Being a new dog owner comes with a lot of new responsibilities and questions. How often to bathe a puppy is an age old question that has many variables that we will discuss further.
It is important to stress that dogs do not need to take a bath as frequently as humans. This might be surprising as a lot of dogs love playing in the mud or swimming in the ocean. Ultimately, the frequency of washing your dog is dependent on its health, coat type, breed, activity, and age.
Health
Some dog owners will need to take their puppies’ health into greater consideration. If you know of preexisting conditions or notice irritation, you should consult your vet immediately. They will be able to determine the best course of action and potentially provide medical shampoo products.
The health of you, the owner, should also be taken into consideration. Your dog will be carrying a lot of allergens and dander that could cause reactions if you have associated allergies.
Coat Type
The rule of thumb is that short-coated breeds will require less grooming than long-coated breeds. Of course, some exceptions exist….For example, if retrievers or huskies are washed too frequently their skin could be stripped of essential oils. Using specific shampoo products could help avoid this and even promote a healthy coat for your loved one.
Activity
Your dog might require more baths if he loves swimming, playing in the mud, digging up your garden, or any other fun outdoor activity. Keep in mind, that a simple rinse could be just as effective as a full-on bath session.
Age
Your puppies age will play a critical role in how often you should bathe your puppy.
A Newborn Puppy
For the first 8-12 weeks a puppy will receive all of his essential grooming and cleaning from his biological mother. In actuality, bathing a puppy before 8-12 weeks could be dangerous as they are still learning on how to regulate their temperature. If you find a dire need to wash your pup, consider spot cleaning with a damp rag or wipe.
A Healthy Dog
You will want to take into consideration the above factors, once your dog is old enough to begin receiving regular baths. Bathing your furfriend once a month should be a good starting point. Depending on your dog’s specific needs, you can adjust accordingly.
Why Should You Bathe Your Puppy
Many puppies will require a bath due to odors, health reasons, and nasty substances that have accumulated in their coat. Those opportunities should be used to familiarize your puppy with taking a bath. This will make the bathing process much easier for you and your furfriend in the future.
How Often Should you Bathe Your Puppy
At the end of the day the right frequency of bathing your puppy is a balance of you and your dog’s health and happiness.
You should check out this link on how to bathe your dog, once you are ready.
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