Bathing Puppies

Bathing Puppies Made Easy

Puppies like to get dirty, roll in the mud, their food and whatever other icky thing is around, so it’s a good idea to know something about bathing puppies. Some puppies enjoy water so it’s not difficult. Some do have a fear of the water though.  Talking and being gradual in your movements will reassure and subdue your four footed friend’s fear.  Speak very gently.  All animals can be calmed down with a soothing voice, even wild ones. 

First get everything ready:

Brush all the dirt and mats out of the fur. If you don’t do this before bathing puppies, the mats can get clumped and will have to be cut out.

Select a place that is warm, or warm the area with a space heater before beginning the bath. Either the bathroom or kitchen is fine if you’ve put away breakables. Clear the floor as needed so nothing will be water damaged.

In warm weather you can use the washtub in the garage. If it is a tiny breed, 2 tubs of water will work fine -- one to wash and one to rinse. For large breeds, you’ll need to use the bathtub.

Set out a lot of big towels for drying, shampoo and conditioner made for dogs, a dog brush, hair dryer and cotton swabs.

Before you bring Fido to the bathing area, fill the tub or sink with 5 inches of warm water, or adjust for the breed size.  Otherwise, the water gushing from the faucet may make the dog scared and anxious.

Washing and Rinsing:

  1. Put some cotton in doggies’ ears so they don’t get full of water.

  2. Wash thoroughly and quickly by soaping all areas except eyes and ears.

  3. Think ahead about the rinsing process.  If you have a hose that will spray water gently, it can be used to rinse.  If not, you will need to drain and refill the tub or sink for rinsing, unless you have a less fearful dog.

  4. If the puppy is scared of the water, have another person there who can hold it in a towel while the rinse water is filling.

  5. Rinse soap out thoroughly. 

After the bath:

  1. Wrap the dog in towels and dry as much as possible by rubbing.

  2. Clean any debris or dirt from ears with a cotton swab, being careful not to damage inner ears. Clean around the eyes as needed with a warm cloth, without soap.

  3. Introduce the hair dryer gradually.  First turn it on briefly and face it at your own body.  Then reassure the dog so they are not scared of the noise.  Use the brush to fluff up the fur as you dry. Most pups get used to a dryer.  Others may not. If you cannot get your puppy to calm down you can place him or her in a bathroom or the smallest place in your house that can be secured, and turn on one or 2 space heaters.  Check your puppy often so it is not alone and scared for very long.

  4. Be sure the puppy is not allowed outside until fully dry. 

Now you know all there is to bathing puppies.  Your best friend will thank you, and will be that much more lovable without the “doggie smell” that humans all know so well.