How to Bathe a Puppy

So your new family member is finally 3 to 4 months old and is ready for his/her first bath time. But you have no idea how to do it? That is precisely why E-how exists. Follow these easy steps and you and your puppy will have a great first bath experience.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Puppy shampoo
• Towel
• Comb
• Cotton swabs
• Large cup
• Dog treats

1. Prepare the area. Most puppies are small enough that you can bathe them in a sink or small basin. Make sure that the sink/basin is clean and that any items you don’t want to get wet have been removed from the area.

2. Collect the items. You will want to grab all your bathing items (such as shampoo, towel and hose) and lay them out before you grab your puppy.

3. Secure the dog. At this point it is time to retrieve Rover. If this is a first bath, it should be easy because he/she doesn’t know what is coming. By the second or third bath, they have begun to figure out what is about to happen when you pull out the shampoo and comb. That is when this step can become a bit more challenging.

4. Soak ‘em. Just like washing your human hair, you have to get theirs wet before you apply the shampoo. Whether you are using a spray nozzle or your large cup, always start from the top of their head and work your way down to the tail, trying not to get any water in their ears.

5. Suds, suds, suds. Shampoo them very well. Once again, you should suds from head to tail, making sure to get their little paws and underside as well.

6. Rinse. Same as with steps 4 and 5, move from head to tail. You should keep applying water until you can run your hand over their coat and not see any shampoo come out. This is important. If you don’t rinse completely, it can dry in and irritate their skin.

7. Ahh…comfort. Wrap them up in your towel and just hold them for awhile so that the towel can soak up any excess water. Then begin drying them, just as you would a baby: gentle, massaging pats.

8. Treat them. Give them a doggie treat for being such a good boy or girl, then let them move around and get back to normal.

Tips & Warnings

• Try and keep one hand on your puppy at all times. This will prevent them from shaking while in the sink/basin and getting the entire room wet.
• Try not to allow any water in their ears. It can lead to ear infections.
• Try not to allow shampoo in their eyes. It annoys them the same way it does you.
• Don’t rub too hard when drying. You want this to be a pleasant experience for your puppy so they will like it. It will make your life easier when bath time rolls around again.

[khristal23]

on 2/28/2009 Excellent advice, thanks! 5*