A couple other things I've done....

Soaking wet, right out of the warm water...a bit messy, but I think the wet fur smell helps.

I've also soaked in chicken broth, then dried with blowdryer...when blowdryer alone doesn't work.

And I had to chuckle at your 395 KG ball python....it'd be eating full grown pigs if it was that big! 395g my friend