Owning a reptile means getting used to some strange biological processes. One day, your vibrant, colorful dragon might suddenly turn dull, grey, and cranky. A few days later, their skin starts peeling off in crunchy flakes.

This is Ecdysis (shedding), and it is a completely natural sign that your dragon is growing or renewing its skin.

However, shedding can be uncomfortable and itchy for them. As we explain in our Ultimate Care Guide, your job isn’t to peel them like a banana, but to provide the right environment for them to do it themselves.

This guide explains the “Do’s and Don’ts” of shedding and how to prevent dangerous complications like Stuck Shed.

Signs Your Dragon is About to Shed

Before the skin starts flaking, you will notice behavioral and physical changes:

1. Dull Color: Their bright orange or yellow scales will turn a milky grey or white.
2. Lethargy: Shedding takes a lot of energy. They might sleep more.
3. Appetite Loss: They often refuse to eat for a few days before the shed “pops.”
4. Eye Bulging: This is terrifying for new owners! They puff their eyes out to stretch the skin around the eyelids to break it loose. Do not panic; this is normal.
5. Rubbing: They will rub their face and body against rocks and branches in their Habitat to scratch the itch.

Frequency: How Often Do They Shed?

• Babies (0-6 months): They grow incredibly fast, so they shed constantly (every few weeks). Usually, they shed the whole body at once.
• Adults (12+ months): They shed much less often (a few times a year) and usually in “patches” (just the tail, or just the head).

The Golden Rule: NEVER Pull the Skin

You will be tempted to help. You will see a piece of skin hanging loosely and want to pull it off. DO NOT DO THIS.

Pulling shed before it is completely detached can damage the fresh scales underneath, causing pain, bleeding, and infection.

• Rule of Thumb: If it doesn’t fall off when you gently brush it with a soft toothbrush, it isn’t ready.

What is “Stuck Shed” (Dysecdysis)?

Sometimes, the skin fails to come off completely. This is called Stuck Shed. If skin creates a tight band around the tail tip, toes, or limbs, it can cut off blood circulation. If left untreated, the tissue dies (necrosis) and the toes or tail tip will fall off.

Common causes of Stuck Shed:

• Dehydration.
• Tank humidity is too low.
• Lack of rough surfaces to rub against.

How to Help a Shedding Dragon

You can’t pull the skin, but you can aid the process:

1. Warm Baths

Soaking your dragon in warm water (shoulder deep) for 15-20 minutes hydrates the skin and makes it easier to peel. (We will cover the exact bathing technique in our How to Bathe Your Dragon Guide).

2. Misting

Lightly mist your dragon with water once a day during shed cycles to increase local humidity.

3. Shedding Aid (Coco Oil)

If a patch is stubborn, you can rub a tiny amount of organic Coconut Oil or a commercial “Shedding Aid” on the area to soften it.

4. Rough Decor

Ensure your tank has rocks, slate tile, or drift wood. Your dragon needs “furniture” to scratch against.

Summary

Shedding is an itchy, grumpy time for your pet. Be patient with them.

• Don’t pull the skin.
• Do give them a warm bath.
• Do check their toes and tail tip after the shed is done to ensure nothing is stuck.

Baths are the best remedy for shedding. But is the water too hot? Read our step-by-step guide on How to Bathe Your Bearded Dragon to do it safely.