How to give a bearded dragon a bath? Bearded dragons are reptiles that exist in Australia’s deserts, woods, and shrublands, and while some bearded dragon species live in arid environments, many of them like swimming. Bathing bearded dragons can aid with shedding, give exercise, and encourage bowel movements. While most bearded dragons enjoy swimming, you must always keep an eye on them to avoid injury or drowning. If the bath is outside, never let your bearded dragon unattended in the water.
WHY ARE BATHS REQUIRED FOR BEARDED DRAGONS?
Before you read about how to bathe your bearded dragon, you might have a question in your head: If bearded dragons don’t get showers in the wild, do pet bearded dragons truly require baths? There are numerous advantages to giving your bearded dragon a bath.
Hygiene and cleanliness. Baths aid in the prevention of fungus, parasites, and bacteria in your bearded dragon. Especially if he’s prone to scrambling through his waste.
Skin that is healthy. Maintain the health of your dragon’s skin and keep it from becoming too dry.
Bonding and playtime. Bath time is a favourite pastime for many dragons. It’s a fantastic way for them to let go and have some fun. It could also be an excellent time to build your bond with your pet.
Hydration. Baths, in addition to a water dish and hydrating meals such as cucumbers and grapes, can help keep your dragon hydrated. Bearded dragons absorb water through their skin in addition to drinking it, so a pleasant soak can help them stay hydrated. Furthermore, many dragons will drink from their bath rather than a water dish (maybe yours is one of them!).
Reduce shedding and constipation. Constipation and shedding are both unpleasant experiences for your dragon. A relaxing bath provides much-needed relief.
HOW TO BATHE A DRAGON WITH A BEARD
To begin, make a list of everything you’ll need:
- Container or bin
- Cup or mug
- Hot water (at a temperature of 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Brush with a soft-bristle
- a gentle rock or anything for your dragon
- To disinfect the tub, use water and white vinegar.
- towel
- Climbing
Here’s a list of things you don’t require:
- Brushstrokes
- Washcloth
- Shampoos or soaps
- Sink or bathtub
You might raise an eyebrow at the last item on the list. Unless you have a dedicated utility sink for your dragon, you should avoid using a regular bathtub or sink. This is why:
Salmonella infection. Dragons frequently defecate in the bath, and their excrement can contain salmonella, which you don’t want in the family tub.
Chemical cleaners, soaps, and shampoos Chemical residue can be absorbed via the skin of dragons, and they also drink (a lot!) while bathing. Even if you only use natural sprays and cleaners, your dragon is at risk of absorbing or eating something hazardous, especially if they are exposed during bath time on a frequent basis. Shampoos and soaps, for example, frequently remain on the bathtub’s walls and floor.
It’s best to keep your bearded dragon in a separate tub for your own hygiene and the health and safety of your dragon.
Part1
Getting the Tub Full
1
Select a location for your bath. Bearded dragons will frequently defecate in shared sinks or bathtubs, and they can carry salmonella. Use a container like a kiddie pool or a plastic pail instead.
Consider a smaller container for a newborn or juvenile bearded dragon.
2
Fill the bathtub halfway with water. Use water that is between 85 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 and 37.7 C). A bath that is too hot could burn your dragon, but a bath that is too cold could cause his body to shut down because he is cold-blooded and relies on his surroundings for warmth.
One to three inches of water should be in the tub. To avoid drowning, make sure the water is no deeper than his shoulder joints (where the limbs connect the body).
Use only half to one inch of water for newborns and juveniles.
3
Avoid using cleaning products. Bath time for a bearded dragon is more like swimming, and you shouldn’t try to clean your dragon with soaps or detergents. You don’t need anything because the lizard is often cleaned by the water in the tub. It’s unnecessary because the soap might harm his skin. Bearded dragons are known to drink while bathing, and you don’t want them to consume soap.
Do not immerse your bearded dragon in chlorine water.
4
Make sure there’s something to climb on. Bearded dragons aren’t the best swimmers, and they get tired quickly. If he becomes tired and wants to get out of the water, it’s a good idea to put a rock (or something else) in the tub.
