How To Bathe a Bearded Dragon the Right Way

Before you begin, you’ll need a few items on hand to ensure your bearded dragon’s bath is safe and stress-free:  

• A shallow plastic tub, storage container, or sink  
• Lukewarm spring or tap water (between 85–92 F)  
• Use a reptile-safe water conditioner, like Zoo Med ReptiSafe Water Conditioner, if using tap water to remove chlorines and chloramines 

• A clean, soft towel for drying  
• A soft toothbrush or cloth for gentle cleaning (optional) 

Make sure the water is just deep enough to reach your dragon’s shoulders. Anything deeper can be risky, especially if your beardie isn’t comfortable in water. 

Follow these steps to give your bearded dragon a safe and effective bath:  

1. Fill your container with lukewarm water to shoulder height. If you’re using tap water, apply the recommended drops of water conditioner to remove chlorines and chloramines.
2. Gently place your bearded dragon into the water. 
3. Let them soak for several minutes. 

• • Many dragons enjoy bath time and may even drink the water (this is totally OK)!  

4. If needed, use a soft toothbrush to gently clean dirt or help loosen shed skin. 
5. After 10–20 minutes, remove your pet and gently pat them dry with a clean towel.

Always supervise your bearded dragon during their bath and ensure they don’t get too cold or try to jump out. 

When it comes to how long you should bathe a bearded dragon, here’s what to know: 

Most bearded dragons should only be bathed for 10 to 20 minutes, since this gives them enough time to hydrate and soak without becoming too chilly. If they seem restless or the water cools, it’s time to wrap things up. 

If you want to follow a schedule for how often to bathe your bearded dragon, the general guideline is once or twice a week. 

Ideally it’s important to have a shallow reptile water dish in their tank, that is changed and cleaned daily, in case your beardie wants to soak sooner than their bath time. 

During shedding periods, however, you may want to increase bathing frequency. Additionally, if your beardie is having issues pooping, a warm bath can help promote relaxation, making it easier for their digestive system to pass bowel movements. 

Just be sure not to overdo it, too many baths can dry out their skin. 

It’s important to never leave your beardie unattended during a bath and to avoid using any soap or shampoo, as these chemicals can easily irritate their skin or become ingested. Make sure your water temperature is lukewarm, not too hot and not too cold.  

If at any time your beardie appears stressed through frantic movements or trying to escape, get them out of the situation immediately. 

If your bearded dragon appears stressed, refuses to bathe, or shows any signs of illness before or after bathing, consult a reptile veterinarian. Bathing is meant to be a low-stress, beneficial routine, and any discomfort should be investigated. 

Bathing a bearded dragon doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right tools and techniques, you can make bath time a calm, hydrating experience for them.  

Just remember to keep the water warm, the environment calm, and never rush the process. 

Can I use soap or shampoo when bathing my bearded dragon? 
No, you should never use soap or shampoo. Bearded dragons are sensitive to chemicals, and plain lukewarm water is all they need for a safe, effective bath.  

What if my bearded dragon hates baths? 
If your bearded dragon seems stressed or tries to escape the water, try using a smaller amount of water or placing a towel in the bath for traction. You can also shorten the bath time or try a different container to see what they’re most comfortable with. If they still show signs of stress after these attempts, it’s best to stop trying. 

Can bearded dragons swim? 
Some bearded dragons enjoy paddling in shallow water, but they are not strong swimmers. Always supervise them and avoid deep water to prevent accidents. 

Should I bathe my bearded dragon if they’re shedding? 
Yes, baths can help loosen and remove shedding skin. Just be extra gentle, and don’t try to pull off any skin that isn’t ready to come off. You can utilize a toothbrush to help to gently remove the shedding skin if it has been stuck there for a week or more. 

Is it OK to bathe a baby bearded dragon? 
Yes. Baby bearded dragons can be bathed, but use extra caution with water depth and temperature. Keep the bath short (5–10 minutes) and never leave them unattended.