1st bath for puppy

[Beaker]

Hi,

Anyone got any advice for giving my 11 week old puppy his first bath? He's a bit muddy from being outside and first walk and has a tendency of standing in his poo sometimes, lovely! I have a large sink, thought that could work well or maybe a bath is better? I don't have any special dog shampoo, thought I'd just start with some warm water. Any tips or advice welcome! Thanks!

[piph]

I may be in the minority here, but, if he's not too mucky, don't bath him!  The mud should fall off when it's dry, and baby wipes or puppy wipes will do for his pooey feet.  I'm not into bathing dogs unless absolutely necessary - I don't think it does their skin any good, (and Ozzy's groomer agrees) although just washing him down with water would be ok.  Ozzy is now almost 18 months old and has only had 2 baths, and his legs showered with warm water last winter to get rid of the ice balls. 

[HBP]

Hudson's 16 weeks and we haven't bathed him yet either... We got some good paw wipes from P@H in a handy little box for poopy feet! He's never really got too dirty but he is starting to smell a bit like an incontinent old man now the feathering is coming in on his legs and he continues his unfortunate habit of stomping around on his puppy pads!! Was thinking baby shampoo?

[JennyBee]

If Brodie is muddy I just wait until she's dry and then brush it off - unless she is very muddy . To bathe, I put her into the bath and use the shower - it's over much faster that way. She prefers the water to be warm (not too warm, obviously!). I then use an easidri cloth to get as much water off her as possible, then a microfibre towel; then she gets her drying jacket on.

Interestingly, my groomer says frequent bathing shouldn't have any adverse effect on the dog's coat or skin, as long as you use a really good quality shampoo.

[Geordietyke]

Little scamp Archie has already had 2 baths (he's not yet 12 weeks) but then again, he has a tendency to do "poo dances"    Sink job and mild shampoo for him.

[Mudmagnets]

Minstrel has not been bathed yet either - I got some Canac Puppy Shampoo with Aloe Vera, ready for the big dip, but so far have not needed it. I got mine from Vet UK, but no doubt pet shops and P@H should stock it. I don't have a bath, so will probably end up doing him in the sink if I can pick him up that high, or under a warm shower and stand him on a bath mat to prevent slipping.

[jaydee67]

When Charlie jumped into the stinky bog she got a bath - outside and hosed off! I figured she had been jumping in cold water (sea, loch and bog) so it wouldn't hurt her to get some more! I used baby shampoo on her. Then a good towel rub and prime position next to the fire with a chew.

[airyfairy76]

I gave Lottie a quick bath at 12 weeks, purely as an experience during the "socialisation window", so she wouldn't be scared of them.  I used Groomers puppy shampoo, lukewarm water, and I personally find the kitchen sink easier.  I can get a better grip on her - in the bath she tends to try and leap out - and no aching back from bending over! In fact, even at nine months, Lottie is still small enough to fit in the sink

Friends of mine use the shower. While the husband is having a shower, the wife opens the door and throws the springer in with him.....

 

[jaydee67]

Friends of mine use the shower. While the husband is having a shower, the wife opens the door and throws the springer in with him.....

 

 

[Jan D]

I have to admit that the easiest way to bath my two (mainly after a foox pooh rolling escapade) is to get in the shower with them. It saves all the aching backs etc. I usually just take off my trousers and get in there and then OH dries them off 

While he is still little I would just use the sink though - good luck!