Why bathe a dragon? How to encourage him to drink water?

Gail":1r6wfng3 said:

Some dragons just don't like to drink, most that I've had want nothing to with drinking in the tub. Many people say they can absorb water through the vent, not sure how true it is though.

Those temps are a bit warm for a bath, might be a bit much for him. Drop it down to 80-85 and see if that helps. A bigger tub might be appreciated too, one he can stretch out in.

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Gail":1j6ok1o9 said:

Some dragons just don't like to drink, most that I've had want nothing to with drinking in the tub. Many people say they can absorb water through the vent, not sure how true it is though.

<<< this keeps being suggested despite the fact that it is entirely false (an "myth" ) , the only way to get water into a bearded dragon is via it's mouth (in it's food or by getting it to drink).

Those temps are a bit warm for a bath, might be a bit much for him. Drop it down to 80-85 and see if that helps. A bigger tub might be appreciated too, one he can stretch out in.

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BriGecko":3rkoshe6 said:

My bearded dragon never seems to drink water. When I bathe him, he just gets stressed out and scrambles constantly to get out of the bowl.

The water temperature is 90-96 F and the water level is about up to his belly. <<< the few occasions I have bathed my dragons (you can count those on one hand in the last 12 months) I've never let the water be warmer than 32degC and never cooler than 30degC, this seems to work OK with my dragons (and also my skinks).
And never deeper than 15-20mm for my adult beardies and bluetongues, shallower for younger dragons and smaller skinks.
The only lizards I've had that like to be in deep water are water skinks who will splash about and dip and dive and swim about on the surface and underwater like micro-crocodiles.

What is the advantage to giving dragons baths if they don't drink during the process?

How else could I encourage him to drink water? <<<< eyedropped , a few drops at a time on the snout (drains by capillary action to lips) and if thirsty it will drink these.

Thank you if you have any tips.

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