Bathing your Bearded Dragon

Bathing is great for bearded dragons.

It can help hydrate, clean, shedding and with bowel movements. It is also a great fun way for them to exercise.

Some beardies take longer to get use to and enjoy their baths than others. However it is worth persisting with as most will learn to like it and they are very beneficial.

Babies should be started in smaller containers roughly the same size as they are, when older and more use to it they may be bathed in a tub or sink.

If bathing in a tub or sink you must thoroughly rinse it of soap and detergent. It will also need to be cleaned well after use.

Fill with water that does not feel hot or cold to you. The best temperature can depend on your beardie and if you are having problems it's best to experiment, but try and keep the temperaturs between 95F/ 35 and 98F/ 37C

You can fill the container up to where it reaches the beardie’s armpits.

Placing a towel or cloth in the bottom of the tub will allow the beardie to obtain traction on slippery surfaces and give them more confidence. You can also use a water dish or hides if stable enough to let them to climb out of the water if they wish

Once ready slowly lower your beardie tail and rear legs first into the water. You can then let your beardie rest its fore legs on your hand while he gets use to the water.

Start by gently agitating the water with your hand as beardies will often ignore still water. You can also leave a tap running slowly, but some find the noise disturbing.

You’ll find once accustomed to the water they will relax and start learning to swim. Some will even dunk there heads under and swim with the assistance of their tales.

You can use a soft bristle tooth brush to gently scrub your beardie of any loose shed or food.

Always be ready to replace the water as it often stimulates bowel movements.

Once you have finished bathing your beardie place it back into it’s enclosure to allow it to bask and dry off.