How to bathe a bearded dragon is a common question among reptile lovers. They can live for up to 10 years and grow to a length of nearly 2 feet. For many people, their first lizard is a bearded dragon.
To keep your pet healthy and happy, you should give him or her baths on occasion. Baths will help remove any oils from scales that may prevent your dragon from shedding properly. In this article, we are going to show you how to safely bathe your bearded dragon.
What You’ll Need
- A bathtub or container that is big enough for your bearded dragon to fit in comfortably
- Warm water
- Mild soap or shampoo (for reptiles)
- A towel
- A cup or spray bottle filled with room-temperature water
Instructions
- Fill your bathtub or container with enough warm water to cover your bearded dragon.
- Add a few drops of soap or shampoo to the water.
- Gently place your bearded dragon in the water and let him or her soak for 5-10 minutes.
- Use a cup or spray bottle to rinse your dragon’s body. Avoid getting water in his or her nose, mouth, or eyes.
- Gently remove your dragon from the water and wrap him or her in a towel to dry off.
- Let your dragon bask in a warm spot to help him or her dry off completely.
Tips On How To Bathe A Bearded Dragon
- Some people use a toothbrush to help remove oils from the scales.
- You can also give your dragon a bath outdoors if the weather is warm and sunny.
- If your dragon is resistant to bathing, try using a reptile-safe moisturizer on his or her skin to help loosen any oils.
The Importance Of Giving Your Bearded Dragon A Bath
Bathing your bearded dragon is a crucial part of caring for him or her. Bearded dragons naturally shed their skin to stay healthy, but if they get too oily this process becomes difficult. Bathing them will help remove any oils from scales that may prevent the shedding process and decrease the chance of infection.
It Helps With Hydration
Bathing your bearded dragon helps keep him or her hydrated. The warm water helps to open the pores on the skin, allowing the dragon to absorb more water.
It Helps Keep The Skin Healthy
Bathing your bearded dragon helps keep his or her skin healthy by removing any oils that may build up on the scales. Bathing also helps to remove dirt and other debris, which can cause bacteria to grow and lead to infection.
It Can Help With Digestion
Bathing your bearded dragon can also help with digestion. The warm water can help relax the dragon’s muscles and help food move through the digestive system more easily.
It Can Help With Shedding
Bathing your bearded dragon can also help with shedding. The warm water will loosen any oils on the skin that may prevent the scales from coming off. It is important to note that shedding can be a stressful time for your dragon, so it is important to be gentle and patient.
When Should You Bathe Your Bearded Dragon?
You should bathe your bearded dragon 1 to 2 times a week. This will help keep his or her skin healthy and free of any oils that could prevent shedding. If you notice that your dragon is having difficulty shedding, you may want to bathe him or her more often.
How To Make the Bath a Success
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when bathing your bearded dragon:
- Make sure the water is warm, but not hot. The water should be about the same temperature as your dragon’s body.
- Use a mild soap or shampoo specifically made for reptiles.
- Avoid getting water in your dragon’s nose, mouth, or eyes.
- Gently remove your dragon from the water and wrap him or her in a towel to dry off.
- Let your dragon bask in a warm spot to help him or her dry off completely.
What If Your Beardie Doesn’t Like Baths?
If your bearded dragon doesn’t like baths, you may have to be patient and try to bathe him or her a few times before he or she becomes used to it. Some dragons may never enjoy baths, but it is still important to bathe them regularly to keep their skin healthy. You can try using a reptile-safe moisturizer on their skin to help loosen any oils.
Disadvantages
There are a few disadvantages to giving your bearded dragon a bath:
- It can be difficult to get your dragon to cooperate and bathe.
- The process can be stressful for your dragon.
- Bathing can be messy and can wet your floor or furniture.
- It is important to make sure your dragon is completely dry before putting him or her back in his or her enclosure, as this can lead to fungal infections.
- Baths can be expensive if you have to purchase special soap or shampoo every time.
How to Dry
After your bearded dragon has taken a bath, it is important to make sure he or she is completely dry before putting him or her back in the enclosure. One way to do this is to wrap your dragon in a towel and let him or her bask in a warm spot until he or she is completely dry. You can also use a hairdryer on the low setting to help dry your dragon off.
It is important to make sure the hairdryer is not too close to your dragon, as this can cause burns. Once your dragon is completely dry, you can put him or her back in his or her enclosure. Be sure to monitor your dragon closely for the next few days to make sure he or she is not having any adverse reactions to the bath.
Conclusion
Bathing your bearded dragon is a great way to keep his or her skin healthy and free of any oils that could prevent shedding. Bathe about 1-2 times per week for the best results, but if you notice your dragon may be having difficulty shedding, you can bathe him more often. There are also some disadvantages to giving your beardie a bath, such as the mess it can make and the stress it may cause your dragon.
Always make sure to dry your bearded dragon completely after a bath to avoid any fungal infections.
