At what age can I bathe a puppy dog?

Veterinarians don’t recommend bathing puppies before they are three months of age, which is when they have finished their vaccination schedule.

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Veterinarians recommend that the first bath of a puppy be at three months of age when the dog has already finished its first vaccination schedule. However, other experts suggest that, with some care and correctly drying the puppy, you can bathe them before. This article explains when to bathe a puppy and we give you some tips so that the first bath is a good experience: from adapting the size of the bathtub and using toys, to controlling the temperature of the water.

At what age can I bathe the puppy dog?

The exact age for the first puppy bath is an issue that not all veterinarians agree on. The fear that the puppy will get cold and contract distemper disease explains the reluctance of some animal doctors when it comes to immersing the puppy in soap and water before finishing his vaccination schedule, that is, at 12 weeks of age or the three months. But others argue that, with proper care and drying the dog completely, there is no risk of getting distemper.

The veterinarian Alfonso Risotto says that the age to bathe a puppy should be the one that minimizes the danger to the health of the dog. Therefore, it is recommended, “not to bathe the puppy before 12 weeks or before the vaccination schedule is completed, provided that baths can be the cause a chill in the dog”.

The general advice? Do not bathe the puppy before finishing the vaccines, the bath may be the origin of a cold. “A chill in the puppy can lower its defenses and make it constipated,” comments Risotto. If you dry the dog well, with the help of a towel and a dryer (30 centimeters from the body of the dog, to prevent the skin from suffering burns) there should be no constipation problems.

In any case, the veterinarian prefers “precaution” and to not expose the puppy to a situation of “unnecessary” risk. Distemper or constipation will lower the animal’s defenses and force the vaccination schedule to be interrupted. The puppy’s vaccination schedule usually begins before eight weeks of age. However, to achieve a correct immunity, a second and even a third application must be performed in the first 15 weeks of life.

Tips for bathing a puppy

Bathing can be a bad experience for the puppy that experiences it for the first time. It is not uncommon for his legs to slip on the bottom of the bathtub or slip with the soap, which causes helplessness and anxiety in the puppy. And skids are not the only problem a puppy faces. The hour of cleanliness, however, should not become an agonizing moment. Keeping in mind some tips can transform the canine bath into a pleasant habit for the animal and its owner.

Small bathtubs 👍

The bathtub can be too big for a puppy. Why not use a place that is more similar in sizes to them, such as the basin sink or a basin?

Water at 102º F 😎
The bath water must be hot: with a temperature that is around 102° F, similar to the body temperature of the dog.

Games!😍
Transforming the bathroom area into a play area can be a good idea to inspire confidence in the puppy. Using some of his toys and rubber dolls during the bath will provide a pleasant feeling.

Dry baths when it’s cold 🐶

When the dog is very small, there are times when avoiding water and soap can be a good idea. In the market, there are items that allow for dry baths for canine pups. These products are applied to the fur of the animal, they act according to the indications and they are eliminated through brushing. In winter, when the outside temperature is low, dry baths are a good alternative to try to minimize the chances of the puppy contracting constipation.

Bath routine for a puppies

The bathing routine of the small puppy does not differ in the substance of what is done to an adult: it is recommended to begin the grooming by the area of the head, with the help of a slightly soapy towel moistened in warm water. Apply the product to the rest of the body and distribute it with the help of a light massage so that the shampoo acts properly with the skin and coat of the puppy.

Make sure that no water or soap comes into contact with the eyes or the inner part of the puppy’s ear, as it can cause irritation and some infections (otitis). In any case, a soft, specific soap for puppies should be used. The veterinarian can advise on what is best for the animal.

Tips
Avoid bathing with soap and water in puppies before finishing their vaccination schedule whenever there is a risk that the little one will get cold.

The bathtub can be too big for a dog breeding. Try a place that is more similar in sizes to them, such as the basin sink or a basin.

The bathwater of the puppy, like that of the adult dog, must be hot: with a temperature that is around 102º F.

Transforming the bathroom area into a play area can be a good idea to inspire confidence in the puppy.

Dog grooming requires a specific gentle shampoo: consult your veterinarian. 👩

When the puppy is very small, it is advisable to give it a dry bath. This will avoid the risk of a puppy contracting a chill.