Research
What is supported
Central Bearded Dragons occupy environments where surface water can be irregular and seasonal. They can drink when water is available and may move through or sit in wet areas.
No peer-reviewed field study located demonstrates that healthy wild Pogona vitticeps deliberately bathe once or twice each week for hydration, shedding or bowel movements.
Evidence limit
Why the distinction matters
An animal using rain or a temporary pool does not establish a required captive schedule. Equally, the absence of documented routine bathing does not prove that water contact never occurs or is always harmful.
Claims should stay within the evidence: wild exposure happens, purposeful routine bathing has not been demonstrated, and captive bathing practices remain husbandry choices rather than a proven copy of wild behaviour.