Bearded dragons should be bathed 1-2 times per week. Bathing helps keep their skin clean and hydrated. Here are some quick answers on bearded dragon bathing frequency:
Baby Bearded Dragons
Baby bearded dragons (under 6 months old) should be bathed daily. Their small bodies dehydrate quickly and frequent bathing helps them stay hydrated. Bath a baby beardie for 5-10 minutes in shallow, warm water.
Juvenile Bearded Dragons
Juvenile bearded dragons (6-18 months old) do well with baths 2-3 times per week. Bathing helps them shed their skin properly as they are growing quickly at this age. Bathe for 10-15 minutes in warm, shallow water.
Adult Bearded Dragons
Adult bearded dragons should be bathed 1-2 times per week. Frequent bathing is not necessary for adults. Bath an adult for 15-20 minutes in warm, shallow water. This helps hydrate them and allows shedding assistance if needed.
Sick/Dehydrated Bearded Dragons
Increase bathing frequency if your bearded dragon is sick or dehydrated. Bath them daily until their condition improves. Use shallow, warm water for 10-15 minutes. Consult an exotic vet if symptoms persist beyond a few days.
Brumation Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons in brumation (semi-hibernation in the winter) do not need to be bathed. Bathing could disrupt their brumation cycle. Resume regular bathing when brumation ends in the spring.
After Shedding
Bathe your bearded dragon after a shed to ensure all old skin is removed. The warm water and moisture will help loosen any remaining pieces of shed skin. Be very gentle and do not pull on stuck shed.
Before Brushing
Bathing your bearded dragon before brushing can help loosen dirt and debris in their scales. The moisture helps dislodge particles so brushing is more effective. Bathe, then gently brush your dragon after they are dry.
Dirty Bearded Dragons
Increase bathing if your dragon gets especially dirty between regular baths. For example, if they walk through their feces or track substrate everywhere. A quick bath can help clean them up.
Shed Aid
Bathe your dragon more frequently if they are having trouble shedding. The moisture softens the old skin and allows it to come off easier. Be very gentle and do not peel off stuck shed.
Conclusion
Here is a summary of bearded dragon bathing best practices:
- Baby dragons: Bathe daily for 5-10 minutes.
- Juveniles: Bathe 2-3 times per week for 10-15 minutes.
- Adults: Bathe 1-2 times per week for 15-20 minutes.
- Increase frequency for sick/dehydrated dragons.
- Avoid bathing during brumation.
- Bathe after shedding and before brushing.
- Bathe when dirty or to aid shedding issues.
Bathing requirements may vary depending on the individual dragon. Monitor their hydration levels and adjust bathing as needed. Consult an exotic vet if you have any concerns over their health or skincare.
What You Need for Bearded Dragon Baths
Bathing your bearded dragon is easy with just a few supplies. Here is what you need:
- Shallow tub or sink, not too deep
- Warm water – 80-85°F works best
- Gentle scrub brush or washcloth (optional)
- Mild soap or cleaning wipes (optional)
- Soft towel for drying
Choose a tub or sink that allows your dragon to stand comfortably with their head above water. Shallow Tupperware containers work well. Fill with just enough warm water to cover their legs/belly when standing.
The ideal water temperature is 80-85°F. Any hotter could burn their delicate skin. Use a thermometer to check the temperature before placing your dragon in the water.
Gently scrubbing with a soft brush or washcloth can help remove stuck shed or debris. Avoid scrubbing too hard. You can also use a mild soap or pet-safe cleaning wipes occasionally.
Always dry your bearded dragon thoroughly after bathing. Gently pat dry with a soft towel and allow them to bask under a heat lamp to completely dry off.
Bathing Tips and Precautions
Follow these tips to make bath time safe and effective:
- Monitor water temperature carefully
- Never leave your dragon unattended in water
- Allow proper basking after the bath to dry completely
- Watch for signs of stress like gaping mouth or jerky motions
- Gently scrub stuck shed – do not pull it off
- Rinse all soap residue thoroughly
- Disinfect tub between uses to prevent bacterial growth
Things to avoid:
- No baths during brumation
- No baths for freshly shed dragons
- No baths after eating – allow proper digestion first
- No baths for dragons showing signs of stress
- No soap for baby dragons under 4 months old
Bathing is generally safe when proper precautions are taken. Consult your exotic vet if you ever have concerns about bathing your bearded dragon.
Signs Your Bearded Dragon Needs a Bath
Here are some signs it’s time to give your bearded dragon a bath:
- Dirt, feces, or debris stuck on their body
- Unshed skin accumulating on their toes/tail/head
- Irritated or flaky skin
- Lethargy or seeming “out of it”
- Wrinkled skin that lacks elasticity
- Difficulty shedding
- Dehydration
Frequent bathing is key to preventing stuck shed and dehydration in bearded dragons. It also allows bonding time and helps you monitor their health.
If you notice any stuck shed, soak the area in warm water. Never peel shed off – it can damage their scales. Use a soft brush to gently remove debris.
Consult an exotic vet if you have any concerns about your dragon’s health, energy levels, or skin condition.
How to Bathe Your Bearded Dragon Step-by-Step
Follow these steps for a safe and stress-free bath time:
- Select a small plastic tub or sink and fill with warm 80-85°F water, just deep enough to reach their belly/legs.
- Use a thermometer to double check the perfect bath temp.
- Gently place your bearded dragon into the water or allow them to walk in on their own.
- Use a soft brush or washcloth to gently clean soiled areas if needed.
- Allow them to soak for 10-20 minutes depending on their age.
- Carefully lift them out allowing water to drain off.
- Wrap in a soft towel and gently pat dry.
- Allow to fully dry off while basking under a heat lamp.
- Disinfect tub before next use.
Go slowly and watch for any signs of stress during the bath. Keep soap use minimal. Thoroughly rinse residue and dry completely after.
With the proper supplies and techniques, bath time can be safe, calming, and beneficial for your bearded dragon.
FAQs
Can I bathe my bearded dragon too much?
Yes, too frequent bathing can be harmful. Baby dragons under 6 months benefit from daily baths. But juvenile and adult dragons only need baths 1-3 times per week. Bathing too often can dry out their skin and disrupt their hydration.
Is tap water ok for bearded dragon baths?
Tap water is fine in most cases. However, if your tap water is heavily chlorinated, use filtered water instead. The small amounts of chlorine in normal tap water are harmless. But excessive levels could irritate their skin.
What temperature should the bath water be?
The ideal bath water temperature for bearded dragons is 80-85°F. Any hotter can burn their skin. Always check with a thermometer before bathing and adjust the temperature as needed.
Can I bathe my bearded dragon after feeding?
It’s best to avoid bathing immediately after feeding. Bearded dragons need several hours to properly digest their food. Bathing too soon can disrupt digestion. Allow at least 3-4 hours after eating before bath time.
How long should I bathe my bearded dragon?
Bathing duration depends on their age:
- Babies: 5-10 minutes
- Juveniles: 10-15 minutes
- Adults: 15-20 minutes
Watch for signs of stress and end baths sooner if needed.
Can bearded dragons drown during baths?
Yes, it is possible for bearded dragons to drown if left unattended in water. Always stay within arm’s reach during bath time. Keep the water very shallow – just deep enough to reach their belly and legs. Never leave them in baths unsupervised.
Conclusion
Bathing 1-2 times per week is important for hydrating your bearded dragon’s skin and allowing them to shed properly. Bath baby dragons daily and juveniles 2-3 times per week. Use warm, shallow water and monitor temperature closely. Dry thoroughly and allow proper basking time after. With some simple safety precautions, bath time can benefit your dragon’s health.