Bearded Dragon Tail Not Shedding {Do’s & Don’ts}

The tail is the hardest part for my bearded dragon to shed. A bearded dragon tail not shedding can become bothersome for them and for you to witness.

What can you do to help? What should you not do?

In this article, I will help explain the process of assisting or allowing your beardie’s tail to shed in safe and effective ways.

Bearded Dragon Tail Not Shedding

It’s ok if your bearded dragon’s tail isn’t shedding as swiftly as the rest of their body straight away. Shedding takes some time and the tail may shed more slowly than other parts of the body.

  • Gently spray water droplets on the skin
  • Soak them in warm bath
  • Use a gentle bristle toothbrush
  • Try aloe vera without any heat lamps nearby
  • Buy a reptile shedding aid
  • Let them bask longer under UVB lights
  • Let nature run her course

My bearded dragon loses skin in stages. I bathe him and keep him hydrated. Allow me to detail the points above in this article below.

How Much Time Does It Take Bearded Dragons to Shed?

All healthy bearded dragons naturally go through shedding. A shed can be finished in:

  • a few days
  • 2 weeks
  • 3-4 weeks

The longest time it took my bearded dragon was a month. I tried multiple techniques including a warm soak, gentle bristles on a toothbrush and aloe vera.

Sometimes I get too worried and try too much at once. Thankfully, I didn’t pull away at his skin and exercised more patience in the end.

As long as his tail wasn’t turning dark, losing circulation or looking like it was tail rot, I left him alone to bask under UVB lights until the final pieces on his tail shed completely.

Does Soaking Aid With Shedding in Bearded Dragons?

Your dragon will experience extreme discomfort throughout the shed process. The pain and discomfort of shedding are eased with soaking.

  • The skin sheds more rapidly when they take a warm bath.
  • Young and old bearded dragons are be able to loosen the tough shed this way. 
  • Helping them shed their outer skin at this time is a terrific idea.
  • Never forcibly remove skin that is shedding.

Pulling on skin that isn’t ready to shed might do major damage to your bearded dragon.

Can I Use A Toothbrush On My Bearded Dragon?

Yes, you assist them in shedding with a toothbrush.

  1. Use a clean toothbrush with soft bristles and stimulate their skin.
  2. Brush them carefully in the direction of their scales with the toothbrush.
  3. Make sure not to be too rough or harsh.
  4. Be cautious to stay away from delicate places like the cloaca and eyes.
  5. Pouring water over them around their head region requires tremendous caution.

Your beardie should enjoy this. After brushing all the way through, rinse any dead skin off with a cup of water.

Dry them off gently after removing them to prevent them from becoming too chilly.Use a paper towel or an old towel to dry them in this manner. Be careful to pat lightly.

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Bearded Dragon Shedding Aid

Using a shedding aid is an easy technique to encourage the dead skin to shed from your bearded dragon if you need assistance. On item is the Zoo Med Repti Shedding Aid.

To get the most out of this shed help, just spend a few seconds using it a few times every day.
It is packaged in a handy spray container.

To relax the upper layer, all you have to do is spritz your beardie with it in the morning and evening.
It works because it keeps them hydrated, which increases the likelihood that loose skin will fall off.

Bearded Dragon Tail Rot

Tail rot is caused by an internal infection which can greatly affect bearded dragons. They can lose their tails and they cannot regrow them which is unlike other lizards.

Tail rot typically affects the tail of bearded dragons, although it can also harm their toes. Due to a lack of blood flow, the tail or toes will progressively turn black and become dry and brittle. There might also be no feeling in the tail.

If left untreated, tail rot will spread to other key organs such as the kidneys. Once the illness has spread to other regions of the bearded dragon, it becomes life-threatening.

Aloe Vera On Bearded Dragon

Moisture is essential in the removal of shed from all beardies. If you don’t have access to a shed aid and want to do anything extra, try aloe vera.

Take your time massaging this into their skin, being careful not to accidentally rip off any shed that appears to be loose.

If this is your first time, your baby bearded dragon may be restless. If you give them this massage on a frequent basis, they should become accustomed to it.

Important Note: Keep them away from their basking light once you’ve massaged it in. The heat emitted by these lights has the potential to heat the oil you just rubbed into their skin. It has the potential to heat up and burn your beardie.

How Bearded Dragons Shed Without Help

To assist with shedding, your beardie needs:

  • the appropriate quantity of UVB lighting.
  • humidity levels ranging between 20 and 40% 
  • adequate calcium from their meals
  • decorations for their environment to brush against and loosen up part of their scales

Conclusion

Sometimes you have to be patient and let nature take care of the shed. Never force yourself to remove the shed. Every bearded dragon owner has considered doing this at some point.

No matter how loose the shed is on your bearded dragon, never peel it off. Allow nature to do her thing.

If you are patient enough to wait, the loose skin will ultimately fall off on its own. If you remove the shed before it is finished, it can lead to cuts or an infection.

We hope this article helps your bearded dragon’s stubborn shed, especially on their tail.

Thank you for visiting PocketPetCentral.com for the best information to help you enjoy the life of your pocket pet companion in a fun, safe & healthy way.

Anna

My name is Anna and I work full time in my local pet shop where we sell many animals that I write about on this site. I love all animals and love writing about them.