The bearded dragon is an interesting creature. They lick walls, they lick you, and they even lick their food. There are many theories as to why bearded dragons lick everything, but no one really knows for sure.

One theory is that bearded dragons use their tongues to taste things and learn about their environment. Whatever the reason may be, it’s definitely something worth observing! Keep reading to learn more.

Why do bearded dragons lick everything?

There are a few theories as to why bearded dragons lick everything. One theory is that they use their tongues to taste things and learn about their environment.

The Jacobson’s organ, located at the top of the lizard’s mouth, is a highly specialized organ that allows lizards to taste and smell their surroundings. Bearded dragons will often flick their tongues in and out of their mouths rapidly, allowing them to pick up on minute scent particles in the air.

In addition, licking allows bearded dragons to sample different textures and tastes, which helps them to determine if something is safe to eat.

Why Your Bearded Dragon Is Licking: Reasons

Bearded dragons lick for a variety of reasons:

1. To Taste and smell their environment:

Bearded dragons use their tongue to taste and smell their surroundings. The Jacobson’s organ, located at the top of the lizard’s mouth, is a highly specialized organ that allows lizards to taste and smell their environment.

Bearded dragons will often flick their tongues in and out of their mouths rapidly, allowing them to pick up on minute scent particles in the air.

They are always on the lookout for potential partners, identifying threats around them and food sources that can satisfy their hunger.

The receptors in their tongue help them to identify potential food sources, detect danger, and navigate their way through their environment.

In captivity, licking is often used to gain a better understanding of their environment. By constantly testing their environment, they are able to familiarize themselves with their new home and make sure that it is safe for them to live in.

While we may never fully understand why bearded dragons lick so much, it is clear that this habit plays an important role in their lives.

2. To Find food:

Bearded dragons are opportunistic feeders and will often lick their surroundings in search of potential food sources. This behavior is most often seen in young beardies who are still learning about their environment and what is safe for them to eat.

While an occasional lick probably won’t hurt your dragon, it’s important to make sure that he or she has a well-rounded diet that includes all of the necessary nutrients.

If your dragon is constantly licking objects in search of food, it’s a good idea to talk to a reptile specialist about ways to provide a more nutritional diet. In some cases, vitamin and mineral supplements may be needed to help your dragon get all of the nutrients he or she needs.

3. To say hello:

Bearded dragons are climbing and burrowing animals that enjoy spending time with their human companions. When you interact with your bearded dragon, he or she may lick you as a way of greeting you.

This behavior is most often seen in baby beardies who are still getting used to their new surroundings. As they become more comfortable with you, they will likely stop licking you and focus their attention on other things. 

As such, they may also lick objects in their environment as a way of investigating them. If you see your bearded dragon licking furniture, walls, or other objects, it’s probably just his or her way of figuring out what those things are.

In any case, there’s no need to worry if your bearded dragon starts licking you or the furniture; it’s all part of their normal behavior.

4. Boredom:

As any pet owner knows, animals can get bored just like humans. If you notice that your bearded dragon is constantly licking objects in his or her enclosure, it’s a good sign that he or she is bored and needs more stimulation.

There are a number of ways to keep your bearded dragon entertained, such as providing him or her with new toys and objects to explore. When it comes to increasing the number of interactions you have with your dragon each day, try varied tactics.

If your dragon is still bored, it’s a good idea to talk to a reptile specialist about other ways to entertain him or her. By taking steps to keep your bearded dragon entertained, you can help him or her lead a happy and healthy life.

5. It’s a sign of stress:

While licking can be a normal part of a bearded dragon’s behavior, it can also be a sign of stress. Maybe your bearded dragon needs more space.

If you notice that he or she is constantly licking objects in his/her enclosure, then it might be time to take a closer look at what could be stressing them out.

Some common stressors for bearded dragons include loud noises, bright lights, and changes in their environment.

If you notice that your bearded dragon is starting to lick more often, try to identify any potential stressors and make some changes to reduce his or her anxiety. In most cases, reducing the amount of stress in your bearded dragon’s life will lead to a decrease in licking behavior.

What Kinds of Things Do Bearded Dragons Lick?

Beaded dragons typically lick three different types of things: people, inanimate objects, and other animals.

1. People: 

Bearded dragons are curious creatures, and they often show their curiosity by licking their owners. As they become more comfortable with their owners, they will likely stop licking them. Focus their attention on other things.

However, some beardies never lose their taste for human skin, and they will continue to lick their owners as a way of greeting them or investigating them.

While this behavior is generally harmless, it can be annoying for some people. If you find your bearded dragon’s licking to be too much, you can try training them to stop. Rewarding them when they refrain from licking. 

