Puppy's first bath? 5 tips from a pro groomer

There are so many benefits to grooming your puppy yourself—not just for your puppy, but for you. It's truly a bonding experience once you're able to get past the initial stress of trying to get your wiggly pup groomed . But if you're like me, you have a lot of questions about doing it right. Because really, you're setting the foundation for how your dog will react to future grooming sessions, which is kind of a big deal! So to get some answers, it's probably best to talk to a pro. Enter one of our favorite groomers in the game, Imani Jeffries. She's the owner of Primp My Pet, a mobile grooming service in Atlanta , and has bathed a plethora of puppies in her time. Let's jump in! Make sure your puppy's ready for a bath Puppy's first bath is a milestone, but timing is key. Generally, puppies can have their first bath when they're around 8 weeks old. Before this age, they can have a bit more trouble regulating their body temperature. So bottom line: There's a sweet spot in timing. You don't want to delay too long, because it's also a great time to get your puppy used to the whole process, according to Imani. "I recommend starting bathing and grooming early on to help familiarize [your puppy] with the process." That said, if your puppy is especially dirty or has fleas , reach out to your vet for advice. Choose a safe puppy bathing zone OK, so you're ready for the big day. Where's the best place to give your puppy a bath? There's not really a right answer here, as long as you're bathing your pet in a clean, safe, slip-free zone. Thinking about bathing your puppy outside? Proceed with caution. Dogs tend to love rolling in mud right after they get wet, and puppies could also have more trouble regulating their temperature if it's cold outside . Have puppy-bathing supplies on hand Before you start bathing your pup, make sure you have everything within arm's reach, advises Imani. Here's what you can grab: You could even throw all of these supplies into a little bucket or plastic caddy so you're ready for bathtime at a muddy moment's notice! Keep the bathing experience paw-sitive Now, for the main event: believe it or not, this doesn't have to be stressful! It just requires you to slow down. "[Bathtime] is new for your puppy, so be patient and give them lots of kisses," says Imani. Here are some steps you might find helpful for your puppy's first bath: Throughout, offer treats and praise to associate bathtime with positive experiences. This will help you lay a positive foundation for the future, when your pup's bound to be bigger and potentially more unruly! Don't overdo it There's no hard-and-fast rule for how often to bathe a puppy, says Imani. It all just depends. "How often [your puppy] needs a bath will depend on the type of coat they have and how quickly they dirty themselves. Anywhere from every 2–3 weeks to once a month can help puppies stay clean." As with hoomans, over-bathing can strip your pup's coat of natural oils, leading to skin irritation. Let "gentle" be the mantra for everything at this stage! And remember, no matter what bath time brings, patience is key when it comes to grooming . Each bath will help build trust and strengthen your bond. Soon, your puppy will learn to enjoy—or at least tolerate—their splashy spa day!

Puppy's first bath? 5 tips from a pro groomer

Content

Fading puppy syndrome: know the signs

How to get rid of fleas on puppies

What to do when a puppy won’t eat

Leanna Zeibak

Why won't my dog drink water?

Winter dog walks: when is it too cold? (+ tips for cold weather safety)

What are the puppy blues (and when do they end)?

How to manage your dog's anxiety

How is dog & cat leg nerve damage treated?

Products

Resources

Company

Follow us

Country