Bath Time Tips for Toy Poodle Puppies

Toy poodles require more frequent bathing than other breeds.

Start while your toy poodle is young if you want to get it used to baths. You can begin bathing toy poodles when they're as young as eight weeks. The time to go between baths depends on the dog's habits and where it is kept; an interval of anywhere between two weeks to two months is normal for poodles.

Brush Before Bathing

Brush your puppy's coat before the bath to avoid snarls while it is in the water and to remove excess debris. This prevents matting of the curly fur, which is more of a factor for toy poodles than for other dogs with shorter and less curly fur.

Use Puppy or Baby Shampoo

Puppies have sensitive eyes, so use only mild shampoo. Ask your veterinarian about the best shampoo to use for toy poodles. Different breeds require different shampoos.

Thoroughly Soak the Coat

Toy poodles have coats that are relatively water-resistant, so it will take a bit of work to get them ready for the shampoo step. Test the water to make sure it is warm. After shampooing, rinse the dog thoroughly; don't leave soap on the puppy's coat. This will preserve the oils on the skin, and it reduces the potential for irritation of a puppy's sensitive skin.

Start From the Neck

When wetting and shampooing, start from the neck and gently massage down the puppy's body. Always rub along the hairline to avoid matting and tangling. Avoid getting water or soap close to the face or inside the ears. However, you can still clean around the ears.

Keep Warm

Puppies are vulnerable to hypothermia after a bath, so keep them in a warm place until dry. Wrapping them with a towel is a good way to do so, although you will need to change the towel for a dry one a few times. You can also use a blow-dryer on the lowest "warm" setting. While drying, gently brush the dog with a wire brush to avoid tangling.

Reward Afterward

Make the experience as fun as possible, especially when bathing a young and impressionable puppy. Use a dog treat as positive reinforcement. Toy poodles are intelligent and sensitive to the treatment they get, and they prefer rewards over coercion.

References

• Pet Place: Bathing Your Puppy
• Poodles by Design: Poodle Puppy Care
• Oodles of Poodles: Your Poodle Care