There’s nothing quite as adorable as a puppy. They’re so aloof and playful that you just want to play with them all day!
But as every dog owner finds out, that playtime can quickly lead to messes and some unpleasant smells. Eventually, your four-legged friend is going to need to take a bath.
While many dogs are initially nervous about their bath, you can turn their bathtime into a fun, pampering experience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your puppy’s first bath a pleasant experience for you and your new best friend.
When Should a Puppy’s First Bath Occur?
If your puppy is under, say, 10 weeks old, you probably don’t need to give them a bath. In fact, it’s better if you avoid the first bath for a little while.
Dog fur contains natural oils that help keep your pup’s coat shiny and healthy.
Otherwise, bathing a puppy should be a monthly experience, or bi-weekly if your pup has a tendency to get into the trash or come home with dirty paws.
Find The Right Location
A lot of pet owners wonder about the best place to bathe their animal. For the most part, it depends on the size of the dog.
Since we’re talking about a puppy, you won’t need much space, so a sink or bathtub should be more than sufficient.
Calming Your Pup
Bathing a puppy for the first time can be a difficult experience, as they’re more than likely unaccustomed to the water.
Make sure you have some treats on hand and maybe their favorite toy to calm your puppy during bath time.
It’s important that puppies have a positive association with bath time, and taking the time to calm them now can save you a lot of frustration in the future.
Use a Puppy-Specific Shampoo
As you may expect, dog skin is quite different from our skin. As a result, you’ll want to make sure that you’re using the right type of shampoo.
Some people believe that the normal, everyday shampoo you use works, but due to your pup’s increased sensitivity, it’s best to head to your local pet store and buy something specifically designed for puppies.
If you’re not sure what brand is best for your pup, ask your local groomer or vet.
Now, lower your dog into the tub. Once they’re in the water and calm, start rinsing their coat with water.
Next, take a small portion of shampoo and massage it in circles into your dog’s fur, making sure you get every area.
Let it sit for a second and then rinse with water until the shampoo residue is gone from their fur.
Drying Your Dog
By now any dirt and residue should be removed from your dog’s coat. Now comes the messy part: Drying your dog.
It’s best not to use a hairdryer unless you own one specifically for pets, so grab a towel and dry your dog as best you can.
At some point your dog is likely going to shake and try and dry themselves off, so make sure you’re wearing some old clothes, as you’re probably going to get wet.
Time For Some Post-Bathtime Fun
Congratulations, you’ve made it through your puppy’s first bath! Make sure you bathe them once a month to get your dog used to the process.
Want some assistance? Be sure to get in touch with us today to learn more about the best products or to schedule a spa day for your pet!
