When Can Puppies Take a Bath?

People often wonder at what age can you bathe puppies? Well, guess what. If a puppy needs a bath for its health and well-being, you can bathe them at any age, but drying young puppies well and keeping them warm is very important.

Examples of when to bathe a puppy for the first time depends depend upon the puppies and their life circumstances. If orphan puppies being hand-raised become soiled with urine or feces, they must be bathed to avoid life-threatening skin infections. Flea infestations on newborn puppies can cause life-threatening anemia, which means frequent bathing is necessary to remove adult fleas and any “flea dirt,” which contains eggs and larvae.

For the average puppy owner wondering when to bathe their puppy for the first time, if they are old enough to leave their mother and littermates, they are old enough to have a bath. Just give them time to settle in and feel confident in your home before considering a bath. And, if you want to be able to comfortably bathe them for the rest of their lives, be sure to make their first bath a pleasant experience! And always dry them and keep them warm.

How often can you wash your puppy? That depends on a couple of things. First, how dirty does your puppy get? If your yard is muddy and he’s out there romping and playing every day, he may require bathing every day. Second, does he develop dry white skin flakes and seem itchy after a bath? If yes, then you’re either bathing him too frequently or the shampoo you are using is too harsh for him.

I recommend using a shampoo specifically formulated for puppies. As far as how often to bathe, once a month is a nice, healthy bathing schedule for most puppies and adult dogs.