Introduction

As a bearded dragon owner, you would want to ensure that your pet is healthy and happy. One of the things you need to pay attention to is shedding. While shedding is a natural process that all reptiles go through, your bearded dragon may have difficulty shedding its skin, which may lead to complications such as infections, loss of appetite, and discomfort. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps on how to get stuck shed off your bearded dragon to ensure that your pet is comfortable and healthy.

Step 1: Understand Your Bearded Dragon’s Shedding

The first step in helping your bearded dragon shed is to understand the process. Bearded dragons shed their skin in cycles, and it takes about 1-2 weeks for the entire process to complete. During shedding, your bearded dragon’s skin may become dry, flaky, and discolored. You may also notice that the eyes and nose become cloudy.

Step 2: Provide Adequate Humidity

To help your bearded dragon shed properly, you need to ensure that its habitat has adequate humidity levels. Provide a humidity box or a bowl of water in your bearded dragon’s enclosure to help keep the skin moist and soft. This will make it easier for the shed to come off. The ideal humidity level for bearded dragons is between 30% and 40%.

Step 3: Provide Proper Nutrition

Feeding your bearded dragon a healthy diet is crucial in ensuring that it sheds properly. Provide a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, and live insects to ensure that your bearded dragon receives adequate nutrition. A healthy diet also helps improve your bearded dragon’s immune system, which can help prevent infections during shedding.

Step 4: Soak Your Bearded Dragon

Regularly soaking your bearded dragon in warm water can help loosen the stuck shed. Soak your bearded dragon in a shallow container with warm water for about 10-15 minutes. Ensure that the water is not too hot or too cold, as this can cause stress to your bearded dragon. You can add a drop of mineral oil to the water to help soften the shed.

Step 5: Remove the Shed Manually

After soaking, you can use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to gently rub off the stuck shed. Be careful not to pull or force the shed, as this can cause injury to your bearded dragon. If the shed is still stuck, repeat the soaking and gently rub off the shed again.

Step 6: Use Coconut Oil

You can also use coconut oil to soften and remove the stuck shed. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to the affected area and gently massage it in. The oil will help moisturize the skin and make it easier for the shed to come off.

Step 7: Avoid Pulling on Loose Skin

As your bearded dragon sheds, you may notice loose skin that is still attached. It is important not to pull on this skin, as it may cause injury to your bearded dragon. Allow the skin to shed naturally, or seek the advice of a veterinarian if the skin does not shed on its own.

Step 8: Keep Your Bearded Dragon Hydrated

During shedding, it is important to keep your bearded dragon hydrated. Provide fresh water in a bowl at all times and mist the enclosure lightly to increase humidity. Dehydration can make shedding more difficult and painful for your bearded dragon.

Step 9: Check for Signs of Infection

During shedding, your bearded dragon’s skin may become red and irritated. This can be a sign of infection, and you should seek veterinary assistance immediately. Other signs of infection include loss of appetite, lethargy, and discharge from the eyes or nose.

Step 10: Be Patient

Shedding can be a lengthy process, and it may take some time to remove all the stuck shed. Be patient with your bearded dragon and continue to provide the necessary care and attention to help it shed properly. With the right care, your bearded dragon will be healthy and happy, and shedding will be a natural and painless process.

Conclusion

Shedding is a natural process for all reptiles, including bearded dragons. However, sometimes the shed may become stuck, which can cause discomfort and complications for your pet. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can help your bearded dragon shed properly and ensure that it stays healthy and happy. Remember to provide adequate humidity, nutrition, and hydration, and be patient, and your bearded dragon will shed naturally and painlessly.