How Do I Get Dried Poop off My Puppy's Butt?

Very young puppies have no control over their bodily functions and rely on their mothers to keep them clean. Even older puppies can need a hand with cleaning up afterward if they eat something they shouldn't or if you change their diet suddenly. Long-haired breeds tend to have more problems with messy bottoms, because the poop sticks to the hair around the puppy's tail.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic gloves
  • Water
  • Bowl or tub
  • Damp washrag or baby wipes
  • 2 towels or towel and throw rug
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on your plastic gloves.

    • 2

      Fill a large bowl or tub with a few inches of warm water. The water should be just slightly warm to the touch, not hot or cold.

    • 3

      Lay a bath towel or old throw rug down on the floor near the tub. The towel or rug will keep the floor from getting wet, and give the puppy something to grip with its claws.

    • 4

      Place the puppy in the tub; hold its bottom under the water for a minute or two to loosen up the dried poop.

    • 5

      Allow the puppy to stand up, then wipe off any remaining poop with a rag.

    • 6

      Lift the puppy out of the tub and place it on the towel or rug.

    • 7

      Dry the puppy off with the towel, then finish with a hair dryer set to low heat.

    • 8

      Wash your hands with hot, soapy water to eliminate any germs. Puppies can carry intestinal parasites, such as worms and bacteria, that can transmit to humans.