2. Inanimate Objects: 

As such, they may lick objects in their environment as a way of investigating them. If you see your bearded dragon licking furniture, walls, or other objects, it’s probably just his or her way of figuring out what those things are.

While it’s perfectly natural for bearded dragons to lick their surroundings. You should keep an eye on your pet to make sure that he or she is not licking anything that could be harmful.

For example, if your bearded dragon licks a plant that is poisonous to reptiles, he or she could become very ill. Providing your pet with a safe and clean environment to explore is essential.

3. Other Animals: 

In some cases, bearded dragons may lick other animals as a way of investigating them. This behavior is most common in baby beardies who are still getting used to their new surroundings.

As they become more comfortable with their surroundings, they will likely stop licking other animals and focus their attention on other things.

FEAR PERCEPTION IS WRONG

Most bearded dragons are not naturally aggressive and will only lash out if they feel threatened. Some common stressors for bearded dragons include loud noises, bright lights, and changes in their environment.

If you notice that your bearded dragon is starting to lick more often, try to identify any potential stressors. Make some changes to reduce his or her anxiety. In most cases, reducing the amount of stress in your bearded dragon’s life will lead to a decrease in licking behavior.

Why does a bearded dragon lick its lips?

If you notice your bearded dragon licking its lips, it may be thirsty. The best way to offer water to a bearded dragon is with a dropper or similar device. They usually only drink moving water.

You could also use a reptile water dispenser, which would provide your bearded dragon with a constant supply of fresh water. Be sure to mist your bearded dragon’s enclosure every day and give them fresh water in a cup.

Misting is important for the health of these animals. They can become dehydrated easily with no moisture around their cages or enclosures.

If you believe your bearded dragon is dehydrated, you should take it to the vet for a check-up. Dehydration is one of the most dangerous things for bearded dragons to deal with. So you need proactive measures in place.

Another reason your bearded dragon may lick its lips is that it is shedding. Bearded dragons often lick their lips when they are shedding, as it helps to loosen the dead skin.

If your bearded dragon is shedding, you should not try to stop it from licking its lips, as this is a natural part of the shedding process.

You can help your bearded dragon shed more easily by misting its enclosure with water and providing it with a bowl of warm water to soak in.

Finally, some bearded dragons may lick their lips as a way of showing submission. If you have multiple bearded dragons, you may notice that the dominant dragon licks its lips more often than the others.

This is a way of showing that it is in charge and the other dragons should submit to its authority. If you notice this behavior, you should not try to stop it. It is a natural part of the bearded dragon’s social hierarchy.

Final Thoughts

Bearded dragons are unique creatures with many interesting behaviors. One of these behaviors is licking, which they do for a variety of reasons.

However, if you notice your bearded dragon licking more often than usual. It’s a good idea to take a closer look at the situation to see if there are any potential stressors.

If you can identify and remove any stressors, it’s likely that the licking behavior will stop. If you ever have any concerns about their health, it’s best for them to see an experienced vet so they can get back up on track quickly.

FAQs

Do bearded dragons like to be petted?

Most bearded dragons do not enjoy being petted, as they prefer to be left alone. However, there are some beardies that enjoy being handled and will even fall asleep while being petted.

To avoid frightening your pet bearded dragon, start slowly and see what he or she does in response. If your bearded dragon seems uncomfortable, it’s best to stop petting and give him or her some space.

Do bearded dragons need baths?

Bearded dragons typically do not need baths, as they can clean themselves with their tongues. However, you may want to give your bearded dragon a bath if he or she is dirty or has a lot of dried cage substrate on his or her body.

Be careful when giving your bearded dragon a bath. Make sure to use warm water and avoid getting it in their nose or eyes, but once they’re dry you can put them back into the enclosure with ease.

What does it mean if a bearded dragon licks another bearded dragon?

The dominant dragon will often lick the subordinate dragon’s head to show that it is in charge. If you see this behavior, you should not try to stop it, as it is a natural part of the bearded dragon’s social hierarchy.

Are bearded dragons flattening out for a reason?

Bearded dragons have a variety of flattening habits. One, it helps them absorb heat from their basking spot; another is that they can move more quickly and easily with the skin intact. Bearded dragons also flatten out when they are feeling threatened, as it makes them appear larger and more intimidating.

Finally, some bearded dragons simply flatten out when they are trying to cool down, as it helps to increase the surface area of their bodies so that they can dissipate heat more effectively.

Why does my bearded dragon wiggle me?

There are a few possible reasons why your bearded dragon may wiggle his or her tail at you. One reason is that he or she is trying to get your attention.

Finally, some beardies will wiggle their tails when they are ready to mate. When you see your bearded dragon wagging its tail, it’s best to consult with a vet. Sometimes they are just trying out some new tricks.