Is a Bearded Dragon the Right Pet for Me?

by Britt

Published: August 19th, 2024

Photo credit: kackaborovska / Shutterstock.com

Are you considering adding a scaly friend to your family? Bearded dragons have captured the hearts of reptile experts and casual pet lovers alike with their unique appearance, interesting personalities, and low-maintenance care requirements.

However, owning a reptile is a significant commitment, regardless of what type of reptile you choose!

Before bringing a new pet into your home, you must weigh the pros and cons. This guide will explore the key factors to consider when deciding if a bearded dragon is the right fit for your lifestyle and living situation.

Bearded Dragon Behavior and Temperament

One reason bearded dragons have gained so much popularity as pets is their calm and docile temperament. While many reptiles are resistant to being tamed, bearded dragons are generally highly responsive to their owners. They are attentive pets that enjoy spending time with their person. They tolerate being touched and handled well, rarely biting or scratching in response. In fact, many learn to ride around on their owners’ shoulders, perched happily.

While they enjoy spending time with their person, they also need their alone time. Many owners see this as a positive as it allows them to go to work, run errands, or even participate in social events without worrying about their pet’s separation anxiety (a concern many dog owners know well).

Of course, there are always exceptions – but generally speaking, these gentle and highly social pets are an excellent option for reptile lovers interested in forming a special bond with their new companion.

Choosing Your Bearded Dragon

If reading that description of the bearded dragon makes you excited that you’ve found your perfect reptile companion, it’s time to discuss how to find your new friend. This includes not only finding a pet whose personality is a good match for your own but also ensuring that your new lizard is healthy.

There are two different approaches to finding a new reptile. First, you can connect with a reputable bearded dragon breeder. Purchasing your reptile from a breeder generally involves a contract that is designed to protect both you and the breeder, guaranteeing the health of your new pet on the day it is adopted. Alternatively, you can contact your local shelter or reptile-specific rescue organizations.

Here are a few important considerations when searching for your new pet:

Check all over for any sign of visible injuries, such as scratches, cuts, scars, or burns. While you could take on an injured reptile without any long-term issues, you may also find yourself dealing with secondary complications like infections.
Run your fingers along the tail. A healthy tail will feel round and plump at the base, near the body. If it feels sunken into the body or overly bony, that’s a red flag.
Look into the reptile’s eyes. You want to choose a bearded dragon who is alert and aware of your presence. It should hold its head upright, with its eyes following your movements. Sunken eyes are also a concern.
Check their face for any signs of inflammation or pus. Ensure they don’t have runny eyes.
Assess the quality of the bearded dragon’s skin. Loose or discolored skin is a sign of underlying illness.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the breeder or rescue worker who is showing you the young bearded dragon. Ask about whether they have noticed any sign of illness or injury. You can also ask about the state of their “droppings.” Sure, it’s not the most exciting conversation – but it is a good indicator of a reptile’s well-being.

Most importantly, don’t feel pressured into bringing a new pet home. If you are being pushed to make a snap decision, that is a warning sign that they may be trying to hide something.

Caring for Your New Bearded Dragon

Congratulations on finding the newest addition to your family! It’s an exciting time! Now is when the real work begins. To help you create the best home environment for your new reptile, let’s look at the basics of bearded dragon care:

What Type of Habitat is Best for Bearded Dragons

In the wild, bearded dragons thrive in dry, hot desert climates. When setting up your terrarium, you want to create a similar environment using sandy substrates and heating systems. The ideal temperature is 77 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, you want to create a gradient across the habitat, with warmer temperatures on one side for your friend to bask in and cooler temperatures on the other side for them to cool off.

Experts recommend creating the basking space using a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter instead of a heat mat, as heat mats generally don’t produce enough heat to warm the air around the surface.

When selecting substrates and terrarium decorations, pay careful attention to any products that may retain moisture. This can increase the humidity in the terrarium to dangerous levels. Installing a thermometer and hygrometer will allow you to easily monitor both the temperature and humidity levels.

