Q&A for How to Bathe a Newborn Puppy

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Do puppies need to be washed right after they're born?

Kateryna Zabashta
Dog Breeder
Kateryna Zabashta is a Dog Breeder and the Owner of Emma’s Frenchies in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over five years of experience, Kateryna specializes in dog nutrition, general care, and breeding French Bulldogs.

Kateryna Zabashta

Dog Breeder

Expert Answer

No, typically the mom will clean them. For the first 4 weeks or so, you should let the mom do all the work. The only time you'd do that is if the mother isn't engaged or can't keep up with a very large litter.

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Can I bath my 8 week old puppy in Dawn dish liquid?

Community Answer

No. You should use baby shampoo, as it is gentle and easy on the eyes. It is safe to use on babies, people, dogs and cats.

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What if the puppy is orphaned, a day old, very messy, and also has a thick crust on his face?

Community Answer

Try lightly rubbing him with clean water, you can also clean the puppy with dog wet wipes.

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Our 2-week-old puppies are a little smelly. Is ok to rub them down with a little lemon water?

Community Answer

It would be best if you try rubbing them with plain water. If it doesn't work, repeat several times.

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Question

How do I remove the mess of afterbirth from puppy fur?

Community Answer

The mother will usually lick it off herself. Only wipe the puppy down with a warm cloth if absolutely necessary. Try to avoid sudden temperature changes until they're at least 4 weeks old.

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Question

When do puppies get shots?

Community Answer

Some puppies have to have shots around 5 weeks, while others may have it around 6 to 8 weeks of age.

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How do I remove my week-old puppy's hardened, impacted poops? His mother abandoned him for several days.

Community Answer

Take him to the vet as soon as possible.

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Question

When is it alright to take my puppy outside?

Community Answer

Wait until it has all required shots before taking it outside.

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How do I remove fleas from one week old puppies?

Community Answer

Contact your vet for the best advice.

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What if I accidentally drown my puppy?

SparkleGirl

Community Answer

Don’t dunk them under water, and then don’t cover their nose, and then they probably won’t drown.

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What should I do if my puppy poops while taking a bath?

Community Answer

Most puppies tend to be stressed by bathing, and as a result don’t poop. If the puppy happens to be very relaxed by the warm water, fish out the poop with a small fishnet or paper towel and dispose of it. Finish cleaning your puppy off by rinsing with the faucet, not with a bath. Then sanitize the sink. If the poop is liquid, rise it down the sink and sanitize it.

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Is it OK to put my 5-month-old puppy in a sink full of water?

Community Answer

Yes, if it's warm water and you support the puppy until he gets used to the water. Talk to him encouragingly while rubbing him with pet soap. If the puppy doesn't like it, finish quickly and dry him with a towel. Don't scold him, so he won't be scared the next time.

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