How to Bathe New Born Puppies

Newborn puppies need to be treated with care. They can be washed in a sink if a tub is too large for them. Place a cloth underneath them to prevent slips and keep your pups' heads above the water. According to Petplace.com, "Never wash your pups outside if the weather is cold. This is particularly true for newborn puppies, who have trouble regulating their body temperatures." Make sure that the water is warm but not too hot for your newborn puppies.

Things You'll Need

  • Sink
  • Wash Cloth
  • Cotton
  • Water
  • Dog Shampoo
  • Dry Towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place cotton balls into the puppies' ears to protect them from the water in the sink. Make sure that the cotton balls are small enough not to damage newborn puppies' ears.

    • 2

      Test puppies' bath water on your wrist as you would babies' formula. Dogs are more sensitive to heat, so if it feels hot then it will be too warm for newborn puppies.

    • 3

      Place young puppies in the kitchen sink for a bath along with a wet cloth along the bottom so that they do not slip. Talk to your puppies to calm them as the water fills the sink. Use dog shampoo instead of human shampoo since puppies' skin does not contain the same pH balance as humans' skin and therefore is not appropriate.

    • 4

      Make sure that your newborn puppies are comfortable as you fill the sink with water. Make sure the puppies' heads are kept above the water as you immerse them in the bath water.

    • 5

      Take the dog shampoo and place a small amount into the palm of your hand. Work the shampoo thoroughly into the newborn puppies' fur by massaging it deeply. Tilt the puppies' heads back as you wash the dog shampoo off their skulls and bodies with a cup of water. Try not to get the shampoo into your puppies' eyes as this can sting.

    • 6

      Drain the water from the tub and grab a dry towel. Pick your newborn puppies up from the sink and dry their bodies with the towel. Your puppies may not be able to resist the urge to shake themselves dry, so place them in an area that will not be damaged by the water being propelled from their bodies.

    • 7

      Dry your newborn puppies' faces with the towel and remove the cotton from their ears. Place the pups near their mother for warmth. A heat lamp can provide extra warmth for newborn puppies if needed.