Bearded dragons are reptiles that inhabit in Australia’s deserts, woods, and shrub areas. Although some bearded dragon species originate from arid natural settings, many of them like spending time in water.
If you own a bearded dragon, you’ll need to know how to bathe a bearded dragon. Baths are quite helpful to these pet reptiles, so you’ll be doing them on a frequent basis. Baths can also help with health issues like shedding and constipation.
Does Bearded Dragon Need Baths?
Bearded dragons, like humans, require frequent bathing to maintain their cleanliness and general health. Bathing helps maintain their skin clean, helps with shedding, and allows them to stay hydrated.
Giving your bearded dragon a bath is one of the most relaxing and thrilling activities you can engage in with it. Most bearded dragons enjoys a warm bath every now and again.
Adult bearded dragons typically require baths every several weeks, however baby bearded may require more regular baths, such as once a week.
This article will walk you through the process of bathing your bearded dragon, from obtaining ingredients to cleaning up. This allows you to wash your bearded dragon safely from start to finish.
Things You Need to Bathe a Bearded Dragon
Unlike humans, who enjoy lathering up with expensive soaps in the bath, washing your bearded dragon takes absolutely no ingredients. You do not use soap or any other form of agent to wash your bearded dragon.
Here’s what you might need to get started:
- Container or bin
- Mug
- Warm water (between 90 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Thermometer
- Toothbrush with a soft bristle
- A gentle towel
- Something for your dragon to climb on, such as a rock
- To disinfect the tub, use water and white vinegar.
Steps on How to Bathe a Bearded Dragon
1. Prepare The Bath Water
The first step that you need to do is prepare the bathing area. Bath tubs or sinks in the home are unnecessary, can be overly big, and can cause cleaning problems, especially when bathing increases bowel motions.
Fill your tub halfway with lukewarm water, but not all the way. Safety is essential in this situation! Beardies may easily get water into their lungs, therefore maintain the water level low to avoid drowning.
Fill the bath halfway up to one inch with water for infant and juvenile bearded dragons. According to the size of the bath, adults can fill it with one to three inches of water.
Keep the water level low and never leave your bearded dragon unattended. Check that the water is not excessively hot. You don’t want to burn your bearded dragon’s skin.
It is best to keep the temperature of the water between 85 and 92 degrees F. This keeps a beardie warm when bathing while preventing scalds and pain.
While your bearded dragon is bathing, make sure the water does not chill too much, particularly if it has lately eaten.
2. Steps to Give Your Bearded Dragon a Bath
Place your dragon in the bath after everything is in place and the water is at the proper temperature. If you’re a bearded dragon owner and this is your first time washing it, don’t be shocked if it resists.
This may be an unfamiliar situation for your lizard, so proceed with caution. Allow them to settle in your hand for a few moments. While you’re doing it, stir the water around a little so they can see it.
Then immerse them in water! Allow your bearded dragon some time to settle in. Allow them to examine on their own to ensure they have nothing to worry!
3. Bathe The Beardie
The bearded dragon will almost certainly drink some of the water, and you are not interested in it ingesting any suds. It is sufficient to use fresh, dechlorinated tap water.
You may now gently spray water on your bearded dragon. Using a paper cup, carefully pour water up and down the bearded dragon’s back and tail. Pour water away from its eyes and nose.
Most bearded dragons prefer water and will appreciate the refreshing dip. Allow at least 15 to 20 minutes for the bearded dragon to soak in the water. This will provide a thorough soak time, which will benefit the skin, especially during shedding.
4. Dry The Beardie
Lift them out of the bath once they’ve finished bathing and spend some time drying them off.
A paper towel or a soft towel can be used. Personal preference will determine which option is ideal for you. As it is cold-blooded reptile, dry your bearded dragon thoroughly.
For them, the switch from lukewarm water to a chilly atmosphere might be unsettling.
Blot the skin lightly with whatever you’re using to get rid of excess water. Don’t put too much strain on. Any rubbing motions should also be avoided. Keep it light and pleasant.
5. Keep your dragon warm.
Because dragons are cold blooded, they depend on outside temperatures to keep their bodies warm. Getting out of the bath causes your dragon’s body temperature to decrease, so it’s important to bring him back under his basking light as soon as possible to avoid him becoming too chilly.
6. Clear out the container
Bathing removes old skin and scales, aids in shedding, and can eliminate bacteria from your dragon’s skin and feet, therefore it’s critical to thoroughly clean your dragon’s tub after each bath, particularly if he defecated.
After the bath, thoroughly rinse the tub with an effective strong soap. Remember to wash any towels or cloths used for cleaning and dry your dragon.
The Benefits of Bathing Your Bearded Dragon
It is critical to maintain bearded dragons healthy and happy so that they may enjoy their everyday lives. Bathing requirements for a bearded dragon must be considered in order to keep it safe and healthy.
Learning how to bathe your pet effectively will go a long way towards keeping it’s safe. If you’re still not convinced that washing your bearded dragon is necessary, consider the following advantages.
1. Hydration
Bearded dragons can suffer hydration issues. Since they get moisturized from the food they consume. Many dragons will drink from their bath but won’t drink from a water dish.
