August 2, 2022
Bathing is an important part of your puppy’s general care and well-being. By bathing your puppy on a regular basis, you help keep their skin and coat clean at all times. Bathtime also helps improve your puppy’s coat, making it shinier and softer.
Puppy baths are an activity that most puppy parents worry about. In fact, around 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as often as they should, according to Veterinarians.Org. It’s not a secret that most puppies don’t like getting bathed. You’ll find plenty of videos across social media of dogs protesting their bath time.
Even if your puppy barks or squirms, you must bathe them if needed. In this blog, we’re going to take you through the puppy bathing process so that it’s easy to follow. Let’s take a look!
When can you bathe your puppy?
You can bathe your puppy as soon as you bring them home. Just make sure you check if they need it. Most breeders bathe their puppies before they’re sent to their furever homes. You can also wait for a few days so that your puppy gets used to its new home. It’s up to you to decide when you want to give your puppy a bath.
How often should you bathe your puppy?
Although it may seem like a good idea, you shouldn’t bathe your puppy too often. Bathing your puppy too much can strip the oils from their fur, causing it to dry. There’s no exact rule or schedule to follow but most puppy parents follow this guide:
- At three months, bathe once a week
- At six months, bathe once a month
- For one year and beyond, bathe whenever needed
All dogs develop an odor after a few weeks without bathing. This scent can be your sign that it’s time to bathe your puppy. You should also consider your puppy’s breed, size, and activity level to decide how often to give them a bath.
Where do you bathe your puppy?
You can bathe your puppy in a bathtub, in your backyard, or even in your sink. Note that some puppies get scared inside a big, scary bathtub. You can get your puppy used to bathing inside a bathtub by placing them in it a few times a week.
Give them treats while they’re inside so that they’ll associate the bathtub with positive feelings. If you’re bathing your puppy in a kitchen sink, be careful. Your puppy may slip and fall when they try to get out of your grasp (they will).
Hold your puppy still to prevent injuries during their bath. For puppy baths outside, try inflating a pool in your backyard to bathe your puppy in it.
What type of puppy shampoo should you use?
Puppies have sensitive skin so it’s important to choose a shampoo designed for puppies. Some of the best puppy shampoos include Earthbath Ultra-Mild Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner, HoneyDew Moisturizing Lavender and Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs and Pups, and Burt’s Bees Puppy 2-in-1 Shampoo.
If you’re using medicated shampoo for fleas and ticks, make sure to read the label so that your puppy is the right age for it. For puppies with skin issues, ask your vet what shampoo brands you can use to help manage their condition.
How should you bathe your puppy?
There are many ways to bathe your furry friend! First, we recommend starting off by brushing your puppy’s coat thoroughly. This removes any dirt or debris trapped in their fur.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how you should bathe your puppy. Remember to be gentle and patient throughout their bath time. By treating your furry friend with love and kindness during their bath, you can make the experience an exciting and friendly one for them!
- Place a rubber mat under your puppy’s feet. This prevents them from slipping if you’re bathing them inside a bathtub. You can also use a rubber mat for baths in the sink.
- Use a hose or a bucket of water. Either choice will help wet your puppy enough so that they’re ready for their bath. Always use warm water, not hot or cold. Warm water keeps your puppy from getting cold and is better for cleaning their fur.
- Shampoo your puppy’s neck first. Start with your puppy’s neck and work your way down to their paws. As you rub the shampoo on your puppy, make sure you get a nice lather. Their head should be shampooed last. Remember to always use shampoo designed for puppies.
- Be very careful around your puppy’s eyes. Shampoo can irritate your furry friend’s eyes so as you wash their face, avoid this area. Also, don’t get water in their ears as this can cause ear infections.
- Rinse thoroughly. Make sure to use warm water to wash off all the soap out of your puppy’s fur. Poor rinsing can cause irritation and rashes on your puppy’s skin.
- Towel-dry your puppy. If your fur baby has a short coat, you could let them air-dry. However, if your pooch has longer fur you should blow dry on the lowest setting. Be very careful and don’t move the hair dryer too close to your puppy to avoid burns.
- Brush your puppy’s fur a second time. Once your pooch’s hair has dried, brush their fur again. This eliminates any knots or tangles in their fur after their bath.
- Check your puppy for any dry skin patches. If their skin is dry, avoid washing your puppy as frequently.
- Give your puppy treats and rewards. Bathtime can be stressful. Let your puppy know what a good boy or girl they are with a lot of praise and treats!
By making bath time fun and exciting, it will be a lot easier for you to bathe your puppy in the future and give you the opportunity to bond together. Be sure to pay close attention to the spots behind the ears, their muzzle, paws, and neck area.
Although puppies should not be frequently bathed, don’t hesitate to give your puppy a good wash if they get too dirty.
Want to know how you can groom your puppy after their bath? Take a look at our blog, Puppy Grooming for some of our helpful tips.
