Petting bearded dragons is a significant activity lizard enthusiasts carry out once they become owners or keepers of these endearing reptile pets. We gathered that new bearded dragon owners usually feel curious or worried about the proper techniques of this nourishing and revitalizing step.
Moreover, we learned that some keepers of these reptile pets believe that the latter do not like to be stroked or patted affectionately. Nevertheless, we want to address this fallacy.
After all, many bearded dragons enjoy being pet by their owners. In this discussion, we discussed the steps involved in petting bearded dragons correctly.
We elaborated on how to properly perform this measure and the right time to do it. Furthermore, we shared key insights to bearded dragon owners about the steps they need to perform after petting their beloved reptile home companion.
Petting bearded dragons is, indeed, important, and we enlightened lizard pet keepers on why they should learn about it, as well as the succeeding steps and safety precautions.
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Importance of Petting Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are territorial creatures and are not the most sociable animals. However, we want to highlight to our readers that these lizard pets, indeed, enjoy being petted or caressed affectionately by their owners.
Petting bearded dragons is a fantastic method to build a positive relationship with this reptile pet. This measure is similar to pet keepers’ significant bonding moments with other domesticated home companions such as dogs and cats.
Additionally, we want to emphasize that petting bearded dragons facilitates the building of trust between the lizard pet owner and his tamed reptile. This important activity facilitates more bonded or closer relationships between the bearded dragons and their keepers.
Petting bearded dragons involves considerable patience for the lizard pet owners when building that important trust with their domesticated home companions. These bearded dragon keepers should know how to stroke their reptile pet correctly, and they can do so by learning the ten fundamental steps.
In this way, the bearded dragons will not get hurt. Plus, these lizard pets will not feel afraid, threatened, or mistake their owners as invaders of their territory, making them attack.
10 Fundamental Steps to Follow When Petting Bearded Dragons
Petting bearded dragons involves the proper ways of conducting this owner-reptile pet bonding session. We want to share with bearded dragon keepers the following ten fundamental ways how they can perform this technique of bonding with their beloved lizard pets:
1. WASH ONE’S HANDS VERY THOROUGHLY.
Bearded dragon owners should follow this important step before approaching their lizard pet’s vivarium and touching it. They can also choose to wear bite-proof gloves.
These key measures considerably prevent the transmission of germs or foreign bacteria reptile pet keepers may be carrying onto their bearded dragon that can harm it.
Moreover, the bite-proof gloves appropriately safeguard the owners’ fingers from getting scratched or bitten by the bearded dragons.
2. SLOWLY WALK TOWARDS THE BEARDED DRAGON’S TERRARIUM.
Gradually approaching a bearded dragon’s tank prevents the domesticated home companion from getting scared and heading straight to its hide hole for bearded dragon. We also want to advise lizard pet keepers not to make any fast movements to keep their bearded dragons feeling at ease.
Bearded dragon owners should not stand right above the vivarium to directly approach their reptile pet from above. After all, these lizard pets possess sensory receptors on the top of their heads which they use in the wild where their predators attack from above.
Hence, bearded dragons will not misinterpret their owners as predators that are about to attack them if these lizard pet keepers remember not to grab their tamed reptiles directly from above.
3. PICK UP THE BEARDED DRAGON BY ITS BELLY.
We want to advise bearded dragon owners to ensure that they lift their reptile pets by their bellies and never by their tails or legs.
Moreover, once a bearded dragon keeper picks up his pet, he should place his hand gently under its belly and ensure that its weight is evenly balanced. We want to inform our readers that baby bearded dragons may feel terrified when getting petted.
Therefore, we recommend the lizard pet keepers place one of their fingers on the baby reptile’s chin. In this manner, it will calm down and prevent itself from feeling stressed out or worried as its owner picks it up from its terrarium.
4. CARESS THE TAMED LIZARD FROM HEAD TO TAIL.
Bearded dragon owners can begin petting their domesticated home companion by gently stroking its head using their fingers. We want to stress that they should lightly stroke their bearded dragons from head to tail and not backward or the other way around.
Additionally, bearded dragon keepers should apply as minimal pressure as possible when petting their bearded dragons. In this manner, they can prevent their tamed reptile pets from getting hurt.
5. TRY OTHER PETTING METHODS.
Besides petting bearded dragons from head to tail, we want to inform owners that these reptile pets appreciate getting fondly stroked on the other parts of their bodies. Thus, when petting bearded dragons, lizard pet keepers can caress their domesticated home companions directly between their eyes and on top of their heads.
Furthermore, these bearded dragon keepers can scratch their tamed reptiles’ beards and rub the spikes behind their eyes. Holding the bearded dragon up to the lizard pet keeper’s chest is also one of the best ways to carry these domesticated animals.
Hence, the bearded dragon will feel calm and safe as it is accustomed to being in warm environments and its owner has a warm chest. We recommend the reptile pet keepers place their bearded dragon’s tail on their arm while holding its body with their hand.
