Most reptiles benefit from bathing, but unlike mammals, it’s more than just a hygiene ritual. Soaking a reptile in tepid water is essential for their health and well-being because it helps keep them hydrated and can assist with shedding. Each reptile has unique bathing needs; some need more soaks than others. So, if you want to know everything about bathing reptiles, dip into the essential information below.
Reptiles Need Regular Bathing
Reptiles need regular bathing as part of their care routine. They absorb water through their skin, so soaking helps keep them healthy and hydrated. Reptiles seek out bathing areas in the wild and usually enjoy soaking in ponds and puddles. You can incorporate bath time into your care routine to enrich their environment and help to keep them healthy. Reptiles may find bathing strange at first, but most usually come to enjoy it.
You must ensure reptiles have access to water at all times, ideally in a shallow dish they can dip in. Some creatures make bathing part of their daily routine, and you must change the water in their bowl daily or if it is soiled.
Here are the benefits of bathing reptiles:
- It helps them shed their skin (you can also mist reptiles to assist with shedding).
- It is relaxing and may help reduce stress.
- It helps with their bowel movements; reptiles often poop in the bath.
- It helps keep them clean and may prevent illness and parasites.
How Often Should I Bathe My Reptile?
How often you bathe a reptile depends on many factors, such as the species, age, and time of year. Tortoise hatchlings need regular baths to help with development, for example. You must get the correct balance because overbathing isn’t healthy for reptiles. It can lead to health issues such as scale rot. You can bathe reptiles more regularly during shedding to prevent itchiness and loosen the old skin. If you often find your reptile in its water dish, you won’t have to bathe it as frequently.
Here are some guidelines about how often you should bathe your reptile:
1. Tortoises – Adults weekly and hatchlings daily.
2. Lizards – Bathe daily to help pet lizards with shedding or to relieve constipation, or once or twice a week, depending on the species.
3. Snakes – Most owners only bathe snakes if they are having difficulty shedding, but some species benefit from regular weekly or monthly soaks.
If you are unsure about how often to bathe your reptile, contact a trustworthy reptile vet for advice.
Where Do I Bathe a Reptile?
Before bathing a reptile, choose a suitable container and bathing area. Ensure the room is warm. You should use a small, shallow container with high sides to prevent your creature from escaping. The container should be large enough to allow your reptile to turn around. Small containers help creatures feel more secure and are safer.
Most owners find that using a container with a solid color instead of transparency helps reptiles relax. Once you find the perfect container, keep it for the sole use of your reptile and don’t clean reptiles in sinks or baths. This will help you avoid the risk of spreading salmonella. Clean the container after each use and deep clean it every two weeks with a mild disinfectant.
How Do I Bathe a Reptile?
When you have a suitable area and container to bathe your reptiles, it’s time to introduce them to the bath. Pour tepid water into the container, between 85 and 95 Fahrenheit. Water temperature is crucial when bathing reptiles because they are cold-blooded. They need warm water, and sudden temperature fluctuations can be bad for their health. Reptiles, especially tortoises, can’t swim well, so you must keep the water line way below their head. Aim to cover the lower third of their body and ensure they can keep their airways above water.
If it’s their first time, start slowly, and only keep them in the water for a minute or two if they get stressed. Gradually increase the time over a few weeks. Some reptiles will instantly relax in the bath. In this case, you can leave them in. Let your pet soak for 10 – 15 minutes and constantly supervise them because there is a serious drowning risk. Dry them thoroughly after bathing with a soft cloth or paper towels. They are more at risk of shell or scale rot when wet.
Reptile Bathtime Safety Information
Reptiles are sensitive creatures, and incorrect bathing may harm their health. Whether you’re an experienced or first-time reptile owner, to help your pet get the most from his bath time, follow the crucial safety tips below:
- Never use soap or cleaning products – toxic chemicals harm reptiles and may even kill them.
- Don’t use chlorinated water – it can irritate their skin and mucous membranes.
- Take them out if they are stressed.
- Use bath time to give your pet a health check. You can inspect their weight and condition when drying them.
- You can gently use a soft sponge or toothbrush to wash a tortoise’s shell – but don’t use sponges and brushes on other wet reptiles.
- Invest in a thermometer for precision – monitor the water temperature during the soak and top up with warm water if necessary.
Most reptiles enjoy soaking in water and often do it in the wild because it’s good for their health. As a responsible pet parent, you must research your creature’s soaking needs. If you can’t find the information online, consult an exotic vet because incorrect bathing may harm a reptile.
