When can you wash a puppy?
Young puppies can count on the warm care of their mothers. Shortly after the birth, the mother keeps her offspring clean by licking the little ones. When your puppy is old enough to play outside, it’s up to you to take care of him. In the beginning, a warm, damp cloth is enough to clean your dog from time to time. Once he discovers how much fun it is to play in the mud, it’s time for the first dip. But what is the best way to go about washing a puppy?
How often can you wash a puppy?
How often you can wash a puppy depends on the dog’s age – and more importantly, the adventures he has every day. You should avoid bathing your puppy or dog every week. Three to four thorough washes a year – apart from a bath in a dirty ditch, of course – is enough to adequately clean your dog. Dogs naturally have a protective layer on their skin. Washing too often can have a negative impact on this layer and ultimately cause skin problems.
Top tips for washing your pup
- Get him used to bathing
Get your puppy used to bathing as early as possible. A pup who learns from a young age that a bath is the most normal thing in the world will look forward to a leisurely bath after a wild afternoon.
- comb and brush
Does your puppy have a long or thick coat? Then brush it thoroughly before bathing. This will remove burrs and loose hair. Note: Only use a brush that is suitable for dog fur.
- The sink is big enough
A small puppy fits perfectly in the sink or sink. This way you can take care of your little rascal without him slipping. Slowly build up the washing process and keep the water jet or shower head away from his head for a while so that he can get used to it.
- Use dog shampoo
Washing a puppy is done with a special dog shampoo for puppies. These mild care products have a low PH value and prevent skin irritation in puppies. Important: Your own shampoo is not suitable for your little four-legged friend.
- Wash gently, use a sponge
To gently get a puppy used to washing, start with a washcloth or sponge. The neck, back, belly and tail can be wet and soaped so that your four-legged friend’s fur becomes clean and fresh again.
- Special attention to the ears
A puppy’s ears are very sensitive. Therefore, never put the water jet on the ears of the animal, but be particularly careful, otherwise you could get angry barking. Water can even damage dogs’ eardrums, so be extremely careful when washing their ears.
- warm up
Brrr… a cold shower, none of us are waiting for that. Not even your pup. Wash your pup with (luke)warm water, make sure the room isn’t too cold, and dry him off with a thick, fluffy towel.
- Rapunzel, let your fur down
Anyone with long hair knows this all too well: brushing your hair after showering gives you an incredibly beautiful feeling! Does your puppy have long hair? After bathing, brush it thoroughly again and comb out the last tangles.
- A reward pays off
You want your puppy to become a real water rat? Then teach the tramp that bathing is fun. Calm your dog down and give him lots of compliments. And when the bath is over? Then, of course, your puppy deserves a treat.
- Have everything ready at home
Make sure you have all the necessary products and supplies to groom your pup.
To the dog salon or to the dog washing line
Is washing your furry friend not one of your favorite chores, or do you find washing a puppy and all that entails quite exciting? Luckily, a «dog wash street» lets your pup take a hot shower. At the dog washing line you will find everything you need for the perfect puppy bath. Does your pup deserve only the best of the best? Most groomers also offer good washing facilities. Want to learn more about caring for your pup? On our advice page, especially for dogs, we tell you everything about a happy dog’s life.