How to Give a Bearded Dragon a Bath: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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Filling the Tub Bathing Your Dragon Drying and Warming You Might Also Like Community Q&A Video. Tips Expert Interview References About This Article Reader Success Stories Did this article help you?

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Co-authored byAlisa Rassin

Last Updated: December 8, 2023Approved

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  • Filling the Tub
    • |
  • Bathing Your Dragon
    • |
  • Drying and Warming
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
    • |
  • Tips

Bearded dragons are reptiles that live in the deserts, woodlands, and shrub lands of Australia, and even though some bearded dragon species come from arid natural habitats, many of them do enjoy time in the water. Bath time for bearded dragons can help them with shedding, provide them with exercise, and can help promote bowel movements. Although most bearded dragons do enjoy swimming, you must be sure to monitor them at all times to prevent injury or drowning. Never leave your bearded dragon unsupervised in the water, especially if the bath is outside.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Filling the Tub

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  1. 1

    Choose your bath spot. Don’t use a sink or bathtub that’s shared with people, because bearded dragons will often defecate in the bath, and they can carry salmonella.[1] Instead, try a container such as a kiddie pool or plastic bin.

    • For a baby or juvenile bearded dragon, consider using a smaller container.[2]

  2. 2

    Fill the bath with water. Use lukewarm water that’s between 85 and 100 F (29.4 and 37.7 C).[3] Water that’s too hot could burn your dragon, but because he is cold blooded and relies on his surroundings for warmth, a bath that’s too cold could also cause your dragon’s body to shut down.[4]

    • Fill the tub with one to three inches of water. Make sure the water is no deeper than his shoulder joints (where the limbs meet the body) to prevent drowning.
    • For babies and juveniles, use only one-half to one inch of water.

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  3. 3

    Avoid cleaning agents. Bath time for a bearded dragon is more like a swim, and you shouldn’t try to use any soaps or detergents to clean your dragon. You don’t need to use anything really the water in the tub often cleans the lizard itself.[5] It is unnecessary, and soap could damage his skin. Also, bearded dragons will often drink when they are bathing, and you don’t want him drinking soap.

    • Never put your bearded dragon into chlorinated water.[6]

  4. 4

    Provide something to climb onto. Bearded dragons aren’t the strongest of swimmers and can tire easily. It’s a good idea to put a rock (or something else) in the tub in case he gets tired and wants to get out of the water.

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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Bathing Your Dragon

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  1. 1

    Place your dragon in the water. When the tub is ready and the climbing rock in place, gently put your dragon into the bath. Let him acclimatize to the water. When in the water, bearded dragons may paddle and splash around.

    • In the case that your bearded dragon defecates in the water, remove the feces immediately to avoid a mess. [7]
    • Sometimes bearded dragons will inhale air to puff themselves up so they can float around. They’ll also close their eyes to prevent water from entering. Just be sure to monitor your dragon closely if he’s floating around like this, and don’t let his head go under the water.[8]

  2. 2

    Bathe your dragon. Use a cup to pour bath water over his back and tail, but avoid his head and mouth (you don’t want him aspirating water). Use your hand to splash water under his belly.[9]

  3. 3

    Remove old skin after shedding is complete. If there is any skin left a couple weeks after shedding, use a soft toothbrush or wash cloth to help remove the skin in the bath after he’s been soaking for a while.

    • Don’t brush at old skin if your dragon is currently shedding because you could damage the new skin underneath. [10]

  4. 4

    Let your dragon swim for 10 to 30 minutes. This is a good amount of time to let him soak and help moisturize his skin, which is especially important when he’s shedding.

    • If the water starts to get too cold, take some out and add more warm water. Use a thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature.[11]
    • Get your dragon out of the water immediately if he starts struggling or getting tired.[12]

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Part 3

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Drying and Warming

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  1. 1

    Pat your dragon dry. Remove your dragon from the water and place him on a soft, clean towel. Gently pat him dry. It’s a good idea to keep a special towel just for your dragon.

  2. 2

    Warm your dragon. Once he’s dry, get him under his basking light.[13] His temperature may have dropped in the bath or during drying, so it’s important that he warm himself.

  3. 3

    Clean the container. Bathing helps remove old skin and scales, helps with shedding, and can remove bacteria from your dragon’s skin and feet,[14] so it’s extremely important to wash your dragon’s tub out after every bath, especially if he defecated.

    • Wash the tub with a good strong soap and rinse it out well after the bath. Don’t forget to wash any towels or cloths that you used to clean and dry your dragon.

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See Also
Bearded Dragons | Tiny Tails to YouHow to Make a Bearded Dragon Bath a TOTAL Success! (2023)Why Do Bearded Dragons’ Beards Turn Black?Lugarti Natural Reptile Soap

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  • Question

    What if my dragon doesn't want a bath?

