Bearded dragons can regulate their own temperatures and do not require blankets to stay warm. They are ectothermic, which means they get their heat from the sun. This is why they require a basking area in their enclosure. They can also relocate to cooler areas if they become overheated. Because of this, they can perfectly regulate their own body temperatures without the use of a blanket.
However, just because bearded dragons do not require blankets does not mean they can’t have them. There are several advantages to keeping a blanket in your bearded dragon’s enclosure.
What You'll Learn
The Pros of Getting a Blanket for Your Bearded Dragon
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- Blankets increase comfort and help your reptile maintain a more consistent temperature. This is particularly important in colder climates or at night when temperatures can drop.
- Blankets also give your beardie a soft and cozy spot to relax.
- Because of the physical barrier they create, blankets provide a sense of security and comfort.
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Soft and Cozy Spot to Relax
Giving your Bearded Dragon a blanket can provide them with a soft and cozy place to relax. While Bearded Dragons do not require blankets to regulate their body temperature, having a comfortable place to rest can be beneficial.
Provides a Sense of Security and Comfort
A blanket in their enclosure may also provide comfort to bearded dragons. With the added layer of protection provided by their blanket, your bearded dragon may feel more secure. This can be especially beneficial if your bearded dragon is easily stressed or shy. A blanket can help them feel safe and secure in their surroundings.
Warmth
The warmth provided by a blanket is one of the primary benefits of providing one to your bearded dragon. Bearded dragons are cold-blooded creatures, which means they cannot generate their own body heat and must rely on their surroundings to keep warm. A blanket can provide warmth for your beardie, allowing them to be more comfortable in their enclosure.
The Cons of Getting a Blanket for Your Bearded Dragon
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- Reptiles are cold-blooded creatures, so they do not need extra warmth from a blanket.
- Blankets can cause them to overheat, resulting in health issues and even death.
- Blankets can interfere with their natural basking routine, as they may be too comfortable to move away from the warmth of the blanket.
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The Risk of Overheating
Bearded dragons can regulate their body temperature naturally, so a warm blanket is not be necessary. However, if a blanket is used, there is still a risk of overheating. This is especially true if the blanket is too thick or is placed too close to a heat source. You should always keep an eye on your bearded dragon while it is under the blanket to ensure it does not overheat.
Blanket May Interfere With Basking
While blankets can provide comfort and warmth for your bearded dragon, they can also interfere with their basking activity. Blankets can reduce the amount of direct heat from the basking light, affecting their ability to thermoregulate.
Safety Considerations
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- When shopping for a bearded dragon blanket, safety should be your top priority.
- To ensure your pet’s safety, blankets should always be kept away from heat sources and made of non-toxic materials.
- Make sure the blanket is easy to clean so that bacteria does not accumulate.
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Material (Must Be Non-Toxic)
When choosing a blanket for your bearded dragon, make sure the material is non-toxic. Many materials, including wool, synthetic fibers, and fabric softeners, can contain chemicals that are harmful to your pet if consumed.
The material should also be soft and comfortable enough for them to snuggle into without causing discomfort. If possible, look for blankets made of natural fibers such as cotton or bamboo, which are less likely to contain harmful chemicals.
Washability
Washability is important, but something we often don’t think about. To prevent bacteria buildup, blankets should be easy to clean. Washing the blanket on a regular basis will help to keep it clean and sanitary for your Beardie.
Having a blanket that is simple to machine or hand wash is also advantageous because it will save you time and effort in the long run. Cotton, polyester, and fleece are examples of easy-care materials.
Fire Hazard
From heat lamps to flammable substrates, reptiles can make your home vulnerable to fire. If you do decide to use a blanket for your beardie, keep it away from any heat sources. You’ll also want ot choose a blanket that is non-flammable.
Getting Your Beardie Used to a Blanket
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- Once you’ve chosen the right blanket for your beardie, they’ll need some time to get used to it.
- The best way to accomplish this is to put the blanket in the enclosure and let them explore it.
- You can also reward your bearded dragon for approaching the blanket or even lying down on it.
- It may take some time for them to adjust to the blanket, but with time, your beardie will come to appreciate their cozy spot in the enclosure.
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Place the Blanket in the Enclosure
When you’ve decided on a blanket for your beardie, it’s time to put it in their enclosure.
Check that the blanket is not too close to any heat sources and does not interfere with any basking spots.
Placing the blanket in their enclosure will help them get used to it, and they may even use it as a place to sleep or a source of comfort in the future.
Reward Your Beardie When They Go Near the Blanket
If your beardie starts exploring the blanket, give them a treat. This will help them form positive associations with the blanket and increase their likelihood of using it in the future.
It is important to remember that, as with any new item, it may take some time for your beardie to become accustomed to the blanket and begin using it on a regular basis. Be patient and continue to reward your pet whenever they show interest in the blanket until they become accustomed to it.
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- Bearded dragons do not require blankets to regulate their body temperature because they can regulate their own temperatures by basking and seeking cooler spots.
- Bearded dragons can benefit from blankets for comfort, security, and extra warmth.
- To ensure the pet’s safety, the blanket should be made of soft, non-toxic, and washable materials.
- The disadvantages of getting a blanket for a bearded dragon are overheating and interfering with basking activity.
- Priority should be given to safety considerations such as keeping the blanket away from heat sources and ensuring its non-toxicity.
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Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