Then, they can make their bearded dragons feel amazing with this great position by complementing it with caressing their tamed lizards with their other hand. Finally, we also want to advise bearded dragon keepers to play with their tamed pets a little.
They can permit their lizard pet to climb on their arms if they notice that it wants to walk around. With this petting technique, we just want to inform the reptile pet keepers to ensure that their bearded dragon will not fall on the floor.
6. PAY ATTENTION TO THE BEARDED DRAGON’S REACTION WHILE BEING PETTED.
It is important that bearded dragon keepers closely watch their reptile pet’s reaction as they gently stroke its head with their fingers. We advise them to examine their domesticated home companion’s behavior before and while carrying and petting it.
These lizard pet owners should ensure that their bearded dragons are comfortable getting caressed and not disturbed in their important activities, such as when they are eating. We want to assure them that they are doing great in bonding with their bearded dragons if they notice their domesticated home companions looking relaxed.
7. GIVE THE DOMESTICATED REPTILE A TREAT WHILE STROKING IT AFFECTIONATELY.
Rewarding a bearded dragon with a treat such as Dubia roaches makes this tamed lizard feel safe as it spends quality time with its owner.
This effective measure is a way for bearded dragon owners to let their domesticated home companion know their appreciation of its splendid behavior.
Moreover, through the treats, we want to stress the fact that these tamed reptile pets would feel much more trusting towards their owners during the petting sessions.
8. MAKE SURE THAT THE BEARDED DRAGON OWNER’S HOME IS QUIET.
Petting bearded dragons can be performed properly if the reptile pet keeper’s house is silent.
He should also ensure that his family members or friends speak softly and not make sudden movements, especially when the tamed lizard is outside its tank.
This significant step makes the bearded dragon feel relaxed as it gets stroked affectionately and spends quality moments with its owner.
9. ENSURE THAT THE ROOM TEMPERATURE IS PROPERLY REGULATED.
Bearded dragons can thrive in a warm environment, and this nature makes the presence of basking lamps essential in their tanks. Hence, indoor temperature ranges are important considerations when petting bearded dragons.
A proper room temperature that a bearded dragon owner knows as ideal for his reptile pet can prevent the latter from feeling lethargic or sluggish during petting sessions.
Suppose reptile pet keepers notice their bearded dragons feeling uncomfortable while getting caressed due to the very cold or extremely hot room temperature.
In that case, we advise them to place the bearded dragon back in its tank immediately so that it can recharge.
10. INSTRUCT FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS ABOUT PETTING BEARDED DRAGONS.
We understand that a bearded dragon owner’s friends or family members may find his domesticated home companion cute. Hence, they may find this tamed reptile pet irresistible to touch and stroke affectionately.
We want to advise bearded dragon keepers to teach their loved ones how to properly pet these domesticated lizards. They should also educate those near and dear to them how to keep an eye on the bearded dragon to know if it is agitated or stressed out.
In this manner, the significant know-how about petting bearded dragons properly besides feeding them on their feeders gets shared. The domesticated home companion will also receive more love and care from the other important people in its owner’s home.
3 Steps to Follow When Concluding the Bearded Dragon Petting Session
Petting bearded dragons properly can make this tamed lizard feel comfortable and relieved afterward. Furthermore, this helpful measure heightens the domesticated reptile’s bond and trust with its keeper.
After the health-giving petting session, we want to emphasize the fact that it is significant for bearded dragon owners to understand how to properly put their lizard pets back in their terrarium. First, the owner should approach the bearded dragon slowly.
This first step prevents the domesticated reptile home companion from feeling terrified with fast movements. Next, the reptile pet owner should hold the bearded dragon firmly but not too tightly to prevent hurting it.
This second step enables the reptile pet to stay secure in its keeper’s hands or arms. Finally, the bearded dragon owner should slowly hold his arm out and into his domesticated home companion’s vivarium.
This last step facilitates him to create a diagonal line with his arm as he gets to the tank. Thus, the bearded dragon can go back into its artificial habitat, safely and conveniently walking towards the terrarium’s reptile carpet.
Properly concluding the sessions of petting bearded dragons makes these tamed lizards feel at ease and comfortable with their owners. They will not feel upset, afraid, or distressed.
Giving the bearded dragons alone time is also advisable once these reptile pets return to their tanks. Therefore, these domesticated animals can relax and recharge to feel revitalized again.
3 Safety Measures to Remember When Petting Bearded Dragons
We want to educate bearded dragon owners about some precautions they should observe when petting their bearded dragons. Learning and observing these provisions can help them engage in hassle or worry-free bonding times with their domesticated reptiles:
1. After petting the bearded dragon, wash one’s hands very thoroughly.
Similar to the first step when petting bearded dragons, it is also important for reptile pet keepers to wash their hands completely after the affectionate stroking session. This significant measure prevents these reptile pet keepers from contracting salmonella.
