How Often to Bathe a Puppy

Cute, playful and full of energy, a new puppy brings so much joy to the home but is also a big responsibility. When it comes to bathing, your new puppy should be bathed no more than once a month unless it is absolutely necessary. If your curious pup is prone to jumping in mud or something smelly, an interim wash every now and again is fine.

While it is important to bathe a puppy as part of their overall health care, finding the right balance is essential. Puppies and adult dogs have natural oils that protect their coat, and bathing too often tends to remove these essential oils and can lead to dry coat and skin problems. On the flip side, inadequate bathing may lead to health problems and a smelly dog. When deciding how often to bathe your puppy, it can be helpful to consider factors like different breeds, lifestyles and skin conditions. In this article, we discuss the right time to start bathing a puppy, individual considerations, and how to bathe your precious pooch.

When Can You Start Bathing a Puppy?

The best time to start bathing a puppy is at around eight weeks of age. Prior to this time, puppies cannot regulate their body temperature and may become too hot or cold when bathing. If the puppy were still with its mother, she would lick it to clean any dirt off, just like a cat does. If your puppy needs cleaning before eight weeks, wiping them down with a warm, wet cloth to remove any dirt will suffice. Avoid the puppy needing a bath too soon by keeping it somewhere clean and removing any food or waste before it becomes smelly. If your puppy does roll in poop and needs a bath, be sensible and make sure they stay warm and dry off quickly to avoid any drastic temperature changes.

What to Consider When Deciding How Often to Bathe a Puppy

While the general consensus is that puppies should not be bathed more than once a month, it is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. There are other variables that will affect how often you should bathe your puppy.

• Fur type. A puppy’s fur type has a big impact on how often they need to be bathed as it directly influences their hygiene needs. A puppy with short or smooth hair usually doesn’t require as much bathing as a long-haired dog whose hair may tend to get matted and dirty. Dogs with oily coats, such as Basset Hounds, need more regular washing, while a dog with a water-repellent coat, like a Golden Retriever, requires less washing. If your dog has a thick or double coat like a Malamute, it will require less bathing and more grooming to minimise shedding. As a general rule, it is always a good idea to wash your dog if you notice an obvious smell or a particularly dirty-looking coat.
• Lifestyle. An indoor puppy is less likely to need bathing than an outdoor dog as it is not going to be outside running into creeks and puddles or rolling around in the dirt. While indoor dogs will need occasional baths, they are less likely to get smelly when lazing around at home.
• Skin conditions/allergies. If your puppy suffers from allergies or skin conditions, it is best to consult a vet on the right treatment, which may include a particular routine for bathing. They may recommend a particular medicated shampoo, soap or bathing ritual. Puppies with allergies and skin conditions may need to be bathed more regularly to relieve dry or itchy skin. On the other hand, they may need less frequent bathing to eliminate the removal of essential oils that can further irritate the skin.
• Seasons. The time of year can affect how often to bathe a puppy too. In hot months, many dogs are prone to greasy coats and smelly odour, and skin conditions can flare up. Parasites and fleas are more common in summer too, which may mean more regular bathing is necessary. On the other hand, in hot months, dogs that swim might need fewer baths as they are already being washed naturally.

Puppy Bathing Checklist

Make bath time enjoyable for both you and your puppy by being perfectly prepared, particularly if this is the puppy’s first bath. Having all the bathing equipment in one location in a safe and reachable area will set the tone for a relaxed and organised bathing experience. Make sure you are organising the area in a quiet and calm manner so as not to alarm your puppy. Here is a checklist of what you might need for your puppy’s bath.

• Location. Puppies can be bathed in a purpose-designed puppy bath, sink, or even a wet room or shower cubicle. Wherever you are bathing your puppy, make sure the area is set up and ready to go, and there is plenty of space for them to shake off excess water. Once your puppy is fully vaccinated and over 16 weeks old, DIY self-wash stations and professional dog groomers become fabulous (and very convenient) options for dog washing.
• Shampoo. Select a shampoo that is specifically for puppies, and do not use a human shampoo as it is bad for their fur. Very young puppies may not even need shampoo for their first wash, so use any shampoo sparingly and follow the instructions carefully. If you do decide to use a puppy shampoo, make sure it is gentle and formulated for delicate skin, pH balanced and tearless.
• Towel. Making sure your puppy gets dried off quickly and without fuss is essential to stop them getting too cold, so having towels close by is essential.
  Hairdryer. If you want to dry your puppy quickly, you can use a hairdryer but be careful not to have the nozzle too close and have the heat on the lowest setting. Be aware this might scare your puppy, so proceed with caution on this one.
• Brush. Choose the appropriate brush for your puppy. The grooming tool will need to be chosen depending on the dog’s coat type. If your dog has short hair, you might want to use a rubber brush, while slicker brushes are good for medium to long-haired puppies.
• Treats. All puppies love treats, so using a puppy treat will help them associate bathing with something yummy they love.

How To Bathe a Puppy

Once you are all set up with the bath, towels and supplies, it is time to bathe your puppy. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure bathtime is a positive and successful experience for you and your puppy.

