How to Use Baby Shampoo on Puppies

Bathing a puppy for the first time requires preparation and patience as the young dog is not used to water. Using baby shampoo to wash your dog's fur is more inexpensive than branded dog shampoo. Choose a gentle hypoallergenic baby shampoo and only bathe the puppy when they absolutely need it to keep from stripping the natural oils from their skin. You only need a small amount to wash the dog's hair thoroughly. Use baby shampoos that are listed as extra gentle as even regular baby shampoo can be harsher than regular dog shampoo.

Things You'll Need

  • Baby shampoo
  • Towels
  • Hand-held spray attachment for your shower or faucet
  • Washcloth
  • Cotton balls (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spread towels down in the tub to keep the puppy from slipping. Put cotton balls in the puppy's ears if they have large floppy ears to keep the water out of the ear canal.

    • 2

      Hold the puppy securely and wet the coat from the rear forward using warm water from the spray attachment. Make sure you wet all the fur thoroughly. Do not squirt water in to the dog's face or eyes.

    • 3

      Using only a small amount of baby shampoo, enough to fit in the very center of your palm, work the baby shampoo into the puppy's coat from the rear forward. Work the suds into your dog's feet and legs. Avoid the top of the head, the eyes and face of the puppy.

    • 4

      Rinse out the shampoo by holding the spray attachment close to the puppy's fur and working from front to back so the soap stays away from the puppy's face and eyes. Keeping the spray of water close will ensure all of the soap gets out of the layers of fur.

    • 5

      Wipe the puppy's face using a washcloth dipped in the soapy water. Rise out the washcloth and wipe again to rinse.