Pay careful attention to the temperature to keep your bearded dragon from overheating, especially during the hotter summer months or if you’re faced with a power outage.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their ideal diet consists primarily of live food like crickets, mealworms, earthworms, or hornworms, supplemented with vegetables and a limited amount of fruit.

They can safely enjoy many vegetables, especially raw, including (but not limited to) kale, asparagus, butternut squash, celery, peeled cucumber, zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and pumpkins. For an extra treat, consider including small amounts of apples, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, pears, grapes, or melons.

Most experts recommend varying your bearded dragon’s diet. This includes each of the three elements outlined here. However, avoid feeding wild insects as there is a chance that they have parasites or diseases that could seriously hurt your reptile.

Photo credit: Martin Erdniss / Shutterstock.com

More Tips and Tricks for Bearded Dragon Care

To set you up for success, here are a few more tips and tricks to set up the ideal living environment and lifestyle for your bearded dragon. After all, the goal of any pet parent is to create the best quality of life for their companion.

Living Space

In addition to providing the right desert-like environment for your bearded dragon, you want to ensure that the habitat is large enough to meet their needs. Bearded dragons can grow to 18 inches, including their tail. You need to provide a habitat long enough to give them the space they require to roam. The minimum recommended size is 48 inches long x 24 inches high x 24 inches wide. Although some experts will argue that a larger vivarium is ideal.

Provide Plenty of Hiding Spaces

While bearded dragons are highly social, they still need their alone time. Adding rocks, branches, and other hiding spaces to the habitat will help your reptile feel secure. If they are ever faced with something they deem a threat (which could be as simple as a friend visiting that sets them off), this will allow them to feel safe and secure.

Ideal Lighting

Although often overlooked when discussing the ideal reptile habitat, lighting is an essential part of creating the perfect home for your new friend. Experts recommend using UVB lightbulbs with a timer to create a 12-hour day/night cycle, allowing your bearded dragon to bask for approximately 12 hours daily.

Shedding and Brumation

Be prepared for the fact that your new reptile friend will shed their skin in large pieces. This is a natural part of their lifecycle and happens more frequently in younger dragons than those who are more advanced in age. While shedding usually occurs without any issues, you should contact a vet with experience handling reptiles if you suspect there may be a problem.

Brumation refers to the hibernation-like state that bearded dragons experience in the cooler seasons. During this time, like hibernation, they slow down, eat less, and sleep more. While brumation is completely normal, pay attention—weight loss and failure to eat entirely are both signs of trouble that require veterinary care.

Plenty of Fresh Water

Often, when people hear that a reptile originates from a desert climate, they assume that they will thrive without water for extended periods – but this usually isn’t true. In fact, many desert-dwelling species survive primarily due to their ability to find regular water sources. Ensure your bearded dragon always has access to clean, fresh drinking water.

But be warned – many bearded dragons will soak, bathe, or soil in their drinking water. So, check their water dish frequently, changing out the water and cleaning the dish as needed.

Enrichment

This topic is often reserved for dogs and cats, but every pet deserves to live a life with proper mental and physical enrichment. For bearded dragons, this means providing an assortment of enclosures, hides, and climbs that they can explore. Try rotating these fixtures to periodically offer a new experience. Feeding live insects can also provide enrichment, as they are encouraged to hunt and catch their prey.

One way to offer enrichment for your bearded dragon is to feed them using a treat ball or feeder toy. Similar to dog treat balls, these products require your scaly friend to move the toy around to release food out of the small holes. They are available in a variety of different styles and colors.

Calcium Dusting

An essential dietary need worth noting is that bearded dragons require additional calcium supplementation. While multivitamins are available, one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways for your new friend to meet their needs is by dusting their insects or vegetables with supplement dust. Simply place the food and some of the calcium dust, like Repashy Calcium Plus, in a bag or container and shake it to ensure the food is fully coated before feeding.