1. Play in the tub area without water. Wherever it is set up, let your puppy play in the tub area before there is water in there. Speak gently to your puppy and give him lots of cuddles to make him feel comfortable with this new area.
2. Gently brush the coat. Gently brushing your puppy’s coat is both relaxing and beneficial to remove any small knots or matted areas.
3. Fill the tub. Puppies do not need a hot bath, so make sure you fill the tub with lukewarm water. Alternatively, a bath that is too cold will not be a pleasant experience either. Make sure the water is only filled enough to cover the puppy’s legs when they stand in it.
4. Place cotton balls in the puppy’s ears. Some people place cotton balls in their puppy’s ears to prevent water from getting in there and causing possible infection.
5. Place the puppy in the tub. Gently place the puppy in the bathtub, making sure to hold onto him with a firm grip. Ensure the bottom of the bath is non-slip, as your puppy will get scared if he loses his footing.
6. Time for a treat. Now the puppy is in the bath, it is a good time to offer a treat to make bathing more pleasant. If you have someone helping you, they can pass the treat to you. Otherwise, it is a good idea to be prepared with a treat holder that sticks to the wall. A lick mat can be a great distraction to anxious puppies in the bath.
7. Gently pour water over the puppy. Starting with lukewarm water and a sponge or rag, start gently trickling water over the puppy’s back and body, building up slowly to his neck and head area. Be careful to avoid ears and eyes, as water can be irritating.
8. Shampoo and condition coat. At this point, you can decide if shampoo is necessary. Very young puppies don’t really need shampoo immediately, but there are some puppy shampoos that can be purchased and used sparingly. Once a puppy is three months old, shampoo and conditioner can be used. The most important thing is to be gentle and avoid scrubbing. Gently massage shampoo and conditioner onto the puppy’s coat with a soft stream of water.
9. Rinse. Ensuring no residual shampoo or conditioner is important, as leftovers can irritate your puppy’s skin. When you gently rinse off with water, ensure the water runs perfectly clear and there are no leftover bubbles.
10. Take the puppy out of the tub. Gently lift the puppy out of the bath, and towel dry as much as he will let you before running free.
    Reward with a treat and cuddle. Give your puppy another treat and lots of cuddles to reinforce his good behaviour.

What To Look Out For When Giving Puppy a Bath

Puppies tend to be boisterous and playful, which makes it difficult to check out their skin and general health. While bathing your puppy, take the opportunity to check these things out.

• Fleas, ticks or mites. Spotting fleas, ticks, or mites is a little easier when bathing or grooming a puppy. While you are up close and personal, check to see if there are any patches of red or irritated skin by parting your puppy’s fur with your fingers to expose the skin. You might also see tiny fleas scurry away or even jump.
• Cuts on the skin. When your puppy’s fur is wet, it is easier to spot any cuts on his skin. Sometimes puppies can accidentally cut themselves just by being young and clumsy. Other breeds, like Greyhounds, have particularly thin skin.
• Matted fur. Dealing with your puppy’s matted fur is much easier to spot when bathing. The initial gentle brushing will highlight any matting problems. Brushing combined with conditioning treatment can help alleviate the issue.
• Eye health. Bathtime is a good opportunity to look into your puppy’s eyes to see if there are any issues. Healthy eyes should be clean, bright and free of dirt or debris. The white should be white, not yellow and there should be no discharge or staining around the eye.
• Ear health. Check the health of your puppy’s ears at bathtime to see if they need cleaning or have any issues. A healthy ear is pink, clean and free of dirt. Take this opportunity to clean the ears gently.

How to Keep Puppies Coat Looking Good In Between Baths

How often your puppy is bathed depends on their breed, coat, lifestyle and age. No matter what their bathing routine is, here are a few ways to keep your puppy’s coat looking good in between baths.

• Dry shampoo for dogs. Dry or waterless shampoo is great for keeping dogs looking good in between baths. It doesn’t require any rinsing, protects their coat and detangles fur. You can buy dry shampoo as a foam, powder or spray. Most dry shampoos are safe for puppies and are even designed for sensitive or itchy skin.
• Wet wipes for dogs. Ideal for cleaning a messy dog, wet wipes are available in deodorising, unscented and antibacterial varieties. Like regular wipes, they are perfect for use on paws, skin folds, muzzles, the rear, and the whole body, making sure to avoid the eyes.
• Freshening sprays. Like a dog cologne, freshening sprays can be used to make the dog smell better. There are a variety of options for each type of dog, specific needs or preferences.
• Brushing. A good brush of your puppy can loosen any dirt and get rid of knots and tangles.
• Clean puppy’s bedding and toys. Making sure your puppy’s bedding, toys, and environment are clean is a great way to ensure a clean puppy between baths. Any of these things can trap debris and dirt.

Bathing a puppy does not have to be a stressful time as long as you understand when a puppy needs a bath and how to do it. On average, puppies should be bathed around once a month, but breed, coat and lifestyle contribute to the perfect bathing schedule for each dog. In this article, we have taken the guesswork out of bathing a puppy with a step-by-step guide to bathing and a list of handy tips and things to look out for when bathing your precious pup.