    How to Give a Bearded Dragon a Bath: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (31)

    Community Answer

    It's recommended that you bathe your dragon every four to eight days, but if you'd rather not, a bath should only be necessary around the time it starts shedding.

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    I take a shower when the water is all the way hot and I'm scared it will be too hot. What should I do?

    That would be too hot; you'll have to either take a cooler shower or exclude your beardie from your shower.

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  • Question

    How can I check the temperature of the water without a thermometer?

    How to Give a Bearded Dragon a Bath: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (33)

    Community Answer

    Dip your elbow into the water. If the water is too hot or cold for your skin, then it's too hot or cold for your dragon.

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      Tips

      • Bathe your dragon often. Some people choose to bathe their dragon daily, but once a week or every two weeks should be sufficient.[15]

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      How to Give a Bearded Dragon a Bath: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (34)

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about caring for a bearded dragon, check out our in-depth interview with Alisa Rassin.

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      About This Article

      How to Give a Bearded Dragon a Bath: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (36)

      Co-authored by:

      Exotics Veterinarian

      This article was co-authored by Alisa Rassin. Alias Rassin is an Exotics Veterinarian and the Owner of The Exotic Animal Hospital of Pennsylvania in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in treating reptiles, birds, and small mammals. She holds a Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris from The University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences from Penn State University. She was also certified by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. This article has been viewed 155,843 times.

      5 votes - 100%

      Co-authors: 12

      Updated: December 8, 2023

      Views:155,843

      Categories: Bearded Dragons

      Article SummaryX

      If you want to give your bearded dragon a bath, grab a plastic bin or kiddie pool, because bearded dragons often defecate while bathing. Then, fill the container with lukewarm water and put a rock or something else in the water so the dragon has something to climb on if it gets tired. To bathe the dragon, pour water over its back and tail with a cup, and use your hand to splash water under its belly. If your dragon is shedding, let it swim for 10-30 minutes to moisturize its skin. Finally, take the dragon out and pat it dry with a towel. For tips on how to warm your dragon up and how to clean the container, keep reading!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • How to Give a Bearded Dragon a Bath: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (37)

        Anonymous

        Sep 19, 2017

        "Here's my story. Picture my bearded dragon: dirty; sad; depressed. All it really needed was to exfoliate..." more

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      Greetings, reptile enthusiasts! I am thrilled to share my expertise on the proper care and bathing of bearded dragons. My name is [Your Name], and I bring years of hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge about these fascinating creatures.

      Firstly, let's dive into the essential concepts outlined in the article "Filling the Tub|Bathing Your Dragon|Drying and Warming," co-authored by Alisa Rassin and last updated on December 8, 2023.

      1. Habitat Considerations: Bearded dragons, native to the deserts, woodlands, and shrub lands of Australia, require special attention to their bathing environment. The article emphasizes choosing a dedicated bath spot, steering clear of shared spaces to avoid hygiene issues.

      2. Water Temperature: Maintaining the right water temperature is critical. Lukewarm water, ranging between 85 and 100°F (29.4 and 37.7°C), is recommended. Extreme temperatures can harm these cold-blooded reptiles, either causing burns or shutting down their bodies.

      3. Water Depth and Cleaning Agents: The article stresses the importance of filling the tub with one to three inches of water, ensuring it doesn't exceed the dragon's shoulder joints. Additionally, it advises against using cleaning agents like soaps or detergents, as they may harm the dragon's skin and could be ingested during bathing.

      4. Safety Measures: Bearded dragons are not strong swimmers, and the article suggests providing a climbing element, like a rock, to prevent exhaustion during the bath. Furthermore, constant supervision is highlighted, especially when bathing outdoors, to prevent injury or drowning.

      5. Bathing Techniques: The bathing process involves introducing the dragon to the water, monitoring its behavior, and using a cup to pour water over its back and tail. Special care is taken to avoid water entering the dragon's head and mouth. The article also covers the importance of removing old skin after shedding.

      6. Duration of Bath: Bearded dragons are recommended to swim for 10 to 30 minutes, allowing the water to moisturize their skin, which is crucial during shedding. Monitoring water temperature and the dragon's behavior is stressed throughout this period.

      7. Drying and Warming: Post-bath, the dragon should be gently patted dry with a soft, clean towel. To restore body temperature, placing the dragon under its basking light is recommended. Regular cleaning of the bath container is essential to maintain hygiene and remove old skin and scales.

      This comprehensive guide, authored by Alisa Rassin, an Exotics Veterinarian, provides valuable insights into the proper care and bathing routine for bearded dragons. Remember, these creatures require attentive care during bathing to ensure their well-being and health.

      I hope this summary proves helpful for fellow reptile enthusiasts. If you have any specific questions or seek further clarification on bearded dragon care, feel free to ask!

      How to Give a Bearded Dragon a Bath: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)
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