Part2
Your Dragon’s Bath
1
Submerge your dragon in water. Place your dragon in the bath once the tub is ready and the climbing rock is in place. Allow him to adjust to the water. Bearded dragons may paddle and splash around in the water.
If your bearded dragon defecates in the water, remove the excrement as soon as possible to avoid a mess.
Bearded dragons will occasionally inhale air to puff themselves up and float around. They will also close their eyes to keep the water out. If your dragon is floating around like this, keep an eye on him and don’t allow his head to sink beneath the water.
2
Brush your dragon’s fur. Pour bathwater over his back and tail using a cup, but stay away from his head and mouth (you don’t want him to aspirate water). Splash water under his tummy with your hand.
3
After the shedding is finished, remove the old skin. If any skin remains a few weeks after shedding, remove it in the bath with a soft toothbrush or washcloth after he’s been soaking for a bit.
If your dragon is presently shedding, don’t brush at the old skin since you can damage the new skin underneath.
4
Allow 10 to 30 minutes for your dragon to swim. This is enough time for him to soak and moisturize his skin, which is especially necessary when he’s shedding.
Remove part of the water and replace it with more warm water if it becomes too chilly. Keep an eye on the temperature with a thermometer.
If your dragon begins to struggle or become fatigued, pull him out of the water right away.
Part3
Warming and drying
1
Dry off your dragon. Place your dragon on a soft, clean towel after removing him from the water. Pat him dry gently. Keeping a separate towel for your dragon is a smart idea.
2
Keep your dragon warm. Get him under his basking lamp once he’s dry. He should warm-up because his temperature may have decreased in the bath or while drying.
3
Clean the container well. Bathing removes old skin and scales, aids shedding, and can eliminate bacteria from your dragon’s skin and feet; therefore, it’s critical to thoroughly clean his tub after each bath, especially if he defecates.
After the bath, wash the tub with a good strong soap and thoroughly rinse it. Remember to wash and dry any towels or cloths used to clean and dry your dragon.
WHERE DO YOU GO IF YOUR BEARDED DRAGON HATES BATHS?
It’s natural to watch your dragon puffing during a bath in an attempt to make himself more buoyant (in fact, that may be why your bearded dragon appears bloated after a bath). However, if your dragon is
feverishly puffing, flapping, splashing around, or desperately swimming near the receptacle’s edge, he is likely stressed and terrified. If your bearded dragon despises baths, there are a few options.
Please be gentle.
You may need to gradually acclimate your bearded dragon to bath time if the water isn’t too cold or too hot. When it’s time for a bath, make sure the water is shallow and that you remain calm and patient with your dragon during the process.
Consider using a smaller tub.
Perhaps your dragon is intimidated by the size of the sink, tub, or container you’re using. To make him feel less threatened, use a smaller receptacle with shorter walls.
Make a rocking offer.
You may also provide a rock or something substantial for your dragon to climb on if she wants to get in and out of the water. A rock can reassure your dragon and help her overcome her worries about bath time.
Your dragon may ultimately warm-up to bath time, or he may simply despise it…it all depends on your pet.
Daily mist Bathing your dragon more than once a week may not be worth the stress if you can’t seem to settle him down in the bath. While it’s not recommended to completely eliminate bathing, you can mist your dragon once a day to keep her hydrated and clean her off in between baths.
CAN I TAKE MY BEARDED DRAGON OUTSIDE FOR A BATH?
If you want to give your bearded dragon a wash outside, do so on really hot days. If the weather isn’t particularly warm, bearded dragons might easily become excessively cold during or after a bath, making it difficult for them to regain their normal body temperature.
Stay attention to your bearded dragon’s demands and make bath time as fun as possible, whether indoors or outside, and everything should go smoothly for you and your dragon.
Final Thoughts
It’s not difficult to learn how to bathe a bearded dragon. It will become second nature to both of you once you have grown familiar with the procedure (and your pet has become accustomed to it).
Don’t overthink things and stick to the simple steps we stated above. Bath time is actually a lot of fun for most owners!