dry before being returned to its cage.
How an Owner Can Ensure Their Bearded Dragon Does Not Poop on Them
As an owner of a Bearded Dragon, one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your pet does not poop on you is to establish a regular feeding schedule. By consistently feeding him at least twice a day at set intervals, it will become easier for you to anticipate when he will need to expel his waste.
This way, you will be able to place your Beardie somewhere else when he needs to answer nature’s call and will avoid unpleasant messes all over yourself!
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding your bearded dragon’s behavior is key to having a successful and stress-free experience. If you find that your bearded dragon is frequently pooping on you, try adjusting the environment or its diet in order to get it back on its natural schedule.
With some patience and guidance, your bearded dragon will be happier, healthier—and more importantly, poop-free!
