


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