Puppies get dirty frequently and will need a bath so you can start studying how to bathe a puppy in advance.
While some breeds need more grooming and bathing than others, excessive baths can remove natural oils from the fur and dry the puppy’s skin. Except when the coat is very dirty or for participating in a canine contest, most puppies do not need more than 1-4 baths per year.
Puppies should not be bathed until at least 4 weeks of age, preferably 6-8 weeks. Puppies cannot regulate their body temperature well at this age and can cool easily. However, there are situations that require a bath, for example, puppies who get diarrhea may need a bath, but the stress of a bath can worsen the disease.
Bath according to the type of the puppy’s fur
Breeds like the Puddle require more time for bathing. Plan a bath for the puppies when you trim and coat them, about once every 2 months. Silky or coarse fur should benefit from 4 baths/per year.
Double-haired breeds like the German Shepherd need a bath several times a year. Do this in spring or autumn, after the shedding.
Fine-haired breeds such as the Rottweiler may need only one bath a year, but you can increase their number if needed. A fine short coat can be groomed at any time and with the help of a wet towel.
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How to bathe a puppy – step-by-step instructions
Make sure the hair is not tangled when combing and brushing your dog’s coat before watering it. The moisture solidifies the tangled hair, making it impossible to be removed later. There are cases when you can possibly do it only with an electric hair clipper.
Prepare all the utensils you need, at hand. Puppies oppose the bath when they are scared, so prepare in advance. You will need shampoo for puppies, a hairbrush for dogs, a dog-size bath, a hair dryer, and many towels.
Use only approved shampoos for puppies. Human products, and especially human baby shampoo, are designed for oily scalps and can dry your puppy’s delicate skin, causing allergic reactions.
Use a bathtub appropriate to the size of the dog. If it is hot, you can bathe the dog outside. Small puppies can be washed in the sink.
Make sure you have everything at hand and the bathroom should be warm and free of air currents. Remove the shower curtains and other objects that might scare the puppy. Fill the tub, sink, or bathtub with water at your dog’s body temperature before bringing the puppy into the bathroom.
It is easier to wash your dog when you have both hands free. There are securing devices in this regard or tying the puppy with a short leash to a fixed object.
Protect your dog’s ears from water.
Place the dog in the water. The water level to the knee is sufficient, and there is no risk of drowning.
You can use a plastic container to pour water over the puppy or use a sprayer. Do not spray water on the face of the dog or immerse it in water. Use a towel to clean his face.
When the coat is wet apply shampoo along the back or foam the shampoo in your palms then apply it. Wash the puppy well, then rinse. If you are using a flea product, first wash the neck of the cub to create a barrier against fleas so that they will not pass. Most shampoos, especially flea products, work best if left to act for 10-15 minutes.
The most “complicated” part of the puppy’s bathing is rinsing. Traces of soap left in the fur can cause an allergic reaction, attract dirt, and make the fur look matte and dirty. After rinsing the puppy well, shampoo again, and of course, rinse well again.
Then allow your cub to do what he wanted to do all this time, shake off the water.
Dogs with short, smooth fur dry very quickly in the air. Dogs with larger fur require many towels for drying. Even though many dogs love the bathing time, they also love the towel games that follow after the bath. The more enjoyable the bath for your dog, the less he will be afraid of it. Make sure your dog’s coat is well-dried before allowing him to go outside if it’s a cold day.
Most dogs would prefer to be simply wiped with a towel, but for long-haired dogs, I recommend using a dryer. You can buy a special pet dryer or use your own, but the dryer temperature should be moderate and the ventilation should not be too strong. You can try drying simultaneously with a short massage so that you do not allow the dog to run away.
Final words!
Bathing your dog can become a pleasant experience for both you and your puppy and is a good opportunity to get even closer to him.
