When can you bathe a puppy?

Is your new pup starting to whiff? Here’s everything you need to know about bath time, including how often you should bathe your dog.

The water is the perfect temperature. The doggy shampoo, brush and towel are ready to go. But your pup looks a little nervous.

Getting that first bath just right is important. How you handle your puppy and the atmosphere you create will set the bath time tone for years to come. Making your pup feel uncomfortable or forcing them into the water could cause a host of problems that continue well into the future.

Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry!

We’ve got tips on how to create the ideal stress-free environment and make tub time fun and relaxing for your new dog.

We’ll also tell you how often to wash your pup, because too much of the wet stuff can cause skin and coat conditions – that’s the last thing you want for your four-legged family member!

Learn what other skin conditions to watch out for and how dog insurance from Purely Pets can protect them if they need treatment.

So, when should you bathe your new puppy?

As soon as you bring your puppy home, you’ll be keen to start training and getting them used to life as part of your family – this includes bath time. But when should you first pop them in the tub? Can you bathe a puppy at 8 weeks old?

Yes! Once they reach 8 weeks, it’s OK to give them a bath if they need it. Before this age, your pup can’t self-regulate its body temperature, so bathing them could quickly cause them to get too hot or cold.  

Got a younger pup and need to give them a quick clean? Gently wipe them over with a warm, damp flannel.

Regularly grooming your pup doesn’t stop at bath time. You’ll need to comb their fur and learn how to clean their teeth, too!

How often should you bathe a puppy?

The general rule of thumb is to wash your dog at least once every 3 months, but it’s fine to do it more often if necessary – after all, it’s in a puppy’s nature to go jumping in dirty puddles and rolling in the mud!

How often you bathe your pup will depend on a few factors:

• Their breed – toy dogs might be less adventurous than a boxer or lab, for example.
• Where you live – a country pup is much more likely to get mucky than a city hound.
• Their fur length – short hairs will pick up less dirt than long hairs.
• The time of year – your pup will need fewer baths in the dry summer months.

Be careful not to visit the bath too regularly, though. Dogs secrete natural oils to keep their coat shiny and healthy, and bathing too often can strip them away and leave their skin dry and itchy.

Dogs are also pretty good at cleaning themselves (although not quite as thoroughly as their feline friends) and can lick and nibble out dirt and debris from their fur.

Just keep an eye on excessive grooming, as this can signal underlying health issues. Give your vet a call or use our 24-hour vet video service included in our dog insurance plans for quick advice on your pup’s behaviour.

How can I tell if my puppy needs a bath?

You love your new puppy dearly, so looking after their skin by only bathing them when necessary is a top priority. So, how do you know it’s time for a dunk in the tub?

Perhaps the most obvious sign is a stinky pup or one who’s trawling muddy paw prints across your carpet!

You’ll also need to thoroughly wash your puppy if they have fleas or mites with a special shampoo to beat the bugs. The best way to avoid these pests in the first place is with regular treatments from your vet.

Along with grooming, these medications aren’t included on dog insurance plans, but they’re an essential part of budgeting for your new furry friend to keep them happy and healthy.

Don’t forget to make a note of when you bathe your puppy somewhere. This way, you can keep track and make sure they get a good wash at least once every 3 months. And, no, jumping in the river doesn’t count as a bath!

What do you need to give your puppy a bath?

It’s time for your pup’s first bath! But before you go sticking them in the tub and scrubbing them down, you’ll need to make sure you have everything to hand to make sure it goes smoothly.

Here’s a quick checklist before you begin:

• Treats – to reward good behaviour

• Towel – to dry them off (and maybe a spare one for you)

• Brush – choose an appropriate one for their hair type

• Shampoo and conditioner – make sure you have products specially formulated for dogs

• Hair dryer – not so essential for short hair that dries quickly; make sure it’s on a low heat setting

• Tub or container – could be your bathtub, a kid's paddling pool or the sink

• Non-slip mat – to keep them on all fours

Make sure you bathe your puppy somewhere that doesn’t matter if they get wet. Expect them to have a good splash about and to do plenty of shaking once they jump out!

Don’t forget to protect your pet with dog insurance, too. You never know when they might slip or fall despite taking all the precautions.

How to bathe your puppy for the first time at home

Puppy – check! Equipment – check! Bathing products – check! It’s time to get clean!

Don’t worry if you or your puppy feels nervous. This is new for you both. To make sure your pet is comfortable and enjoys their first bath, follow our step-by-step guide below.

1. Set up your bathing station

Once you know where bath time will take place, make sure it’s ready for your pup. Pop a non-slip mat on the bottom of the tub to stop your pet from slipping and put all your supplies somewhere you can easily reach them.

You don’t want to leave your wet puppy unattended, or they’ll soon be tearing through your house soaking everything in their path!

2. Prepare your pup

With a suitable brush for your puppy’s fur type, thoroughly comb their coat to make sure there are no mats. Water turns knots into hard lumps that are challenging to remove unless you have a pair of clippers – not quite the start to bathing you’d hoped for!

3. Provide lots of love

The last thing you want is for your pup to feel nervous or scared, so lots of cuddles are a must. Before they enter the water, make sure they feel safe and cared for and give them a treat for good behaviour to help build trust. 

You’ll need to keep calm, too, as getting irritated or showing you’re anxious could quickly put your pet off baths for good.

4. Check the water temperature

You might enjoy standing under a scalding shower, but dogs are more sensitive to heat than we are, so keep the water lukewarm. Start by wetting a flannel and running it over your puppy's fur to get them used to the sensation of water – it’s a funny feeling at first!

5. Apply the shampoo

Your puppy is still small and delicate, so be gentle and don’t scrub. Start with their hindquarters so they’re comfortable with the feeling by the time you reach their neck and head.

Move your hands in the direction that their fur grows and gently massage the puppy shampoo into their coat to tackle tough dirt. When you reach the puppy's head, use a flannel to avoid splashing suds in their eyes and ears.

After a good five minutes of lathering, it’s time to rinse thoroughly with a gentle stream of water.

6. Don’t forget to condition

Conditioner is just as important as shampoo, if not more! While shampoo does a fantastic job of cleaning your pup’s coat, it leaves it dry. Conditioner helps add the lost moisture back and leaves their fur shiny and healthy.

Add the conditioner the same way as the shampoo and be sure to rinse thoroughly to get it all out.

7. Time to dry

Once you turn the water off, prepare for the post bath shakes! To avoid getting absolutely drenched, throw a towel over your puppy and start patting them dry. Be gentle but make sure you dry everywhere, including their armpits and other hard to reach areas.

Don’t get cross if they want to play tug of war with the towel. Remember, you need to keep things fun and enjoyable. 

If your puppy has longer hair and will tolerate a hair dryer, you can use it on a low setting and move it in the direction their fur grows while brushing.

During the summer, your pup can dry off by sunbathing or running about outdoors, but don’t let your pup out in the cold unless they’re completely dry or they could become seriously ill.

Need more tips to keep that coat shiny and healthy? Have a look at our article on how to care for your dog’s coat.