How to Safely Wash Your Puppy

Getting your puppy used to baths at a young age ensures you are highly unlikely to have a struggle bathing him as an adult dog. If your puppy̵7;s fur becomes dirty, perhaps because he played in a muddy place or went digging, you̵7;ll have to bathe him anyway. However, puppies are sensitive and you could stress or even physically harm your pet if you bathe him in water than is too hot, too cold or too deep. You also need a shampoo, and possibly a conditioner, specifically for dogs, preferably a puppy shampoo. Your own shampoo is much too harsh for a puppy̵7;s sensitive skin.

Things You'll Need

  • Grooming tools appropriate to the breed
  • Baby bath or other large bowl
  • Plastic jug or shower attachment
  • Puppy shampoo
  • Puppy conditioner
  • Towels
  • Hairdryer
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Brush your puppy thoroughly using brushes and/or combs appropriate both to the breed and to your puppy̵7;s current coat. For example, if your puppy belongs to a long-haired breed but still has relatively short fur, use a brush for short-haired dogs.

    • 2

      Fill a large bowl or the bathtub up to about half the height of your puppy with tepid water, not cold and certainly not hot.

    • 3

      Lift your puppy into the bowl.

    • 4

      Wet his fur with the aid of the jug or shower attachment. Note that if you are using a shower attachment, check the temperature beforehand. This water must also be tepid.

    • 5

      Rub a little shampoo throughout his fur, starting at the neck and finishing at the tail, avoiding the eyes, ears and mouth. Don̵7;t forget his belly and legs. If this is his first bath, don̵7;t wash his head, as you might find it difficult to avoid suds getting into his eyes or inner ears.

    • 6

      Rinse out the shampoo until the water runs clear. If you are using a jug for rinsing, you may need to empty and refill the bowl a couple of times.

    • 7

      Repeat the above process with conditioner if necessary. If your puppy has long hair, conditioner prevents tangles and makes combing much easier.

    • 8

      Wrap your puppy in an old towel for a few moments and then gently rub or blot his fur with another towel to remove excess water. Let him shake if he wants to.

    • 9

      Comb again if your puppy has long hair.