How to Bathe a Reptile

Reptiles benefit from a bath in a number of ways, and may even enjoy the experience. Warm water relaxes the muscles of a constipated reptile. In addition, some reptiles, such as the bearded dragon, absorb water through their skins, thus hydrating themselves. Furthermore, a bath can kill mites. Finally, to use a bath to help a reptile shed its skin, bathe the reptile at the beginning of the molting cycle.

Things You'll Need

  • Bath, tub or sink
  • Holding cage
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose an appropriate receptacle in which to bathe the reptile --- use a bath, tub or sink, according to the reptile's size. Avoid a space that is so large as to be intimidating or so small as to cramp the reptile.

    • 2

      Heat the water to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or to another temperature that is suitable to the type of reptile you are bathing. The water should feel lukewarm to the touch, neither hot nor cold, since your reptile's body temperature will shift to match the temperature of the reptile's surroundings.

    • 3

      Run the water to the height of the reptile's chest or, when bathing a snake, to the height of the reptile itself.

    • 4

      Place the reptile on the side of the tub and gently coax it into the water. When bathing an aggressive reptile, wear long sleeves, leather gloves and long pants, and make subtle but decisive movements.

    • 5

      Allow the reptile to soak in the water for up to 10 to 15 minutes. If it becomes agitated, remove it after one or two minutes and try again another day, letting the reptile gradually become used to bathing. If the agitated reptile is aggressive, drain the water, or remove water with a cup, and wait for the reptile to calm down.

    • 6

      Lift the reptile out of the water and dry it thoroughly with a cloth. If the reptile did not defecate while in the bath, place it in a holding cage. If the reptile did defecate, return it to its regular cage.

    • 7

      Bleach the area where you bathed the reptile, and rinse it thoroughly. Don't bathe any animals in the same receptacle for 24 hours, in order to avoid bringing them into contact with traces of bleach.