Beardie a lot more aggressive lately

[shlurmp]

My bearded dragon is 3 years old and I've had him for 2 years. This past week he's been more active like running around his cage and wall surfing (something he hasn't done since I first got him). When he does this I take him out of his cage to run around but he's been getting angry really easily for no reason. The past couple days when he gets mad, he'll charge at me and try to lick me and head bobs at me. Nothing has changed in his set up or the way I handle him. He also has had cancer for a couple months now and I'm worried this is a sign he's in pain.

 

[CooperDragon]

It's possible his illness is causing him to act up. From what I've seen though, when they don't feel well they tend to act more lethargic and black beard a lot rather than getting aggressive. Aggressiveness generally tends to be more hormone related or irritation due to something like a shed.

 

[shlurmp]

He just finished shedding this week, but he's been really Moody after all the dead skin has come off. Would it make sense for him to become agitated after shedding instead of during the process?