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Bathing puppies sounds easy, but the reality is that cleaning them comes with challenges. It’s normal for new dog parents to have questions like when can you have the first bath for puppy? We will break it down for you in this article. Also, give you a step-by-step guide and handy tips to bathe your puppy at home like an expert.
Let’s dive right in!
First bath for puppy: When can puppies have their first bath?
Puppies can have their first bath until they’re at least 8 weeks old, as it establishes a life-long routine.
How often to bathe a puppy?
A general rule is to bathe your puppy every four weeks. However, this can change based on their coat type, lifestyle or activity level, and skin conditions.
Some people say that if you can no longer hug your dog, it might be time to take a shower.
What will you need for your puppy’s first bath?
A puppy’s bathing routine doesn’t have to be complicated. All you’ll need for your puppy’s first bath is:
How to bathe a puppy at home?
Step 1: Provide treats and cuddles
Treats and cuddles will help your puppy feel safe, comfortable, and excited for the next bath because they know that they can get a lot of rewards.
Step 2: Brush your puppy gently
Brush your puppy’s coat slowly before bathing them to calm them down. It also helps to remove dirt, undercoat, nipples, and foreign bodies.
Step 3: Place them in the bath
Proceed to place your puppy in a decent-sized dog bath or container.
Step 4: Wet their coat by soaking them in warm water
Test the water temperature first to ensure it’s lukewarm before you soak them in. Use lukewarm water and let it run until it reaches your dog’s knee level. Do not overfill the tub, as this may frighten your dog.
Step 5: Prepare the puppy shampoo
Mix the puppy shampoo and water in a bowl. Read the label carefully because some shampoos must be diluted, while medicated shampoos may need a few minutes to activate.
Then apply a small amount of shampoo to their coat. Lather the entire body, avoiding the eyes and ears.
Step 6: Massage your puppy
Bathing a puppy under six months old is similar to bathing a human infant. You must be gentle.
Don’t scrub. Instead, use soft water and gentle hand motions in the same direction as your puppy’s hair grows to massage.
Step 7: Rinse shampoo thoroughly
It’s important to rinse the shampoo thoroughly to remove all the soap. You can use a cup to wash behind the ears carefully and in other hard-to-reach places.
Step 8: Don’t forget the conditioner
The most important part of a dog’s body is its skin and coat. Shampoo strips out moisture, so dogs need conditioner to keep their skin and coat from drying out.
Step 9: Rinse conditioner thoroughly
Rinse your dog well, just like you did with the shampoo. Make sure all products are removed from their coat.
Step 10: Blot your puppy with a towel
Once the bath is complete, dry them with a towel to remove excessive moisture. Once again, gentleness is the key.
Step 11: Dry them with a dryer
This is an important step of the bathing process to keep them healthy. Don’t let your puppy out until the coat is completely dry.
Set the dryer to the lowest setting and keep a far enough distance from their coat. You can use your free hands to lift and separate the hair to help you know when the dryer is too close or far enough for comfort.
Step 12: Brush their hair
When the dog is completely dry, brush it until the coat is no longer tangled. It is better to use your hand to review the entire coat.
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Step 13: Treat time!
Last but not least, remember to treat your dog well! This convinces them that if they obediently bathe, they will be rewarded.
Puppy bathing tips
- You should wear comfortable and casual clothes.
- Then collect every item you need in the bathing place before the start. You will find out that preparation is much better than trying to find the missing items when your dog is shaking water all over.
- Make sure the dryer isn’t close to their skin and the airflow isn’t hot.
- Shampoo and conditioner must be rinsed off as residue can make their coat itchy or dry.
- Keep your puppy warm until they are entirely dry.
- If your dog shows signs of anxiety, you should praise and use high-value rewards so your dog will look forward to the next pampering session.
Puppy bath temperature
The puppy bath temperature should be the same as you use for babies – 38 – 39 Celsius or 97 – 100 Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a thermometer, dip your elbow in the water and see if it feels comfortable, not hot, then it’s good.
Can I bathe my puppy before vaccination?
Yes, you can. It’s okay to bathe puppies before vaccination, but you should separate them by a few hours. You want to make sure that their skin and fur are dry and their body temperature is normal before vaccinating them.
Bathing your dog before vaccinations also keeps the dog clean and ready to go to the vet without having to worry about odors or dirt afterward. Bathing a dog after vaccination is not a good idea.
Should I bathe my puppy when I bring her home?
You can bathe your puppy when you bring her home if they’re at least 8 weeks old.
Conclusion
First bath for puppy: puppies can have their first bath until they’re at least 8 weeks old. A general rule is to bathe your puppy every four weeks. The frequency can change based on their coat type, lifestyle or activity level, and skin conditions.
Comment below if you have any handy tips on the first bath for puppy. Have a nice day!
And before you leave, check out our best new puppy resource for new dog parents below ⇓
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