Everyone loves a good bearded dragon as a pet, but you may wonder, why do bearded dragons have nose plugs? What purpose do the beardies’ nose plugs serve? What are they made of? Why do they have them in the first place? Do they use them regularly to keep dirt and flies out of their noses? Here’s your answer!

Bearded Dragons have pointed, elongated snouts that allow them to retract their heads into their bodies. This allows for rapid movements when escaping predators. To keep food and other foreign substances from entering the interior, bearded dragons have long tubular nostrils that lead down deep into the throat, making it nearly impossible for anything to enter.

This makes sense. Why else would they need nostril plugs?

Why Do Bearded Dragons Have Nose Plugs?

Bearded dragons use nose plugs to keep food, dirt, and insects out of their nostrils. A common misconception is that the plugs are used to prevent potential diseases from entering their nostrils. While keeping flies at bay (which they may do more so than keeping potential diseases out) is essential, it’s usually not the actual reason why nose plugs are used.

Nose plugs, while commonly thought to be one of the more drastic ways to keep out dirt and insects, are a common practice amongst bearded dragons. The primary purpose of nose plugs is to keep unwanted debris out of the nostrils.

However, many owners accidentally find that other debris can be passed into the nose while resting the beardie on its back. When cleaning their habitat, many owners feel that function over form is better, so they remove the plugs.

The male and female will sport two or three nostril plugs on top of the opening at the tip of their snout. These plugs are relatively small and barely noticeable to most people.

Bearded dragons don’t use their nose plugs to keep food, dirt, and insects out of their nose holes.

Nose plugs are not necessary for bearded dragons, but they could be a good idea to keep out of the way when cleaning your pet’s habitat.

The nose plugs are most commonly removed by owners, which is why people often find that the plugs have fallen off or have been lost during routine cleanings. It is also possible for them to fall out without any disturbing factors, but it is usually because of cleaning activities.

Also Read: What Are Femoral Pores Bearded Dragon (Know The TRUTH!)

Are You Supposed to Remove Bearded Dragons’ Nose Plugs?

Most owners think that nose plugs are something that you have to have or remove for a bearded dragon to have a healthy life and overall aesthetics. However, doing so will only be detrimental to your pet’s health.

A bearded dragon will lick the inside of its nose and inhale it to aid digestion. If your pet licks its nostrils for the majority of the day, then there is no need to remove the plugs.

If your bearded dragon has any acute illness or injury, you should contact a vet immediately. Taking off their nose plugs could make things worse, which is why it is not recommended for owners to go around removing them regularly.

If your beardie has severe problems that affect its overall well-being, you should be taking immediate action by contacting a vet.

You May Also Like: Why is My Bearded Dragon Drooling After Drinking Water

How Do I Remove My Beardie’s Nose Plugs?

You are probably wondering how to best remove nose plugs from your beardie without harming them. In this next section, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to best do this.

Let’s get straight into it.

Step 1: The first step is to remove your beardy nose plugs and nostril holes. This will make cleaning their habitat easier without worrying about lint and dirt getting caught in the nostril holes. If you do not have pliers for this purpose, a pair of scissors should work fine.

Step 2: Once you’ve removed the plugs, warm water, and baby wipes are a great way to regularly clean the inside of your bearded dragons’ nose holes and nostrils. Baby wipes are especially great when they’re soiled by food or other debris which could get caught in the nostrils while bathing or more efficiently during burrowing activities (which may cause them to be stuck up in their noses).

Step 3: If you notice that your beardie is just resting its nose up in its nostrils, you can give them a quick bath and clean out any potential issues that may be stuck in the holes. Be careful; if your pet uses its nose to help them breathe, it will not be as easy to clean out. Just allow them to return to resting up in their nostrils after bathing and allow them a few minutes before trying again.

Step 4: Cleaning out the nose holes can become tedious, especially if your beardie has a lot of dirt clogging their nostril openings and even if they don’t make any sound when breathing through their nose (a sign of considerable obstruction). When you notice the nose plugs are dirty, you can rub a q-tip around the inside of their nostrils and gently work it up in their nose holes.

Step 5: If your beardie has a high obstruction or can no longer breathe through its nose, you should take it to its local vet for assessment and care immediately. As discussed earlier, taking off your beardie’s nose plugs could make them not be able to breathe correctly or at all, which is why it is not recommended for owners to attempt this on their own.

Editor’s Pick: What are Stress Marks on a Bearded Dragon + 6 EASY Tips

Conclusion

Bearded dragons only use nose plugs to keep bugs and food away from their nostrils. There is no health need for removing the plugs since they can be harmful to the pet and people.

If your beardie is actively cleaning its habitat, you do not need to worry about cleaning its nose holes. You may, however, bathe them if you have not already done so during the day. However, ensure they still have access to clean water so they can correctly complete this grooming behavior in the first place.