Bearded dragons make excellent pets and can perform all the unusual tasks required, but can they swim? The majority of new bearded dragon owners are perplexed about this. You are aware that beardies do not naturally inhabit waters where they can swim nonstop. But you might be surprised to learn that they can actually swim and float for a period of 10 to 15 minutes without difficulty.
Bearded dragons are capable swimmers, but you should be aware that they also risk drowning. Yes, bearded dragons cannot swim naturally, and if they are not given enough oxygen or become exhausted from swimming, they risk drowning. Beardies attempt to float by taking in enough air and holding it for a few minutes while in the water.
Every pet owner enjoys engaging in enjoyable activities with their animals, and you can bring your bearded dragons along if you’re going to the pool for a quick swim. There, if they are interested, they will enjoy the water and keep you company for a short while.
Your beardies may appear to be having fun, but they are always at risk of drowning. Do not, however, worry. In this article, we will discuss whether bearded dragons can drown, the signs of drowning, whether they can remain underwater, etc. Continue to read.
How does a bearded dragon breathe underwater?
Bearded dragons lack the system necessary to breathe underwater, so they are unable to do so. They originate from habitats in desert regions, and their bodies are designed to handle that habitat. They might have a hard time breathing if abruptly submerged. Although your bearded dragon can swim and move in the water like a crocodile, it is unable to breathe underwater and survive there. The majority of bearded dragon owners are unaware that while they can hold their breath underwater, bearded dragons cannot breathe underwater.
Yes, most people are perplexed about whether bearded dragons can breathe underwater at this point. Bearded dragons can stay underwater for up to 8 minutes while we humans can only hold our breath for a few seconds. It is frequently believed that they can breathe underwater because of how long they can hold their breath. To breathe, float, and hold their breath underwater, your beardies need enough air.
Your bearded dragon can remain underwater for a fair amount of time if there are enough breaks between activities and sufficient energy levels. But because they run the risk of drowning when they are submerged underwater, you should pay close attention to them. You can let your bearded dragon swim underwater and enjoy it for eight minutes. It is advised to remove them after 8 minutes and give them some fresh air so they can regain their energy.
How long can bearded dragons stay underwater?
Bearded dragons are capable of swimming and holding their breath for a short period of time underwater. Your beardies can get along with water and enjoy it despite not having a water habitat. They enjoy remaining above water, though they will occasionally spend a few minutes underwater. However, as a pet owner, you should be aware of your pet’s ability to swim and survive underwater.
The majority of bearded dragons can effortlessly hold their breath underwater for 8 minutes. While some experts assert that they can remain submerged for 10 to 15 minutes, it depends on the bearded dragon’s age, interest, and capacity. If your bearded dragon has been taught to swim from a young age, it might prefer to stay in the water for longer. They will be able to increase their capacity as a result and remain submerged for ten to fifteen minutes. This is not the case for all bearded dragons, though.
Some bearded dragons might not like going under the water and staying there for a while. These bearded dragons won’t remain in the water for very long. Additionally, you should leave your bearded dragon underwater for no less than 8 minutes per standard advice. They must take deep breaths of air in order to survive underwater for longer than five minutes, and once they are ready, they will submerge and remain underwater.
You should stay with your beardies during this time because drowning is a constant risk. Only adult bearded dragons are subject to the 8-minute and 10-minute time restrictions. Don’t submerge your baby bearded dragon for longer than five minutes if you have one.
Can bearded dragons swim in deep water?
Yes, bearded dragons have exceptional deep-water swimming abilities. Bearded dragons are excellent swimmers and won’t have any issues in deep waters. For your bearded dragon to have a good swim and let their joy out, deep waters are frequently a good idea. Beardies who are kept in cages are prone to boredom; activities like swimming in deep water will occupy them.
Release your bearded dragon into the water gently. There, they will enjoy themselves while getting enough air and swimming nicely. To let them rest for a while and resume swimming in a fresh mood, you can use logs or other water toys. They will enjoy playing with bearded dragon toys in the water and their mood will be improved. However, you cannot drop your bearded dragon suddenly into the water or force them to swim.
