People often ask when they can begin to take a shower with their new puppy/dog. Some wonder if it is OK to wash your dog at all, while others are concerned about how to bathe their pet in the most humane way possible.
The decision on how and when to clean your dog depends on several factors: the breed of your dog, the time of year, your dog’s personality, and their tolerance to being showered.
Before you begin pouring your dog for the first time, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian, breeder, or experienced dog handler who can help guide you through the process.
Why do we need to give puppies showers?
Puppies do not have a fully developed immune system. To protect them from illness, they require protection from germs and parasites and be kept clean by the mother through licking.
When puppies are separated from their mothers just after birth, they need to be showered regularly with warm water at least once a week until they are old enough to have a bath.
At what age can I shower my puppy?
Puppies don’t need to be showered more than once a month. However, showering can often strip the natural oils from their skin/coat and cause dryness and irritation. Puppies have a thin layer of fur, which becomes thicker as adults.
This thin coat is not waterproof, so if your dog gets dirty or has an accident, it is vital to clean him up before the dirt dries. If you wash your dog too often or use shampoos that strip away all of its natural oils, you may find yourself with a dry, flaky, and uncomfortable pup!
Can I shower my 8-week old puppy?
At eight weeks old, puppies have a thin layer of fur. This thin coat is not waterproof, so if your dog gets dirty or has an accident, it is essential to clean him up before the dirt dries. Puppies at this age can be showered about once every two weeks. However, if you wash your dog too often or use shampoos that strip away all of its natural oils, you may find yourself with a dry, flaky, and uncomfortable pup!
Can you give 7-week old puppy shower?
It is usually safe to give your seven-week-old puppy his first shower. As long as you are gentle and use a mild shampoo, it should not cause any harm.
Can I shower my 5-week old puppy?
Puppies at this age should not be showered more than once every two weeks. Bathing can often strip the natural oils from their skin (and coat) and cause dryness and irritation.
In addition, puppies at five weeks old have a thin layer of fur, which becomes thicker as they become adults. This thin coat is not waterproof, so if your dog gets dirty or has an accident, it is essential to clean him up before the dirt dries.
Can I shower my 3-week old puppy?
At three weeks old, puppies only have the undercoat. This is very similar to human peach fuzz – it’s not waterproof. It’s not advised to shower your puppy at this age as they’re so small. But, if you have to then be very gentle and only use a very mild shampoo or just warm water.
What type of shampoo should I use on my puppy?
Puppies have sensitive skin. The best shampoos to use on a puppy are tear-free or oatmeal shampoos, which can be found in your local pet store. You can also use a shampoo formulated for infants.
How to give your puppy a shower
Start by placing your puppy in the tub. If you have a small puppy, it’s probably best to put them in a sink instead so you don’t have to worry about slipping and dropping them.
If your pup is small enough, slowly pick up his feet one by one and wash between each toe with baby shampoo and warm water. You want to make sure you get all the way down between his paw pads, but be very gentle.
Don’t forget about their underbelly and genitals!
This area is usually pretty sensitive for puppies, so it’s best not to use too much pressure. Instead, use warm water with a few drops of shampoo on your hand and gently wipe away any dirt in this area.
Be sure to rinse the shampoo off well with warm water and dry them off with a towel afterwards. If your puppy gets cold, you can place a hairdryer on a low setting at least 6 inches away from his body until he is dehydrated.
You may also use a blow drier or let your puppy air dry.
Tips on giving a puppy shower
You may want to consider having two people bathe the puppy: one to hold and cuddle with him and another to bathe him. Be sure that you only use a mild shampoo. Human baby shampoo works great for this! Only shower your puppy once every two weeks, and be sure to dry them off well afterwards with a towel.
Depending on the type of puppy, you may need to use a conditioner on his skin. Conditioners are often too harsh for dogs with susceptible skin, however. If your pet’s skin is dry or flaky after his first bath, try using an oatmeal shampoo on him next time. After bathing him, do not rub him or towel dry him. Let him air-dry.
Afterwards, take the time to praise your dog for being such a good boy! If you are unsure about how well he will react to his first bath, start by giving him one when no one is home so that you can be sure no accidents happen once he is clean.
Conclusion
You can give a puppy shower once every two weeks. You should use tear-free shampoo, baby, or infant shampoo on your pup. Be sure to dry them off well afterwards with a towel and take the time to praise your dog for being such a good boy!
