Can You Be Allergic To Bearded Dragons?
Are you considering bringing a bearded dragon into your home? While these delightful lizards can make wonderful pets, it is important to know that some people may have an allergic reaction to them. In this article, we will explore the possibility of being allergic to bearded dragons and what symptoms you should look out for.
We’ll also discuss potential treatments and prevention tips so that everyone can enjoy their pet lizard safely and comfortably.
What Are The Signs Of An Allergy To Bearded Dragons?
The most common signs of an allergy to bearded dragons are sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and skin rashes. It is important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other factors such as dust or mold in the environment. However, if you have any of these symptoms after handling your pet lizard or being near them for a prolonged period of time, it could indicate an allergic reaction.
Can Allergies To Bearded Dragons Be Treated?
Yes! If you believe that you may have an allergy to your pet bearded dragon, there are a few things that you can do to reduce the severity of your reactions.
First and foremost, it is important to try to limit your exposure to the animal – this means having someone else clean their cage and feeding them outside whenever possible. Additionally, consider speaking with an allergist about potential treatments such as immunotherapy or antihistamines which can help lessen the effects of an allergic reaction when needed.
Tips For Reducing Your Risk Of Having An Allergic Reaction To A Bearded Dragon
- Wash Hands Thoroughly: Be sure to always wash your hands thoroughly after handling your reptile.
- Avoid Direct Contact: Try not to touch your beardie directly; use gloves if necessary.
- Regular Cage Cleaning: Keep your reptile’s cage clean and free of any potential allergens.
- Bathe Your Beardie Regularly: Bathing your reptile can help reduce the amount of allergens and bacteria that can cause an allergic reaction.
- Regular Vet Visits: Make sure to take your bearded dragon to the vet regularly for check-ups to ensure they are healthy and any potential allergens are identified and treated.
- Keep Visits Short: If you are visiting a pet store or reptile show, try to limit your time there so you don’t come into contact with too many different reptiles.
- Be Aware Of Your Surroundings: Try to be aware of your surroundings and any potential allergens that may be present.
Can You Be Allergic To Reptiles?
Yes, it is possible to be allergic to reptiles. Reptile allergies are relatively uncommon, but they can cause significant reactions in those who experience them. These reactions can range from mild symptoms such as sneezing and coughing, to more severe reactions such as difficulty breathing or anaphylactic shock.
Reptiles produce a wide variety of proteins and allergens that can trigger allergic responses when inhaled or touched. Allergies to reptile skin scales, dander, saliva, urine, and feces have all been documented in humans.
In addition, some people may also be sensitive to the dust created by dried reptile skin scales which may contain various kinds of mold spores as well as other irritants. People with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma should take extra precautions when handling reptiles due to their increased risk for experiencing an adverse reaction.
It is important for anyone who suspects they may be allergic to reptiles to seek medical advice from their healthcare provider before coming into contact with any type of reptile species. A doctor will likely recommend allergy testing or refer the individual for further treatment if necessary. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan in place, individuals can manage their allergies so that they don’t prevent them from enjoying time spent with these fascinating animals safely.
Are Bearded Dragons Hypoallergenic?
No, bearded dragons are not hypoallergenic. This means that people who suffer from pet allergies may have an allergic reaction to a bearded dragon. Allergies can range in severity and depend on the individual, so it is important to do research before bringing a new pet into the home.
The source of most pet allergies comes from dander or dry skin flakes which can become airborne and cause an allergic reaction when inhaled or touched. Bearded dragons naturally produce these allergens just like cats and dogs, meaning they too can trigger an allergic response in some individuals. It is possible to reduce the amount of dander produced by keeping your bearded dragon clean and well groomed, but this will not completely eliminate all allergens generated by the animal.
Bearded dragons also carry bacteria on their skin which could potentially worsen existing allergies for some people. This makes it especially important for those with pre-existing allergies to be cautious when considering owning one of these reptiles as a pet. If you think you might be prone to reactions around animals, consider visiting a facility where you can interact with several different types of animals before making any purchases or commitments.
How Do You Know If You’Re Allergic To Bearded Dragons?
If you think that you may be allergic to bearded dragons, there are a few ways to determine whether or not this is the case.
The most reliable way to know if you’re allergic is to visit an allergist. An allergist can perform a skin prick test, which involves introducing a small amount of allergen-containing material into your skin and observing any reaction. If you have an allergy, it will show up as redness and swelling at the site where the material was injected. The allergist can also do blood tests to measure levels of certain antibodies in your system that indicate an allergy is present.
Another way to tell if you’re allergic is by simply being around a bearded dragon for some time and seeing how your body reacts. Many people develop sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose or other symptoms when they are exposed to their pet’s dander or shed scales. If these reactions persist after leaving the vicinity of the beardie, then it’s likely that you’re allergic.
Can You Get Sick From A Bearded Dragon?
Yes, you can get sick from a bearded dragon. Bearded dragons are reptiles and they often carry salmonella bacteria on their skin, which can cause salmonellosis in people. Salmonellosis is an infection that most commonly affects the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to severe illness if it’s not treated promptly. It’s important to note that even if your bearded dragon looks perfectly healthy, it may still be carrying this dangerous bacteria.
The best way to protect yourself and those around you from getting sick is by practicing good hygiene when handling your pet. Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching your bearded dragon or cleaning its enclosure.
Avoid kissing or snuggling with your pet, as this increases the risk of transmitting any harmful bacteria it may have. Additionally, make sure that any food dishes or toys for the reptile are washed thoroughly every week using warm soapy water. Finally, keep children away from the reptile as much as possible since they are more likely to become infected than adults due to their immature immune systems.
Can You Have A Allergic Reaction From A Lizard?
Yes, it is possible to have an allergic reaction from a lizard. An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system reacts abnormally to foreign substances called allergens. Allergens can be anything from pollen and food, to animal dander and saliva. In the case of lizards, they produce proteins in their saliva which can trigger an allergic response in some people when they come into contact with it.
When someone has a severe allergy to lizards, even touching one may cause them to develop symptoms such as swelling, itching or hives on the skin; difficulty breathing; nausea; dizziness; and sneezing. In extreme cases, anaphylaxis—a life-threatening allergic reaction—can occur which requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include difficulty breathing due to throat swelling as well as low blood pressure and fainting spells caused by shock. People who are severely allergic should always carry epinephrine autoinjectors like EpiPens for emergency treatment if needed.
Therefore, it is important for those with allergies to take precautions if they are going to be around lizards or other animals that could trigger an allergic reaction. It is also important for people with severe allergies not only to avoid contact but also exposure to any potential allergens that may be present in the environment where the lizards live such as dust particles or pet hair left behind by them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bearded Dragon allergies are real and can range from mild to severe in some cases. While they may not be as common as other pet allergies, it is important to recognize the signs of a possible allergic reaction before bringing a Bearded Dragon into your home.
It’s also important to keep an eye out for any potential allergic reactions that could arise due to contact with their food or bedding materials. If you suspect that you or someone in your family may have an allergy, it is best to consult with a medical professional for further testing and treatment options.

Alexander is the owner of AnimalQnA. He is a pet lover. He has created this blog to share some of his knowledge on different kinds of pets.