Ever wonder, “Do bearded dragons fart? Does any lizard or reptile fart?”
Nearly all animals pass gas regularly and reptiles like bearded dragons are no exception. It is very common for any animal to have bouts of flatulence.
If you have or do own dogs, you know they can be notorious for cutting the cheese and clearing out a room fast due to the smell. People do it all the time though some of us (I’m not calling any names out, Johnny) make claims that they never do such a thing.
Bearded dragons do fart sometimes, usually during a poop, but there is no reason to be alarmed about it.
You may not notice when your pet lizard rips one off but if you do happen to hear the gurgle, it’s not a cause for alarm. Passing intestinal gas is a natural, healthy function of bacterial byproducts in the bowels.
The bacteria release waste in the form of gas, and eventually a bubble forms in the gut that needs to be expelled, usually in the form of a Bronx cheer. Bearded dragons do fart, and here’s proof:
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Should I Be Concerned About Bearded Dragon Farts?
As a pet owner, you might be wondering if this is healthy for them or not and it is good to remain informed about your lizard’s health since they count on us humans to care for them.
Over the lifetime of owning your pet, you will probably notice your beardie releasing a good fart when he passes a stool. If you don’t notice your beardie ripping one off at all, she isn’t embarrassed and holding them in, she just may not have much gas in her gut.
Bearded dragons don’t pass gas as often as some other animals such as dogs. Overall, dragon farts are normal, nothing to be alarmed about, and bound to happen at times.
There’s no real way to tell if a bearded dragon is cutting the cheese too much, too little, or if they are gassing just enough, but if your beardie is farting excessively while not passing poops, you might need to get him checked.
What Causes Farting?
Gas in the form of farts can be caused by different factors:
- Diets rich in fiber
- Swallowing air
- Excessive bacterial buildup in the digestive tract
Diets Rich in Fiber
Bearded dragons, especially adults, should be getting a good percentage of leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits in their diet. All these foods are high in fiber and can cause gas in the digestive system.
When the gas builds up enough it needs to escape, and the easiest way to get expelled is in the form of a fart. You should also be keeping track of your beardie’s poops.
Swallowing Air
Air can get swallowed during feeding, while drinking water, or if your beardie likes to sit in her basking spot with her mouth open. This is called “gaping.”
They cannot sweat so once they reach maximum heat tolerance, they open their mouth wide to help regulate their body temperature. When they close their mouth they can swallow a gulp of air.
The swallowed air ends up in the stomach, passes through the digestive tract into the colon, where it builds up and wants to exit. The swallowed air builds pressure until it gets released in the form of a grim ripper.
Excessive Bacterial Buildup
While gas from a high fiber diet, or swallowing air is normal, if your beardie is passing gas all the time because of excessive bacteria buildup, it may need to see the vet.
Your dragon may even become bloated because of the gas buildup. Bloating can be painful, which could cause your pet to become aggressive because of the irritation and pain.
Bacteria live in the digestive tract that helps to break down foods. During this process, they release tiny pockets of air into the bowels. If there is a large buildup of this bacteria, the result is passing gas, and oftentimes a lot of gas.
This can be a normal process, but if you notice your beardie rattling the cage quite frequently, you probably should have him checked out by your vet just to make sure there aren’t any underlying conditions that need to be treated.
Why Do Bearded Dragons Fart?
Farts are a natural process of digestion. Depending on diet and the amount of fiber-rich foods, bacteria in the gut, or other factors passing gas is going to happen.
Air gets trapped in the bowels of most animals over time and it needs to be released. The air naturally comes out in the form of a fart.
What Might Prevent Farting?
If you do happen to hear your beardie toot from time to time, then suddenly it doesn’t do it at all, there could be issues preventing the passing of gas. Constipation and impaction are two factors that can also plug up gas movement.
Dehydration
Beardies don’t actively drink much water. They are used to getting most of their water from food sources, or even licking water droplets off vegetation or themselves.
When a beardie doesn’t get enough water, the result could be constipation. Constipation can prevent built-up gasses from exiting.
Make sure your dragon enclosure always has fresh water in a shallow bowl. Mist them on occasion if you feel your dragon isn’t getting enough water, or feed them juicy vegetables and fruits like mango, or watermelon.
Constipation
Beardies can sometimes become constipated.
If you notice your dragon has not pooped in a while, or you feel a hard lump in its belly, it could be constipated. The stool blockage will also seal in gas that could result in bloating as well.
There are many ways to relieve mild constipation. You could give your dragon applesauce, pureed pumpkin, or the best way is to give your beardie a warm bath.
If severe constipation is a problem and the above home remedies do not help, you should contact your vet to make sure constipation isn’t caused by impaction.
Impaction
Impaction can happen for a multitude of reasons, but the main cause is accidentally consuming loose substrate. Bearded dragons do intentionally go about eating the substrate.
They explore with their tongues, and since their tongues are sticky if they inspect something on the ground, they can accidentally ingest small pieces of substrate.
Sand, walnut shells, or loose gravel should not be used as a substrate, even though the pet stores sell it, and the worker there might have recommended it, doesn’t make it a great material for your beardies cage.
The tiny particles can get picked up when they eat, especially if they are chasing crickets or live insects or from inspection that caught their eye.
Try some of these recommendations for your beardie’s substrate:
- MCLANZOO Reptile Carpet Pet Terrarium Liner
- BLSMU Reptile Carpet, Coconut Fiber Substrate
- Pet Supply Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrow Substrate 10 lb.
These substrates don’t have tiny loose particles that can be accidentally ingested and are safe for bearded dragons.
Impaction, much like constipation only worse, can also prevent your dragon from farting. You can try the above methods to help pass an impaction at home. Unfortunately, impaction will probably require a visit to the vet to remedy.
There We Have It, Class, Bearded Dragons Do Fart
The burning question on everyone’s minds has been confidently answered: Yes, bearded dragons do, in fact, fart.
It’s as natural as eating and sleeping, although sometimes a bit more comical and much smellier. Besides, there’s nothing cuter than farting animals.
If you never notice your dragon cutting the cheese, you shouldn’t be alarmed as long as she is eating well, is happy, healthy, and passing normal stools. It could be she is not a gassy bearded dragon, or maybe it’s because she lets out the stealthy one cheeky sneak which no one notices.
The occasional gas blast is normal and healthy, and if your dragon rips one off in your company, it simply means you’re a good bearded dragon parent and they are immensely comfortable in your presence.
In all seriousness though, gas is normal, as long as it isn’t excessive or accompanied by other abnormal symptoms.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article, and as always, if you are concerned about your pet’s behavior or symptoms, go to an expert. Don’t hesitate to call your vet if you feel something is off with your pet, they rely on us to keep them healthy.
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