How to Bathe a Puppy

Maintaining a clean puppy helps make cuddling, holding and playing with it more enjoyable. Puppies require bathing as often as daily or at least weekly, advises PetEducation.com veterinarian Race Foster. They often need baths due to standing in or dumping food bowls, rolling in foul-smelling things and occasional loose stools. Their smaller size does not always make baths easier. Common puppy behaviors include squirming, screaming and frantic attempts to escape your cleaning endeavors. Preparations and the right attitude help make the process quick and efficient while teaching your puppy that baths will not kill it.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog shampoo
  • Towels
  • Washcloth
  • Water container or facet hose
  • Brush or comb
  • Ear cleaner solution or olive oil
  • 2 cotton balls
  • Gauze pads or thin cloth
  • Blow dryer (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure the bathing area is warm enough to prevent chilling the puppy. Collect the bath supplies, including shampoo, towels, washcloth and a container for pouring water or faucet hose appliance. Use a mild or hypoallergenic dog shampoo to prevent drying out the coat and skin and to avoid eye irritation.

    • 2

      Brush or comb the puppy to remove tangles and loosen dirt or debris from the coat to make washing and rinsing easier. Get the brush or comb all the way to the skin to help remove dandruff and stimulate the skin, advises the American Kennel Club.

    • 3

      Take care of your puppy's ears prior to the bath. Pluck or clip excessive ear hair. Ask your veterinarian to demonstrate ear hair plucking if the breed requires routine plucking. Wet a gauze pad, cotton swab or thin cloth with ear cleaning solution or mineral oil. Clean the inner surface of the ear. Do not insert anything into the ear canal or attempt to clean deeper than your fingertip easily reaches.

    • 4

      Apply a drop of eye ointment or mineral oil into the eye and cotton balls into the ears to protect them from irritation, suggests the American Kennel Club.

    • 5
      Teach the puppy to enjoy baths by encouraging its curiosity.

      Run the water to find a warm temperature. Fill the water container with warm water. Allow the puppy to examine the bathing area. Pick the puppy up and place it in the bath. Pour the warm water slowly over the puppy to wet the coat. Avoid getting water in the ears, nose and eyes.

    • 6

      Pour a small amount of shampoo on the puppy or in your hand and rub it into the coat. Work up a lather and allow the puppy to soak for approximately 5 minutes. Pet the puppy and talk in a happy, uplifting voice during the bath.

    • 7

      Use a hose or fill the water container and thoroughly rinse off all the soap. Take a wet cloth to wipe the puppy's face and remove any soap in the ears.

    • 8

      Use a towel to remove the excess water from the puppy. Allow the puppy to dry in a warm room. Place the puppy in a crate with dry towels or use a blow dryer. Hold the dryer at least 6 to 8 inches from the puppy to avoid burns.