What Species Are Similar to Bearded Dragons?

If, after all of this, you are questioning whether a bearded dragon is the right choice, you may be searching for alternatives. What reptile species are similar to bearded dragons?

Here are a few options you may want to consider:

Chinese water dragon
Blue-tongued skink
Painted agama
Rankin’s dragon
Chuckwallas
Uromastyx
Kenyan zebra skink
Spiny-tailed monitor lizard
Collared lizards

Of course, every pet (reptile or otherwise) has pros and cons. Ensure you take the time to research the pet you are considering to find out if it is a good match for your lifestyle and your family. With so many options, the perfect match is out there for everyone—you just have to find it!

Final Thoughts: Is a Bearded Dragon the Right Pet for Me?

Owning a bearded dragon can be a rewarding experience. These low-maintenance reptiles (compared to some pets) offer a special bond and engaging personalities, making them an excellent option for reptile lovers who want to build a relationship with their new pet. However, proper care is crucial for their health and well-being.

As a new bearded dragon parent, you must be prepared to provide a warm, dry habitat with proper heating and lighting, offer a balanced diet of insects and vegetables, and dedicate time to daily socialization. Remember, responsible pet ownership requires research and commitment.

If, after reading this, you believe a bearded dragon is a good fit, contact a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Ask plenty of questions, both to ensure a bearded dragon is a good fit and to ensure you’re adopting a healthy companion.

With the proper preparation, you can create a happy and enriching home for you and your new bearded dragon friend.

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Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Dog owners often wonder if their furry friend’s waste can be “put to good use” and composted. After all, composting is an environmentally friendly way to reduce waste, be more efficient, and return valuable nutrients to the soil. But still, when it comes to dog poop, a question often comes up – is it safe and beneficial for composting? To find that out, we need to consider several key aspects.Is Dog Poop Compostable?In general, yes, dog poop can be composted. However, it is not so simple, as with general yard waste or food scraps. The main concern with composting dog poop and waste is the potential presence of harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and parasites. These microorganisms, such as Escherichia Coli or roundworms, can pose a risk to human health if the compost is not handled and processed properly. But when dog poop is composed the right way, it can break down safely and become a useful fertilizer for non-edible plants.To safely compost dog waste it is important to ensure that the composting process reaches high enough temperatures, which will kill all the harmful pathogens. This usually requires a special system known as hot composting, where temperatures in the compost pile must consistently reach around 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). And it is these temperatures that help kill bacteria, parasites, and other nasty things found in dog poop. This then makes the compost safe for use. So here are a few basic steps to always keep in mind:#1 Always use a separate composting bin for dog waste, as this will help avoid contaminating regular compost. This is important for keeping dog poop out of compost that will later be used in gardens for growing fruits or vegetables. Also, make sure to use fully compostable dog poop bags that will disintegrate in the compost pile – plastic won’t do as it won’t break down as fast or fully.

Elevate Your Pet's Wellbeing with Purina Pro Plan Innovative Nutrition

NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Purina and PetSmartIn a world where our pets are not just companions but cherished members of the family, providing them with the best possible care is paramount. Central to that care is nutrition, and for those who seek the pinnacle of advanced, scientifically-backed formulas for their dogs and cats, Purina and their Pro Plan line stands as an industry leader.A Legacy of Innovation in Pet NutritionAt the heart of the Purina Pro Plan line is an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of pet nutrition. This dedication is powered by a formidable team of over 500 nutritionists, veterinarians, and scientists who work tirelessly to develop formulas that meet the diverse needs of pets at every stage of their lives. With over 140 targeted formulas, Pro Plan offers a solution for every pet, whether it’s a dog with a sensitive tummy or an aging cat requiring a diet that supports cognitive health and longevity.Trusted by Experts, Chosen by Champions

Dog Soundboard Buttons - the Jury's Back On Whether They Work

You might just be surprised at your dog's communication skills.

