It is true what they say about puppies and children. Neither of them stays clean for very long. Tick them out in their Sunday best and, 2 minutes later, they are covered with dirt.
They have smudges on their faces and they look deliriously happy. There is a major difference, however between the 2 species. You can pop the child into a bathtub at any age.
You can always, nor should you, bathe your puppy.
At What Age Do You Bathe Your Puppy?
While accidents do happen to puppies, it is not wise to wash your puppy when it is very young. In fact, you
should not bathe any puppy until they are more than 12-weeks-old. Until then, you will have to satisfy any cravings for a puppy wash with a sponge bath.
Before your pup is 12-weeks, washing is a drier affair. If he or she has been in a mess, the process is simple. You run over their coat with a damp cloth. It is best to only “spot clean” at this age. Simply wet a rag – do not soak it, and clean up the dirty or foul-smelling spots. If you want, use a mild dog shampoo or soap to help. After wards, towel or fluff up dry.
How To Bathe Your Puppy
After your puppy has matured beyond 12-weeks of age, you can introduce him or her to actual baths. Depending upon the size of your pet, you may use a small bowl, the kitchen sink or a tub.
• Before the bath begins, brush your puppy thoroughly. This will remove any excess dirt. Brushing helps get rid of any shedding hair. It will also take out any tangles or matted hair.
• Prepare the bath.
• Make sure the water is not too hot. It should also not be too cold. Keep it at a comfortable temperature.
• If you are using a sink or the bathtub be sure you slip-proof it. Place a rubber mat on the bottom. This will prevent your puppy from slipping, falling and possibly injuring him or her self.
• When it comes time to shampoo your dog, make sure you have chosen the right product. Use only puppy or dog shampoo on your canine. These shampoos and conditioners are formulated to work with your animal’s coat. Human shampoos or dish detergents are not.
• Be careful when lathering your pet not to get any soap in their eyes. Stay clear of the mouth and delicate ears.
• Use warm water to both wash and rinse your puppy. If you can, apply the water with a hose. This speeds up the process. Do not allow the force of water to blast your puppy.
Use a gentle spray or mist. Yet, you must be thorough when rinsing. You must not leave any excess soap on the puppy’s skin.
• After you rinse him or her thoroughly, remove your puppy from the bath.
• Towel the animal as dry as possible.
• If it is cool outside, do not let your puppy go outdoors. Keep the puppy inside until he or she is thoroughly dry.
Bathing a puppy is not difficult. It is a relatively easy task. Try to make it enjoyable.
This may be the first bath, but it sure will not be the last. You need to make the event a pleasant experience. Although your dog may never love taking a bath, if he or she is comfortable with their first bathing experience, it makes future bath times easier.