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Bathing your puppy for the first time is one of the sweetest, most adorable and fun experiences you will ever have with your new fluffy best friend.
Bathing your puppy for the first time might not be an easy task; there are a few points you must take into account to avoid harming the puppy’s health. This will be good for the relationship with your dog and one of the first lessons about how to behave calm and correctly.
Keeping your puppy clean is a way to detect possible diseases, infections, parasites or ticks. -we recommend that your puppy acclimates with water and turns the bath time into a moment of enjoyment and happiness for both of you.
When Can Puppies Have Their First Bath?
First of all, it is important that the puppy has finished with the lactation period and completed its first doses of vaccination. Puppies are fragile and are exposed to any kind diseases. The vet will recommend you give the first bath after its second or third month of life, when your little friend has gained independence away from its mother.
Giving the first bath before the advised period of the vet, might cause a rejection from your puppy’s mother as it won’t recognize its offspring’s smell.
Regarding vaccinations, it is recommended to finish with all the first vaccines, especially the one for rabies, so your little fluffy friend does not get sick easily.
Necessary Items for Bath Time
We are clear about the best time to give the first bath. Now, we will talk about the appropriate items we need. Some of them include:
- A place with a warm and relaxed atmosphere,
- Shampoo and Conditioner for Puppies,
- Sponge (optional),
- Comb or soft brush,
- Towels and blow dryer (Try to familiarize your pet with the blow dryer before using it for the first time).
Remember that the temperature of the water is important; you can bathe your puppy in the bathtub or some container so your little friend feels safe.
Some Useful Tips for Bath Time
- Turn Bath Time Into Playtime. A puppy might feel overwhelmed with the first bath experience and get easily scared with all the new things and elements it does not know. You can have some dog treats to reward your friend and reinforce the positive behavior. Do not nag your dog, keep calm and remember they are sensitive to our own emotions.
- Familiarize Your Puppy with the Items You Use. You can show your little puppy the items you will use, even let your friend play with the brush before using it. Allow it to sniff and feel comfortable with everything. Whenever you use those elements, make it gradually and calmly.
- Brush Its Fur. Start by brushing its coat before getting it wet, in order to remove the traces of dirt and detangle its hair. Start with its back and then you can proceed to the most sensitive parts. Petting and talking to your friend while you are brushing will make your friend feel safe and comfy.
- Water. Make sure the temperature is appropriate; it should not be too hot or too cold. Start slowly dampening your dog’s hair; you must convey a secure and fun attitude. You can mix the shampoo with water so it will get soapy and easy to apply with your hand or a soft sponge; you can also give your puppy a massage so it will get relaxed during the process.
- Drying Your Dog. Use towels to remove the excess water, you can be energetic but not harsh with your movements. Let your puppy sit or lay so it will get comfortable and feels safe. If you are going to use a blow dryer, let it on, so the noise will get part of the atmosphere and your puppy will get used to it. Always in low temperature and speed so it would not be aggressive; start from the tail and back so you little friend do not get exalted if the air goes to its muzzle and ears.
- Rewards. As we mentioned before you should have dog treats to reinforce your little fluffy friend’s good behavior at all times. Once you finish the entire process, pet, congratulate and reward your happy clean puppy with some dog candy.
How Often Should I Bathe my Dog?
Regular baths on the season of the year; it could be every 30 or 60 days. Remember you should not over-clean dogs, as they have a greasy exterior layer which is important to their skin’s health.
To avoid removing that protective layer it is imperative using the correct shampoo for the dog’s breed and age.
Remember that regularly brushing your dog helps remove hair, dead cells, and the superficial dirt; this will keep your puppy cleaner for more time.
If you have any doubts, consult a professional near your home who will give you good assistance and answer all your questions.
