Can Bearded Dragons feel heat on their belly?

[Ven]

I have heard that Bearded Dragons can't feel heat on their bellies. I don't know if this is true or not. I have been behind the scenes at a local zoo. Their Bearded Dragons had large Kane heat mats in their habitat. They both were laying on the heat mats. I also am considering getting a hot rock. I know all about hot rocks, but this on has a rheostat on it and it has no hot spots on it. My Bearded Dragon's vet has given the ok to hot rock, because it is has great reviews and seems safe enough. But people have told me that they can be badly burned because they can't feel heat on their belly. If they can't feel heat on their belly how come people use under tank heaters. So I am really confused now and need help.

 

[NightmareDisco]

please get a new vet and please do not get a heat rock. They cannot absorb heat through their stomachs and they can get badly burned.

 

[catUK]

I agree with NightmareDisco. Bearded dragons have few nerves on their underside so can't feel when they are overheating/burning on their belly.

If they can't feel heat on their belly how come people use under tank heaters.

Under tank heaters are not necessary, people probably use them either because they don't know beardies can't feel heat much on their bellies OR to heat up the viv slightly.

 

[TheWolfmanTom]

They can feel heat to an extent on their bellys, however they cannot thermoregulate it well at all and it can lead to burns in extreme cases.

 

[Ven]

Ok thanks everyone. I just spoke the vet on the phone to double check about the hot rock and he said either I misunderstood or he phrased what he said wrong. So guess I am not getting a hot rock.