Leave it to a Frenchie to Make Medical History

LiveScience reports French bulldog puppy spontaneously regrows jawbone after cancer surgery.

Elephants Might Use Unique Names For Each Other, Just Like Us Humans

It seems that humans are not the only ones in the animal world to use personal names – according to a revolutionary new study, African elephants also refer to one another through unique sounds. The study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, reveals that elephants can hear their own names over long distances, across the African savanna, and that they speak to one another through a series of low rumbles. The scientific team also reveals that elephants can learn to recognize and call to their mates using their “personal” names, instead of just basic sounds.“Here we present evidence that wild African elephants address one another with individually specific calls, probably without relying on imitation of the receiver,” the study reads.In order to achieve these impressive results, the study used machine learning to demonstrate that the receiver of a call could be predicted from the call’s acoustic structure, regardless of how similar the call was to the receiver’s vocalizations.A herd of African elephants was followed in jeeps in the wild, at Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park, in order to closely observe their behavior and how they call out, and who responds."We've had several incidents where we've been with these elephants and the matriarch of the family will give a call, and everyone in the family will answer,” co-author and Colorado State University ecologist George Wittemyer, said to ITV News. "Then several seconds later, she'll give seemingly a very similar call and nobody in the family would answer except one individual."Researchers then played these recordings of the individual names to elephants and learned that the animals responded more enthusiastically by flapping their ears and lifting their trunks, whenever they heard their own names. “Just like humans, elephants use names, but probably don’t use names in the majority of utterances, so we wouldn’t expect 100%,” study author and Cornell University biologist Mickey Pardo added. Scientists say that animals with complex social structures and close-knit families are more likely to use personal names, as it helps them to be reunited if separated. “If you’re looking after a large family, you’ve got to be able to say, ‘Hey, Virginia, get over here!’ ” Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm said.“Elephants are incredibly social, always talking and touching each other - this naming is probably one of the things that underpins their ability to communicate to individuals,” Wittemyer added, “We just cracked open the door a bit to the elephant mind.”

