Congratulations on your new puppy! They are sure to bring you joy and companionship for years to come. One of the first things you'll need to learn as a new pet parent is how to give your puppy her first bath. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do just that.
Supplies You'll Need
Before you start, gather all the supplies you'll need so you're not running around trying to find things once you've already started bathing your puppy. You'll need shampoo, towels, a cup or pitcher for rinsing, and a soft brush. It's best to use a shampoo made specifically for puppies; their skin is more sensitive than an adult dog's skin and they can have allergic reactions to certain ingredients. Human shampoo is too harsh for puppies and should be avoided.
You may also want to invest in a handheld showerhead attachment that will make it easier to rinse them off. These attachments typically screw onto your bathtub faucet and have a long hose so you can move around freely while still directing water where you need it to go.
Start the Bath
Before you start to bathe your puppy, pick a warm room, and set up the puppys' bath there. If you are going to use your bathtub, make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature. Fill up your tub with lukewarm water—not too hot and not too cold.
When you're ready to bathe your puppy, place her in the tub and let them get used to the water for a minute or two before wetting them down. Don't forget to monitor your puppy's body temperature and comfort during the bath.
Once they're comfortable, use the cup or pitcher to wet their fur all over, being careful not to get water in their ears or eyes.
Shampoo & Condition Time
Now it's time to add some shampoo! Apply a small amount of shampoo to your puppy's back and work it into their fur using your fingers or a soft brush. Be sure to avoid their face; if any gets in their eyes, rinse it out immediately with clean water. Once their fur is lathered up well, use the cup or pitcher to rinse all the soap out until the water runs clear.
Follow the same steps with the conditioner of choice. It is important to get all the conditioner washed out of the pup's coat.
The type of shampoo you use will depend on your dog's coat. For instance, dogs with double coats may need a different type of shampoo. However, the steps to follow are the same. Check with your vet if you are unsure what shampoo to use.
Drying Off
Once your puppy is rinsed off, carefully lift them out of the tub and wrap them in a towel. Rub them gently all over until they're mostly dry; then let them air dry the rest of the way.
You can also use a hairdryer set on low heat (never put it right on their skin) but a lot of pups will be frightened of the noise, and this might take some getting used to.
Regular puppy bathing is important if you want to keep your pup clean and healthy, but once every week or two should suffice—unless they happen to roll in something stinky!
Keeping your puppy's coat clean need not be as hard as you think! In between baths, you can brush your puppy's coat and check for ticks and fleas regularly to keep their fur looking and feeling healthy.
Most importantly, enjoy this bonding time with your pup and give lots of praises to help them associate bath time with something positive.
Giving your puppy their first bath may seem daunting, but following these simple steps will make it easy peasy! Just remember to use lukewarm water, be gentle, and avoid getting soap in their eyes. Before you know it, both you and your furry friend will be enjoying bath time together.
We hope this article has given you useful tips on how to bathe a puppy. Good luck and have fun!