This bacterial infection is a zoonotic disease passed from an animal to a human, and bearded dragons are well-known for transmitting it to people. Moreover, salmonella causes abdominal pain, nausea, fever, diarrhea, and cramps.
Bearded dragons can pass these harmful bacteria on to their owners via their feces and contact with their skin contaminated or befouled by their feces.
Although a lizard pet may look perfectly healthy, we advise owners to still be extra-cautious as it may still have salmonella. After all, these bacteria do not produce any symptoms in these domesticated reptiles.
Proper handwashing also safeguards bearded dragon owners’ hands, especially if they got scratched or bitten by their lizard pets. The latter are rare instances, but they happen sometimes.
2. Be aware of the improper moments of petting bearded dragons.
Petting sessions cannot happen any time of the day. We advise bearded dragon owners to learn the following important behaviors and activities of their lizard pets.
These actions indicate that these reptiles are angry, stressed out, and therefore, should not be stroked affectionately:
A) A bearded dragon’s mouth is wide open.
When a bearded dragon opens its mouth wide, it informs the creatures surrounding it that it is attempting to appear as intimidating as possible.
Petting bearded dragons is not the right thing to do in this instance in which the domesticated reptile is demonstrating its aggressive reaction.
The lizard pet can also be stressed out, scared, threatened, or angry that is why it is opening its mouth wide.
B) The tamed reptile puffs up its beard, which turns black.
A bearded dragon is stressed out or agitated when it performs this motion. It usually lifts its head, puffing out its chin, and informs humans close to it to back away.
With these actions, bearded dragon owners should know that it is not the right moment to perform affectionate caressing on their lizard pets.
C) The bearded dragon closes its eyes.
If a bearded dragon closes its eyes when its owner holds or pets it, it tells its keeper that it feels threatened.
Besides feeling under attack, this domesticated lizard may also indicate that it does not appreciate being pet at that time. Thus, bearded dragon owners should stop the petting session right then and there.
D) The domesticated lizard is bobbing its head.
This action of the bearded dragon means that it is getting ready to mate with its partner. Additionally, petting a bearded dragon is not appropriate when an owner sees his lizard pet bobbing its head as it may soon begin a fight for dominance with another bearded dragon.
E) The bearded dragon is eating.
Bearded dragon owners surely do not want to disturb their beloved home companions while the latter are eating. Hence, petting bearded dragons is not advisable when they are having their meals of live crickets, mealworms, green leafy vegetables, and fresh drinking water.
These five instances are not the proper time to engage in petting bearded dragons. We advise owners to wait until their domesticated home companion finishes its meal or feels calm.
Furthermore, it is best to affectionately caress and bond with bearded dragons when they cool down and are in a better mood following an aggressive or tense moment. We want to emphasize the fact that petting bearded dragon sessions should be quiet and relaxing times for both the reptile pet keeper and their tamed lizards.
3. Clean and treat a wound right away.
When petting bearded dragons, owners may get inconvenienced by their lizard pets biting them. Moreover, they can get scratched by bearded dragons who they may have unintentionally disturbed.
We advise bearded dragon keepers not to feel worried about these common and occasional scenarios. They should clean their wounds immediately by washing them with warm water and mild soap.
Then, these bearded dragon owners should apply some medication to their wounds. In this discussion, we enlightened the bearded dragon keepers about the proper way to pet their domesticated home companions.
Bearded dragons are not as social as other pets, and they may not usually seek out contact from other creatures. Some of them are a little more skittish than others and may feel resistant to petting sessions.
Additionally, some bearded dragons prefer other bonding techniques with their keepers, such as merely laying on their owner’s body or being picked up and held without the affectionate stroking.
Nevertheless, we want to reiterate that bearded dragons, indeed, relish fond caresses as long as they are correctly handled and socialized by their owners. Bearded dragons are agreeable constant home companions, and petting them certainly facilitates strong owner-lizard pet ties.
We also want to emphasize that petting bearded dragons at least once or twice daily for at least 10 minutes can enable these domesticated reptiles to feel more comfortable and accustomed to or familiar with their keepers.
Once these bearded dragons get used to the petting sessions, they become more accepting of their owners’ presence. We also advise reptile pet keepers to start petting bearded dragons when they are young.
Hence, over time, these baby reptile pets will get accustomed to being in contact with their owners. They would feel pleased and comfortable to lay on or be near their keepers as well.
We want to end our discussion with a reminder for the reptile pet owners. Besides supplying bearded dragons with nutritious foods and multivitamin supplements, the light and non-threatening physical contact petting bearded dragon involves can facilitate better relationships between owners and their reptile pets.
Petting bearded dragons will facilitate the overall wholesomeness of these domesticated lizards as well in the long run.
As owners and enthusiasts create strong bonds by petting bearded dragons they keep as home companions, we want to wish every one of them to have a wonderful time today!
