The bearded dragon is a species of reptile that lives in the deserts, forests and bushes of Australia. Although some bearded dragon species come from arid places, bearded dragons generally enjoy soaking in water. Soaking in water can help the bearded dragon shed its skin, exercise, and facilitate bowel movements. Although most bearded dragons like to swim, you should still keep an eye on them so they don't get hurt or drown. Never leave a bearded dragon in the water alone, especially when outdoors.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Filling the Bath
Step 1. Choose the appropriate place
Do not use a sink or tub that you or your family use often because bearded dragons will generally defecate when in the water. In addition, bearded dragons may have salmonella bacteria. Use small containers such as children's pools or plastic containers.
For baby bearded dragons, use a small container
Step 2. Fill the tub with water
Fill the container for bathing the bearded dragon with water at 30-37.7 °C. Water that is too hot can injure the bearded dragon. However, because bearded dragons are cold-blooded and need the right environment to stay warm, bathwater that is too cold can kill them.
- Fill the container with 3-8 cm of water. Make sure the shoulder joint (where the arms meet the body) of the bearded dragon is not submerged in water so it doesn't sink.
- For baby bearded dragons, fill the container with 1.5-3 cm of water.
Step 3. Do not use cleaner
Bearded dragons clean their bodies by swimming. Therefore, do not use soap or detergent when bathing a bearded dragon. Soaps and detergents may injure the bearded dragon's skin. Also, bearded dragons will generally drink when bathed, and you certainly don't want them to drink water that contains soap or detergent.
Do not bathe your bearded dragon in water that contains chlorine
Step 4. Provide a place to climb
Bearded dragons are not the strongest swimmers and get tired quickly. Therefore, place a rock (or any object) in a container so the bearded dragon can climb onto it when it gets tired.
Part 2 of 3: Bathing the Bearded Dragon
Step 1. Place the bearded dragon into the water
When the container is prepared and the stones are placed, gently place the bearded dragon into the container. Let him adapt. When in the water, the bearded dragon will probably paddle its feet and play with the water.
- If the bearded dragon defecates in the water, remove the feces immediately so that the container does not get dirty.
- Sometimes, the bearded dragon may take a breath of air to make its body swell and float. He may also close his eyes to prevent water from entering. Make sure you always keep an eye on the bearded dragon when it does this, and make sure its head is not submerged in water.
Step 2. Bathe the bearded dragon
Use a small cup to pour water over the back and tail of the bearded water. Avoid pouring water into the bearded dragon's head and mouth (to prevent water from entering its lungs). Use your hands to splash water down the bearded dragon's belly.
Step 3. Remove dead skin after the molting process is complete
If there is dead skin after a few weeks of the molting process, use a soft toothbrush or cloth to remove it. Do this when the bearded dragon has been in the water for a long time.
Do not brush a bearded dragon that is shedding its skin so that the new coat of skin is not damaged
Step 4. Let the bearded dragon soak for 10-30 minutes
This is a pretty good bath duration as the bearded dragon can be completely submerged. In addition, it can also help moisturize the skin. This process is especially important when the bearded dragon is molting.
- If the water is too cold, remove a little and then add warm water. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the water in the container.
- Immediately remove the bearded dragon from the water if he looks tired or wants to get out.
Part 3 of 3: Drying and Warming the Bearded Dragon
Step 1. Pat the bearded dragon with a towel to dry
Remove the bearded dragon from the water and place it on a clean soft towel. Gently pat the bearded dragon using a towel. Instead, use a towel specifically used to dry bearded dragons.
Step 2. Warm up the bearded dragon
Once dry, place the bearded dragon under a heating lamp. The bearded dragon's body temperature may drop when bathed or dried. Therefore, it is important to immediately warm up the bearded dragon.
Step 3. Clean the container for bathing the bearded dragon
Bathing a bearded dragon can help remove dead skin, aid in the skin turnover process, and remove bacteria from the bearded dragon's skin and feet. Therefore, it is important to clean the container after bathing a bearded dragon, especially if it defecates when bathed.