Bearded dragons have preferences just like any other animal, so as a pet owner, you should respect those preferences. Bearded dragons can all swim, but they may not all enjoy it. You should be understanding if your bearded dragon is reluctant to swim in deep water.
Without their interest, getting them into the water could be problematic. Decide what your beardies like and use that to make them happy. You can teach a baby bearded dragon to swim in deep water if you take the necessary precautions and care. Your bearded dragon can swim excellently in deep water after being properly trained, and you’ll enjoy seeing them do it.
Can bearded dragons drown?
Yes, if they are swimming around for a long time, bearded dragons can drown. Even though bearded dragons are excellent swimmers and can stay underwater for extended periods of time, they are also susceptible to drowning. As we already mentioned, your bearded dragon is always at risk of drowning if it is in the water.
They are capable of swimming without any training, but because they tire easily, they cannot swim for an extended period of time. Bearded dragons cannot swim for extended periods of time like crocodiles and other animals can. They can only survive for 10 to 15 minutes before their lungs start to fill with water, which will cause them to drown.
When they swim underwater, many bearded dragons run the risk of drowning. They can’t raise themselves above the water’s surface primarily because they ran out of air and their bodies are exhausted. The energy required for a long swim or deep dive is insufficient for bears. Even bearded dragons in adulthood will struggle to hold their breath for longer than 10 minutes.
They must first become acclimated to the water, float like a pool toy, and use their small limbs to move in order to learn how to swim. If they perform this small task for a few minutes, it might use up a lot of their energy. They may require frequent breaks in order to maintain their energy level and keep swimming. However, you should exercise caution when your beardies are submerged because they are unable to give you obvious warning signs before drowning.
When they are submerged, you should be nearby to prevent drowning. In addition, you can remove them by yourself after 8 or 10 minutes to aid in their relaxation and maintain the flow of energy.
How to tell if the bearded dragon is drowning?
There won’t be many severe symptoms from your bearded dragon when it is drowning. You can tell they are struggling underwater because they are lying still and their beards are slightly changing color. The majority of the time, they remain motionless and completely submerged, so it is difficult to tell if they are drowning or not. However, you should remove your bearded dragon right away and administer any necessary first aid if it appears to be lying dead.
They risk starting to drown when they are unable to catch the air and their lungs fill with water. Long stretches of swimming may wear down their limbs, and their body may become too exhausted to rise above the water, which is another reason why drowning occurs. Therefore, your bearded dragon should only be allowed to stay underwater for the recommended 10 minutes at a time. If they remain longer and drown, you should not hesitate to perform the following procedures to save them:
- Lift your bearded dragon while it is facing down. You are allowing the water that it has breathed to escape by doing this.
- Get more of the water out of its stomach and lungs by massaging its abdomen with quick downward motions.
- Perform chest compressions using your middle and index fingers. But not too hard, as you might damage its sternum or ribs.
- Ensure that any liquid that may have left your lizard’s lungs is removed from its mouth.
- Through its mouth, inhale air into your beardies lungs, then with single chest compression, expel the air. Follow this procedure five to ten times.
Take your beardies to a nearby vet to get them treated after administering first aid. Bearded dragons are at serious risk of drowning, and it may also be a sign that your beardies dislike swimming. Even if drowning is unlikely, you can understand why your beardies don’t enjoy swimming if they have trouble breathing, have lost their appetite, or have stress marks.
Related questions
1. Can I take my bearded dragon to the beach?
Yes, you should take your bearded dragon to the beach because it will give them a change of scenery and help the two of you develop a strong bond. However, watch out for predators and other hazards on the beach.
2. Can bearded dragons swim in saltwater pools?
Yes, bearded dragons can swim in salt-chlorinated pools, but their skin may become dry if the chlorine level is too high. They might not be healthy if they swallow that water.
Conclusion
You must now be aware that, as a bearded dragon owner, your pets can swim exceptionally well and can stay underwater for longer than 8 to 10 minutes. This should not excuse you from the risk of letting them drown, though. When your bearded dragon is in the water, keep an eye on them, and when they come out, warm them up and have fun.