Puppies are adorable, cuddly, and full of personality, and they just could be the key to happiness. There is a price to pay for such satisfaction, though, and this is particularly true for bathing. Fortunately, there’s a trick on how to make bath time easier for your dog.
Bathing can be a frightening experience for many dogs, but there are several things you can do to make the experience less unpleasant for both you and your dog.
Find Out What Coat Type Your Puppy Has
Before you even think about getting your dog wet, decide on the type of shampoo and conditioner you want to use. This is determined by the sort of fur that your puppy possesses. Consult with your veterinarian first to determine which products are most appropriate for your puppy.
Some coats require a higher concentration of minerals. The short coats require a lot of oil, almost to the point of greasiness. A humectant (moisturizer) is required for long-coated dogs.
When Can You Bathe A Puppy?
Typically, your puppy will not need to be bathed until he or she is approximately 8 weeks old. When it comes to senior dogs, their body temperature adjusts themselves, but puppies may have difficulty and may become frigid.
This is why it is normally recommended to refrain from bathing them during the first few weeks after birth. Instead, when cleaning them, use a warm wash towel to remove any excess dirt. If you’re not sure at what age you should start bathing your puppy, consult with your veterinarian as well.
How Often Should You Bathe A Puppy?
Bathing your dog once in a month is a fair measure to follow. This, however, can vary depending on your dog’s requirements and the sort of coat they have. Double-coated dogs don’t require bathing on a regular basis; once or twice a year is typically sufficient.
However, the curly-coated fellow should be bathed more frequently than that. Remember that your veterinarian can assist you in selecting the most appropriate bathing schedule for your dog’s needs, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Where To Bathe A Puppy
Some puppies may become distressed if they are placed in a large white bath tub. Which isn’t odd when you think about it! The best way to help your puppy become used to the tub is to stand him up in it several times a day.
Also, while he’s in there, provide him with some tasty snacks to chew on. Bathing a puppy in the kitchen sink is a common pick among dog owners. Wet pups are slippery, so take care not to let him wriggle out and hurt himself. If your puppy is afraid of the bathtub, a plastic washing up basin on the kitchen floor is a far safer choice!
How To Make Bath Time Fun For Your Dog
Before we go any further, let’s be clear about one thing: managing fear is difficult. This isn’t going to make your dog squeal with delight every time bath time comes around, nothing’s quite that simple. A lot of it has to do with how scared your dog already is of the water in the tub.
Handling a scared older dog calm will be more difficult than keeping a newborn pup calm who hasn’t had years of worry to overcome. However, all the guidelines have one thing in common: they’ll make bath time more fun for your dog, and you’ll see a difference in how he reacts to it over time. Make bath time fun for your dog by following these simple steps:
How To Bathe A Puppy
It is essential for new puppy owners to understand how to bathe their puppies in the appropriate manner. Preferably, you should learn about your new puppy before bringing him home.
Brush Before Bathing – Puppies with fluffy coats should be combed carefully with a dog brush before they are bathed to prevent matting. Water gives mats and knots more volume, which helps to tighten them up during the bathing process.
Pick the Perfect Spot – Most puppies can be washed in the kitchen sink without any difficulty. Gently spray them down from the back end so they don’t freak out and place them on an anti-slip rubber mat.
Keep the Puppy Warm – Bathing a puppy is similar to bathing a newborn. In the first place, make sure they stay comfortable while they’re being bathed. This means using warm water, a nice fluffy dog towel, and warm air from a blow dryer (but not too hot) if they’re fully coated and need to be dried off afterward.
Of course, never let them out in the rain. They may get a chill, but they may also roll in grass, gravel, or mud, destroying all of your hard work.
Use a Gentle Shampoo – The ideal shampoo for puppies is a tearless dog shampoo however if your baby stinks, you may need to use a deodorizing shampoo. Leave on the lather for 10 minutes before rinsing an oatmeal shampoo if your pup’s skin is dry or flaky.
If your puppy has fleas, instead of using harsh chemicals to get rid of the pests, try using a natural dog flea wash. The pH level and ingredients in human shampoos are drastically different from those in decent pet shampoos. So don’t use them on your furry friend.
After The Puppy Bath!
After thoroughly cleaning your puppy, put a towel across your lap and pick him up with your other hand. Be aware that he may be able to shake off the water before you, so prepare accordingly! Take a firm hold of your dog and massage his body.
It is likely that the majority of puppies will find this entertaining. Therefore, be prepared for a little fun biting and grabbing at the bath towel. With a second person to assist you, it may be easier for one person to gently hold onto the puppy while the other helps him to dry. When you set him down, he will shiver. This will occur regardless of how thoroughly you dry him!
Maintain a Bathing Routine
Because your dog’s skin and hair become clogged with oil and filth over time, it is recommended that you bathe him once a month. It takes a lifetime to train a puppy. Remember that you are educating them about an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives, so be patient and gentle with them while you go about it.
Get A Helper If You’re Stressed Out
The more stressed you are about bathing your dog, the more stressed your dog is going to be. By enlisting the assistance of a friend or family member, you may make things simpler for yourself (and for your dog). During the bathing, they might help you stay relaxed as you focus on other tasks.