Most beardies can’t help but drink when they’re encircled by water. Therefore baths can help your bearded dragons hydrate.
2. Healthy skin
A bathing can help remove stubborn particles of dead skin during shedding. Allowing them to soak in the bath, on the other hand, will cause the skin to peel straight off.
Give your bearded dragon a 15 to 20 minute bath. Use a soft towel to gently pat your pet dry after the bath. When you put him back in his tank while he’s still moist, the substrate can adhere to him.
3. Bonding
Many dragons adore taking baths. It’s a terrific opportunity for kids to let go and have a little fun. It might also be an excellent time to build your bond with your companion.
4. Hygiene
Baths aid in the removal of fungi, parasites, and bacteria from your bearded dragon. Particularly if he likes to scramble through his droppings.
Regular bathing will not completely remove germs. You must still sterilize and clean the enclosure on a regular basis. Your beardie is going to be healthier and less likely to become sick. Plus, they won’t stink!
5. Improved Digestive Health
Increasing your dragon’s water consumption is a significant advantage, since more hydration is always beneficial. Impaction caused by consuming solid or hard foods can be potentially fatal.
Constipation and shedding are both unpleasant experiences for your dragon. A relaxing bath provides much-needed respite.
What if Your Bearded Dragon Hates Bath?
Baths are not for all bearded dragons. And, because your beardie’s emotional well-being is so vital, you should evaluate their bathing experience before making it a habit.
Begin by bathing them once a week. When it’s time for a bath, keep the water shallow and be gentle with your dragon the entire time.
You may also provide a rock or anything firm for your dragon to climb on if she wants to go in and out of the water. A rock can provide protection for your dragon and help her conquer bath time worries.
What to Avoid When You Bathe Your Beardie?
1. Don’t Use Soaps, Shampoos, and Chemical Cleaners
Soaps and cleaning detergents should be avoided. Even so-called “animal-safe” items are harmful to your pet bearded dragon. Even if you use organic sprays and cleansers, your dragon is at risk of inhaling or eating anything hazardous, especially if they are exposed to bath water on a frequent basis.
2. Don’t use household bathtub or sink
Dragons frequently defecate in the bath time, and the waste can contain salmonella, which you don’t want in the family tub.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Bearded Dragon?
Bathe your bearded dragon twice a week. Maintaining a frequent bath schedule like this will allow your beardie to reap the full advantages of bathing.
However, you can wash your bearded dragon more regularly if you choose. Bathing a beardie on a daily baths are a bit excessive, but if your dragon is exceptionally dirty, you can administer extra baths.
Bathing your dragon every day might help eliminate shedding and constipation difficulties. Just be ready to clean up after your dragon because the bath will most likely cure her constipation.
Shedding is a painful procedure for your dragon. A warm bath not only relieves the agony and suffering of shedding skin, but it also helps the skin to shed quicker.
Conclusion
Whether you give your bearded dragon a brief or long bath, whether indoors or outside, keep sensitive to your dragon’s requirements and make bath time as joyful as possible, and you and your dragon should have a good time.
Bathing keeps your bearded dragon clean and free of germs and it is a quick, easy, and enjoyable method to bond with your bearded dragon.
FAQs
Do warm baths help bearded dragons poop?
When it comes to stimulating bowel movements and assisting with digestion, bearded dragons might benefit from taking warm baths. Warm baths for your bearded dragon might aid to energize their digestive system and increase feces. Their muscles are relaxed by the warm water, which makes it simpler for them to pass faeces.
Why do bearded dragons flatten out in the bath?
In the bath, bearded dragons frequently flatten down their body as a normal reaction to the unfamiliar surroundings and sensations they face. For your bearded dragon’s health at this period, you must provide a cozy, secure bath setting with the proper water temperature.
Do Beardies bathe in hot or cold water?
Instead of hot or cold water, bearded dragons should be washed in lukewarm water. Around 90°F (32°C) is the perfect water temperature for a bearded dragon bath. Their native environment is quite similar to this temperature, making bathing safe and comfortable for them.
How long should I let my bearded dragon soak in water?
It is often advised to let your bearded dragon immerse in water for 10 to 15 minutes while giving them a bath. They have just enough time to enjoy the warmth and wetness of the bath without lingering too long and maybe getting upset.
When to bathe a bearded dragon?
Regular bathing of your bearded dragon will assist to maintain their cleanliness and encourage hydration. However, depending on a number of variables, such as your bearded dragon’s age, health, and specific demands, the frequency of bathing may change.
Hugues Beaufrere is the Exoticpetia’s senior writer and reptile expert. He has been fascinated by reptiles and monkeys since he was a kid and had years of experience in herpetology and primatology. He has cared for various kinds of Monkeys, Lizards and Reptiles and loves to share his knowledge and passion with others.
Dr. Patrick Simon, DVM, is a qualified veterinarian specializing in exotic animals, especially reptiles. He has a master’s degree in zoology and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of California, Davis. He has worked with various reptile owners and rescues for over ten years, providing expert care and advice. He is passionate about educating people about the fascinating world of reptiles and their unique needs.