Can Bearded Dragons Swim?

As an owner of bearded dragons, we want our beardies to enjoy their lives. We give them delicious bugs and veggies. In fact, even when fruits aren’t good, we still give them that as a treat. This is because not all veggies and bugs have every nutrition. Bearded dragons need additional nutrition to live a happy life. So, if you are someone looking for fruits that are good for bearded dragons, then here’s the good news.

Bearded dragons can eat almost every fruit, except the fruits that have too much sugar and salt. Bearded dragons can’t eat those fruits because sugar and salt aren’t good for them. Some fruits that bearded dragons can eat include nectarines, dragon fruit, passion fruit, cantaloupe, blackberries, and yellow squash. However, apart from fruits, bearded dragons also need to do some activities to keep themselves active. When it comes to humans, then they always find swimming refreshing. But the problem is can bearded dragons do the same? In other words, can bearded dragons swim?

Short answer: yes. Bearded dragons can swim. But, it’s important for you to keep an eye on them while they are swimming. This is because bearded dragons don’t have fins to swim. Even if they are swimming then that’s because they are using their legs and body to paddle through water. So, if you are up for keeping an eye on a dragon, then by all means let it swim. We are sure that you’ll have a hell of a time. So, in the future, if anyone asks you whether bearded dragons swim or not, then tell them that yes they can. Even you have let your dragon swim. But wait. The important question is: sure bearded dragons can swim but do they like swimming?

Do Bearded Dragons Enjoy Swimming?

We are sure you have seen those videos on YouTube where bearded dragons are swimming. They are fun to watch. But did bearded dragons like swimming? Well, to be honest, some bearded dragons love swimming, while others don’t. Bearded dragons are reptiles. Even if they like swimming, then I am sure till this time bearded dragons would have started swimming, but they don’t. Right? This also means that some bearded dragons hate swimming. However, there are those bearded dragons who love to swim with their toys. 

How to Tell Whether Your Bearded Dragon Like Swimming?

As a good rule of thumb: if your bearded dragon loves baths, then it means it doesn’t have any problem with water. It will also love to swim. On the contrary, if your bearded dragon hates when you are bathing them and becomes stressed whenever you mist them then this indicates their dislike towards swimming. So, make sure to bathe your bearded dragon before dropping them in the swimming pool. 

In What Areas Bearded Dragons Can Swim?

The area where you decide to let your bearded dragon swim is really important. This is because if you let your bearded dragon swim at any place you want, then their safety would be compromised. That’s why you must vet the places of swimming for bearded dragons carefully. Now, let’s see what are the places where bearded dragons can swim:

1. Basin of your house: This is the safest option. Since you live in your house, you’ll know what type of water comes through taps. So, if your house’s fresh and non-chlorinated water comes from the tap, then you can let your beardie swim in it. Just make sure to keep an eye on them. 
2. Sink of your kitchen: Before dropping your bearded dragon in the sink of your kitchen, make sure it’s clean. There is a lot of food that humans eat that bearded dragons don’t. Even if they eat a small amount of those food then they can become sick. For instance: gummy bears. So, make sure to clean the sink of your kitchen before letting your dragon swim in there.
3. Ponds and lakes: Sometimes, the water of ponds and lakes is cold. Keep in mind that bearded dragons are cold-blooded reptiles. They can’t keep themselves warm. That’s why you must make sure that the water of ponds and lakes in which you are dropping them is warm. Otherwise, don’t drop your bearded dragons there. They can become sick.
4. Tubs: If you don’t consider ponds and lakes safe, then tubs are the next best swimming area. Just make sure to sanitize it well. You can add any water to it.
5. Swimming Pool: Most swimming pools have chlorine in their pool water. However, there are some pools as well where chlorine isn’t added. So, if you know any swimming pool that doesn’t have chlorine in it, then you can let your dragon swim there.

What to Do Before Letting Your Bearded Dragon Swim?

Some people love to swim in hot water, whereas there are also people who love nothing but cold water. But unfortunately, you can’t test and check what are the temperature ranges that bearded dragons love. Their bodies are different than ours. They can become sick in cold water. This means that water should always be hot. Moreover, water should be free of any dirt. In case your bearded dragon eats dirt, then it can become sick. 

How to Ensure Bearded Dragons Safety While Swimming?

Before letting your bearded dragon swim, make sure you do the following:

1. Check the temperature of the water. Bearded dragons shouldn’t be bathed in cold water. They can quickly become under the weather. Moreover, they are cold-blooded. This means that you should always use warm or lukewarm water for them. 
2. Keep an eye on your bearded dragon every time. This is because some bearded dragons don’t like swimming. If you let your bearded dragon who hates swimming in the swimming pool, then the chances of them becoming stressed are high. Make sure you never push your bearded dragon into the pool. This is dangerous. 
3. Don’t let your beardie swim for more than 5 minutes. Even if your bearded dragon loves swimming, don’t let them swim for a long time. Beardies can become stressed really quickly. You can also add plastic toys to the pool. Just make sure that the water is shallow. Your dragon’s nose should be above the water level. 

Conclusion

Yes. Bearded dragons can swim. Just don’t let them swim for a long time. 5 minutes are fine. After 5 minutes, get them out of the pool. Some bearded dragons can become stressed even in this much time. Under stress, bearded dragons can even stop eating. This is really dangerous in the long run. Keep in mind that prevention is always better than cure!