Bearded dragons are cold-blooded reptiles that require a heat source to regulate their body temperature. While they can tolerate cool water, they generally prefer warm water for bathing and hydration. The ideal temperature range for bearded dragon water should be between 90-100°F (32-38°C). However, it’s important to ensure that the water is not too hot as it can cause burns or discomfort. Additionally, bearded dragons should never be left unsupervised in water, especially if they are not strong swimmers.
What You'll Learn
What Are The Risks of Incorrect Water Temperature?
Bath time for your bearded dragon can be an enjoyable and relaxing experience – but it’s important to make sure that the water temperature is just right. Incorrect water temperatures can pose serious risks to your pet, so it’s important to understand the potential dangers before you set off on your aquatic adventure. Here we discuss the risks of bathing your bearded dragon in incorrect water temperatures:
Dehydration
If the water temperature is too warm, it can lead to dehydration in your bearded dragon. The warm water can cause them to lose too much body moisture, resulting in a rapid decline in their overall health. It’s important to monitor the temperature of the water carefully and only use water that’s 90-100°F.
Stress
Using overly warm water (over 100°F) can cause unnecessary stress for your bearded dragon.
When their body temperature rises too quickly, they may become uncomfortable or even panicked. This can result in stress-related health issues such as decreased appetite and increased aggression.
Infection
Using overly cold water during bath time can lead to infection in your pet. Chilled skin is more prone to damage and infection, so it’s important to avoid using excessively cold water when bathing your bearded dragon.
Skin Irritation
Water that is either too hot or too cold can cause skin irritation in bearded dragons, leading to dryness, itching and other skin issues. By keeping the water at the correct temperature, you can ensure that your bearded dragon stays healthy and comfortable during their bathtime.
By understanding the risks of bathing your bearded dragon in incorrect temperatures, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable bath time experience for both you and your pet!
What Are The Benefits Correct Water Temperature
Bathing your bearded dragon can provide numerous benefits, including improved hygiene, healthy skin and coat, and even improved digestion. But what are the benefits of bathing your bearded dragon in the correct water temperature?
Let’s take a look at a few reasons why it’s important to pay attention to the water temperature when bathing your pet.
Improves Skin Shedding
Bathing your bearded dragon in lukewarm water can help them to shed their skin better, as it helps to soften it. This is especially important for young bearded dragons, as their skin sheds more frequently than adults.
Reduces Stress
Bathing in the correct water temperature can also be beneficial for reducing stress.
Bearded dragons get stressed when they become too hot or cold, so providing them with a warm bath can help them feel relaxed and comfortable. This can also help to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Helps Keep Their Body Temperature Stable
The warmth helps to regulate their internal body temperature, which is essential for their health and wellbeing. This can also help to prevent heat stress and other issues related to extreme temperatures.
Cleanliness
Bathing your bearded dragon in warm water helps to keep them clean and prevents dirt, parasites, and bacteria from building up on their skin. This will ensure that they remain healthy and reduce the risk of any potential health issues.
Cooling Down
In hot summer months, bathing your bearded dragon in warm water can help them to stay cool. This can be beneficial for their overall wellbeing as it can help to reduce their stress levels and keep their body temperature regulated.
Better Bond with Your Pet
Bathing your bearded dragon in a comfortable water temperature can also help you form a better bond with your pet. Bearded dragons that are comfortable in their baths will be more likely to enjoy spending time with you during the bathing process. This will help you develop a stronger relationship with your pet over time!
How to Tell if Bearded Dragon is Comfortable in the Water
Knowing how to tell if your Bearded Dragon is comfortable in the water will help you to ensure they are getting the best care possible. Here are a few tips on how to tell if your Bearded Dragon is enjoying their bath time:
Observe Your Bearded Dragon’s Behavior
Pay attention to your Bearded Dragon’s behavior while they are in the water. If they are swimming around comfortably and appear relaxed, this is a good sign that they are enjoying the bath. If they look stressed or try to escape the water, it could mean that they are feeling uncomfortable.
Look for Signs of Stress
While bathing, keep an eye out for signs of stress such as gaping or hissing. These behaviors can indicate that your Bearded Dragon is feeling overwhelmed or threatened by the experience.
If you notice any of these signs, take your Bearded Dragon out of the water right away and give them some time to relax before trying again.
Listen for Unusual Sounds
Bearded dragons usually make no noise during baths, so if you hear unusual sounds or squeaks coming from your pet then this could be an indication that they are uncomfortable. If this happens, it’s best to end the bath and try again at another time.
What to Do If Your Bearded Dragon Seems Uncomfortable in the Bath
No bearded dragon owner likes to see their pet uncomfortable, but sometimes it can happen when they’re taking a bath. If your bearded dragon seems uncomfortable in the bath, there are some steps you can take to make them more at ease.
Adjust Temperature
Bearded dragons are ectothermic, so it is important that their bath water temperature is not too hot or too cold. It should be between 90-100°F (32-38°C) degrees Fahrenheit, so use a thermometer to check the temperature of the water before you proceed with the bath.
If it is too cold, add some warm water; if it is too hot, add some cool water until it reaches the right temperature.
Check Water Level
Bearded dragons don’t like to be submerged any deeper than their bellies, as this can create an uncomfortable feeling for them.
Make sure that the depth of your pet’s bath is suitable for its size and check periodically throughout the bathing process to ensure it remains comfortable.
Limit Bathing Time
If your bearded dragon does not seem to enjoy its bathing experience, don’t prolong it unnecessarily. Keep baths short and sweet for maximum comfort; 10 minutes or less should be plenty of time for your pet to get clean and enjoy a little relaxation in the water.
Provide Comfort Items
Giving your bearded dragon a few comfortable items in the bath can help make it more pleasant. Consider floating a few small toys or treats in the water, or placing a branch in the tank for them to climb on. This will give them something to focus on while they get used to being in the water.
Use a Soaking Dish
If your bearded dragon isn’t comfortable in a full bath, you can try using a soaking dish instead. This will provide them with an area to soak without being completely submerged in water. You can also add some rocks and branches for them to climb on and explore while they’re taking a soak.
How to Monitor Water Temperature
To monitor water temperature when your bearded dragon is bathing, it is important to use a thermometer.
Place the thermometer into the water before adding your bearded dragon and wait a few minutes to get an accurate reading.
The ideal temperature range for a bearded dragon’s bath should be between 90-100°F (32-38°C). If the water is too hot or too cold, you will need to adjust the temperature by adding cooler or warmer water until it is in the correct range.
It is important to check the temperature of the water several times during the bath as the temperature can change quickly due to environmental factors.
[su_note note_color=”#eee”]
What You’ve Learned
- Bearded dragons are cold-blooded reptiles that require a heat source to regulate their body temperature, and generally prefer warm water for bathing and hydration.
- The ideal temperature range for bearded dragon water should be between 90-100°F (32-38°C), but water that is too hot or too cold can cause various issues, including dehydration, stress, infection, and skin irritation.
- Bathing bearded dragons in the correct water temperature can improve skin shedding, reduce stress, help keep their body temperature stable, maintain cleanliness, and allow them to cool down in hot summer months.
- Signs that a bearded dragon is comfortable in the water include swimming around comfortably and appearing relaxed, while signs of stress may include gaping or hissing.
- If a bearded dragon seems uncomfortable in the bath, owners can adjust the temperature of the water, use a smaller container, provide a hiding spot, or offer treats as a reward.
[/su_note]
Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
