A wet sudsy puppy is very cute to us, but your puppy may feel uncomfortable the first time it has a bath.Your puppy won't have a clue why it's being doused in water and may well be frightened or bewildered, so you need to make the process as calm as possible for them.Keeping your puppy comfortable is one of the things you need to pay attention to.You will be left with a clean puppy who is happy to repeat the experience in the future if you do this.
Step 1: It's a good idea to choose a mild shampoo for dogs.
Don't get one that only smells good.It should have a nice smell and be able to promote coat shine.Don't use human hair products on your puppy.Dog skin is more delicate than human skin and using a cleanser that is too harsh is not a good idea.An oatmeal dog wash is a good choice if you don't know what you want to use it for.Puppies with medium to long hair can use conditioners.If you don't know which kind of cleanser to use for your puppy, or if he or she has sensitive skin, talk to your vet about which brand is best for him or her.
Step 2: Your puppy has a coat.
The puppy should be combed out before getting wet.Depending on the coat type, use a wide toothed comb or a fine comb to thoroughly brush your puppy's coat.There are areas where fur rubs against itself, such as behind the ears.Take care to tease out any knots.If they are too firmly knitted together, try to get the comb between the knot and the skin, and then carefully trim the knotted fur with scissors.Do not attempt to do this on your own.You could cut the puppy's skin if it moves at the wrong time.If you wait until a friend can hold your puppy steady, you will have both hands free to trim it off safely.
Step 3: It's a good idea to put on clothes that you can get wet.
Even a small puppy can make you wet when it shakes, so you may want to change into old clothes or wear a waterproof apron.
Step 4: Decide where you are going to wash the puppy.
The bathroom is the best place to bathe a large breed puppy indoors.A small puppy will do well in the bathroom or kitchen sink.If the weather is warm, you can bathe your puppy in a tub or baby bath outside.Puppies are prone to chilling easily if the weather is very hot, so you need to use water from a garden hose on a young puppy.
Step 5: Prepare the area.
It's a good idea to put a slip proof mat at the bottom of the sink or tub to make your puppy feel safe.You will want to wash your dog.You will be bathing your puppy if you put them in arms.
Step 6: Without your puppy, fill the tub.
The water should be warm enough for you to bath a baby in.The 'elbow' test is where you dip your elbow in the water to see if the temperature is warmer than your skin.Before you put your dog in the water, make sure it's cold or hot.For a large breed puppy, fill the tub to either 4–5 inches (10.2–12.7 cm) or below their elbow.Most will happily paddle in this depth of water as they don't feel as though they are drowned.
Step 7: Keep your voice light and happy by reassuring your puppy.
Tell him or her how smart they are.It's important to remember that the first bath can be frightening for your puppy, so make sure to be as gentle as possible.Your dog will be happy if you pet it throughout the process.
Step 8: The puppy should be in the tub.
Talk to your dog and stroke him or her.Some puppies don't like getting wet, so your puppy may act nervous.The sooner you start washing your puppy, the more he or she will tolerate baths.Speak calmly to your puppy as he or she bathes.Doing this will make it feel better and will keep it from splashing.Make a game out of bathing your puppy.If the puppy is wary of being put in the water, use your hand to scoop some water out of its back.Scoop more water and wet it's paws, so the water is less of a shock when you lower the pup.
Step 9: Gradually get your puppy wet.
While continuing to pet your puppy with one hand, you should start to get its head and neck wet.You can scoop water over your pup's body with a plastic beaker.The dog's coat needs to be completely wet.If you can, try to keep water out of your pup's eyes.The dog needs to be completely wet before you wash it.
Step 10: Removes your pup's fur.
Slowly wash your puppy's fur.The paws need to be washed just as much as the neck, so make sure you get every inch covered.Don't forget to pay attention to all of the dog's body parts.By the time you finish, your puppy should be a cuter, smaller version of the snowman.
Step 11: Your puppy's face should be washed separately.
You can wash your puppy's face with a washcloth.Rub the face with a cloth and avoid the eyes.It may be difficult to wash your dog's face.Wait until your puppy is calm before attempting to clean their face.
Step 12: Make sure to thoroughly wash your puppy.
Start rinsing with clean water after draining the soapy water.One of the most important parts of bathing is rinsing.You will have to wash your puppy more than once.Don't leave suds in the fur when you pour water over your pup.If you don't get all of the soap, it could cause skin irritation.Don't leave the dog in the sink or bath while the taps are running.There is a risk of injury to the puppy if he gets underneath the hot tap.Lift the puppy out of the sink or tub and wrap it in a towel to keep it warm.Your towel will get covered in soap and you will need another to dry the dog.If your dog has a long coat, it's a good idea to make sure you rinse out all of the shampoo.
Step 13: Your pup needs to be dry.
Remove the puppy from the tub and put it in a towel.Use the towel to dry.After you have used a towel, you can use a blow dryer on a cool setting.The puppy needs to be at least 12 inches from the dryer.If the dryer is too hot, keep it moving so that it doesn't focus on one spot and cause a burn.If you are bathing your puppy outside on a hot day, you can let him run around to get dry.
Step 14: Give your dog some love.
It is important that you tell your puppy how good it is after the bathing experience.You may want to give it a puppy treat to reinforce good behavior.
Step 15: Do you know if your puppy has had a bath recently?
It is unlikely that you will dry the skin out if you bathe your dog once every two weeks.Dog skin is relatively unsophisticated and if you wash it too often, there is a risk of stripping out the beneficial oils that condition its skin and keep its coat soft.
Step 16: It's a good idea to look for dry skin on your dog.
Dandruff and a dull coat are signs of dry skin.Bath your dog less frequently if they have dry skin.
Step 17: Do you know if your puppy has rolled in something?
You will have times when you need to wash your puppy.If your puppy is smelly or dirty, give it a good wash.