When Can You Bathe a Puppy for the First Time?

Written by Joshua Gordon
Last updated November 17, 2022

Key takeaways

You can start bathing a puppy at 8 weeks. It’s recommended you wait until your puppy is at least 8 weeks old to start bathing them.
Try to avoid bathing your puppy from week 5 or 6. Puppies at this age have difficulty regulating their own temperature.
At 12 weeks, you can start using shampoo on your puppy. Shampoo and conditioner can now be used, be sure to use dog-friendly products. Watch out for sensitive areas and skin.
Avoid bathing your puppy more than once a month unless they get particularly dirty. Excessive bathing can strip your puppy of essential oils from the skin.

When can you bathe a puppy for the first time?

You can start bathing your puppy as early as 8 weeks old. Begin with lukewarm water and cloth to get your puppy accustomed to the activity from an early age and avoid any anxiety down the line.

Puppies at 6 weeks or under should not be bathed as they cannot control their own temperature. If your pooch gets a bit dirty or mucky at this age, use a wet cloth to wipe down the area.

Can you bathe a 6-week-old puppy?

Puppies at 6 weeks or 5 weeks should not be bathed as they cannot control their own temperature. If your pooch gets a bit dirty or mucky at this age, use a wet cloth to wipe down the area.

Bathing an 8+ week old puppy

Once your puppy is at 8 weeks old, you can begin bathing them using lukewarm water and a rag. However, you should avoid using shampoo and other cleansing products until your pooch is at least 12 weeks of age.

Bathing a 12-week+ puppy

Puppies older than 12 weeks can be bathed using shampoo and conditioner. Be careful not to wash your pooch excessively as this can lead to skin issues such as itchiness and dryness.

Watch: Bathing a puppy for the first time

Credit: Animalwised

How often should you bathe a puppy?

For most puppies, monthly baths are usually adequate, but your dog’s coat type, lifestyle, and whether they have any existing health conditions or skin issues will also need to be considered. If your puppy has long fur that picks up a lot of dirt and grime, they may need a bath every couple of weeks or so.

Additionally, if your pooch suffers from dry or sensitive skin, you should avoid washing them regularly, perhaps every two or three months at most. On the flip side, if your companion loves to roll in mud or poo, you’ll need to bathe them more frequently.

If you need to bathe your puppy regularly, aim for no more than every two or three weeks. Alternatively, use a wet washcloth to give your puppy a clean in-between baths.

Ask the Vet - How much should I bathe my puppy?

"Avoid bathing more than monthly, which can strip oils from the skin. Of course, if your pup gets really muddy or dirty, a quick wash won’t be a problem.

When you first get your puppy, you may want to wash them right away. This is okay if they have urine or stool staining, making sure you keep the bath warm and you dry them off quickly afterwards. Use a puppy safe shampoo or a baby shampoo. "
- Dr Linda Simon MVB MRCVS

Where should you bathe a puppy?

You should bathe your puppy indoors, either in a bath or a sink (if they’re small enough). Avoid washing your puppy outside as they will get cold quickly, and never use cold water from an outdoor tap or hose.

What do you need for bathing a puppy?

Below are the things you’ll need to have on hand when bathing a puppy:

Towel
Bath, sink, or another suitable container
Hairdryer
Puppy shampoo and conditioner
Treats
Puppy brush

References

Joshua Gordon

Head of Research and Editorial, Joshua has over 7 years of experience as a finance and automotive research consultant. He is a childhood pet owner and dog enthusiast.