Bathing Your Puppy

First: talk to your veterinarian about your puppy and how often he will need to be bathed. Each puppy is different — your puppy's breed and lifestyle determines how often he needs a bath. If your puppy spends a lot of time playing outdoors, he may need a bath more often than a puppy who spends most of his time indoors. But remember, bathing your puppy too often will remove necessary oils from his coat.

Preparing the bath
Get everything you need for your puppy's bath together and at arm's reach. You want to be very organized so you are not searching for shampoo while at the same time trying to keep your puppy in his bath.

Depending on your puppy's size you may choose to bathe him in the bathtub, in a utility tub or in the sink. A non-slip mat on the bottom of the sink or tub will keep your puppy from slipping around while in the bath and he will feel more at ease. Do you want to give your puppy a shower or a bath? If you decide to give your puppy a shower you will need a spray nozzle attached to your faucet. If you decide to give your puppy a bath fill the sink or tub with water that will reach your puppy's knees when he is in the bath. The water temperature should be lukewarm, about his temperature — not too cold or too hot.

Thoroughly brush your puppy's coat. This is very important. If there are any mats or tangles the water will make them worse and they may then need to be cut out. To protect your puppy's eyes from soaps or chemicals that may irritate him put a drop of mineral oil in each eye — you only need a drop.

The bath
Lift your puppy into the bath. If you are showering your puppy turn the spray nozzle on with one hand, while holding your puppy in place with the other hand. Test the water to make sure it is not too hot or too cold and slowly direct the nozzle at your puppy's coat. The spray nozzle should be held very close to your puppy's coat so he is not frightened and his coat should be made thoroughly wet. Never spray water directly into your puppy's face. If you are bathing your puppy begin ladling the bath water over his coat with one hand, and hold your puppy in place with your other hand.

When his coat is thoroughly wet you can start applying a dog shampoo. Gently work the shampoo through his coat. Don't forget to shampoo his stomach, under his tail, between his toes and under his neck. Use a sponge to gently wash your puppy's face, being careful not to get soap in his eyes or mouth. A soft brush is useful to clean your puppy's paws and between his toes.

Once your puppy is thoroughly shampooed you can begin to rinse the shampoo from him. Remember to check the temperature of the water again when you begin rinsing. It's important that the shampoo is thoroughly rinsed as any residue may cause an irritation to your puppy's skin. It's a good idea to rinse twice. If you bathed your puppy instead of showering him drain the tub water before rinsing him.

After the bath
It's important to get your puppy completely dry. Gently squeeze out any water from your puppy's coat and dry him with a few towels. Then stand back so your puppy can shake off any remaining water. If you decide to blow-dry your puppy's coat make the experience as pleasant as possible by keeping the heat very low and never direct the air into your puppy's face. If you decide to let your puppy's coat dry without the aid of a blow dryer keep him away from any drafts until he is thoroughly dried. Don’t forget to dry your puppy's ears well. Wet ears are perfect for bacterial growth.

A few more tips

•If the weather is cold never wash your puppy outside, and keep him inside while he is drying.

•Always use a shampoo made for dogs because the pH level of their skin is different from that of humans, and human shampoo is harsher.

•Don't forget to rinse and dry your puppy's feet and between his toes. If shampoo is not rinsed properly his feet may be irritated.

•Your attitude plays a big part in how your puppy reacts to his bath. If he senses that you dislike giving him a bath he will dislike taking one.

Remember that every puppy is different. Your veterinarian can advise you on how often your puppy should be bathed. Bathing your puppy too often is not good for him.