These are the Most Popular Dog Breeds In Different US Cities

There’s no doubt that dogs are by far the most popular pets in the U.S., with roughly 65.1 million homes having one or more dogs as pets. But not all breeds are loved equally, according to the latest studies from the American Pet Products Association. Certain dog breeds seem a bit more loved by Americans than others and these rankings are a great insight into their popularity in different cities. The North American Pet Health Insurance Association also reports that the number of insured pets in the U.S. has increased around 22.6% annually since 2020, which indicates that doggos are continuing to steal the spotlight as the most famous pets around. In fact, the vast majority of insured pets in the country are dogs.  U.S. News & World Report analyzed all this data to reveal the five most popular dog breeds in 25 major U.S. cities, indicating some very unique dog ownership trends. 1. Austin, Texas:GoldendoodleFrench BulldogLabrador RetrieverGolden RetrieverSiberian Husky2. Boston, MassachusettsGolden RetrieverGerman ShepherdShih TzuBichon FriseCavalier King Charles Spaniel3. Charlotte, North CarolinaGolden RetrieverGoldendoodleEnglish Springer SpanielBrittany SpanielFrench Bulldog4. Chicago, IllinoisGoldendoodleGolden RetrieverGerman ShepherdFrench BulldogMiniature Dachshund5. Columbus, OhioGolden RetrieverRottweilerAustralian ShepherdBernese Mountain DogSilken Windhound6. Dallas, TexasFrench BulldogLabrador Retriever (Yellow)Cane CorsoGolden RetrieverPembroke Welsh Corgi7. Denver, ColoradoGolden RetrieverFrench BulldogGerman ShepherdMalteseAmerican Pit Bull Terrier8. El Paso, TexasShih TzuGerman ShepherdFrench BulldogSchnauzerLabrador Retriever9. Fort Worth, TexasGoldendoodleGerman ShepherdMaltesePugBeagle10. Houston, TexasGoldendoodleGerman ShepherdFrench BulldogChihuahuaPomeranian11. Indianapolis, IndianaShih TzuChihuahuaAmerican BullyAmerican Pit Bull TerrierGoldendoodle12. Jacksonville, FloridaGolden RetrieverFrench BulldogBoxerToy PoodleAmerican Bully13. Las Vegas, NevadaFrench BulldogGolden RetrieverGoldendoodleAustralian ShepherdShih Tzu14. Los Angeles, CaliforniaFrench BulldogGolden RetrieverChihuahuaEnglish BulldogGoldendoodle15. Nashville, TennesseeGoldendoodleGolden RetrieverLagotto RomagnoloLabrador RetrieverSiberian Husky16. New York, New YorkGolden RetrieverYorkshire TerrierGoldendoodleShih TzuFrench Bulldog17. Oklahoma City, OklahomaGerman ShepherdEnglish BulldogGreat PyreneesMiniature SchnauzerYorkshire Terrier18. Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaGolden RetrieverYorkshire TerrierChihuahuaShih TzuAmerican Pit Bull Terrier19. Phoenix, ArizonaGolden RetrieverGerman ShepherdChihuahuaAustralian ShepherdFrench Bulldog20. San Antonio, TexasLabrador Retriever (Yellow)PugFrench BulldogChihuahuaGerman Shepherd21. San Diego, CaliforniaGolden RetrieverPugFrench BulldogLabrador Retriever (Yellow)Labrador Retriever22. San Francisco, CaliforniaGoldendoodleChihuahuaShih TzuGerman ShepherdPomeranian23. San Jose, CaliforniaGerman ShepherdGoldendoodleGolden RetrieverPembroke Welsh CorgiToy Poodle24. Seattle, WashingtonGolden RetrieverFrench BulldogDachshundGoldendoodlePoodle25. Washington, D.C.French BulldogPoodle Golden RetrieverSoft-Coated Wheaten TerrierGoldendoodleIt's clear that in many of America’s largest cities, certain breeds are more popular than others, like the Goldendoodle, Golden Retriever, and French Bulldog. Poodles, Pugs, and German Shepherds are also close at the top. We can also spot some regional trends as well. For example, the German Shepherd is quite popular in Texas, mainly for its role as a working and service dog.What about you? What is your favorite dog breed and why? Does your personal fave align with your city’s most popular breeds? Tell us in the comments!

Purina Donates $25,000 For Pets & Owners Impacted by Hurricane Helene

The devastation of Hurricane Helene greatly affected the six states of the American Southeast. Major floods and extremely powerful winds destroyed homes and wiped out entire towns, and help is greatly needed. As search and rescue operations continue across the region, Purina announced a donation of $25,000, addressed to Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit organization. This donation is meant to support these rescue efforts and to bring food, medical supplies, and other necessities to those who need it the most. However, it will also help to transport shelter pets to safety and to reconnect all the owners and pets that were separated during the hurricane. "Our hearts go out to the families and pets affected by Hurricane Helene and the devastating flooding across Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia," said Kim Beardslee, Director of Community Affairs. "Purina has a long history of supporting communities in the wake of natural disasters, and we're proud to support Greater Good Charities' life-saving work during this time of great need."The nonprofit Greater Good Charities has several teams on the ground tasked with aiding those afflicted by the disaster. They are distributing food, water, and essential supplies to families, as well as veterinary supplies and pet food to pets. What is more, they are now conducting life-saving transports to save shelter pets. Besides their donation of $25,000, Purina is also busy working with several of its own US-based manufacturing plants in order to ship thousands of pounds of Purina pet food and other supplies to shelters and pet owners in the region that was devastated by Hurricane Helene. Of course, this is not the first time Purina stepped up to help those in need. Since 2017, the company has donated more than $400,000 and more than 700,000 pounds of pet food and cat litter. This went out to victims of deadly natural disasters across the United States. And it was their timely support and compassion that helped save thousands of lives.

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