Q&A for How to Bathe a Puppy for the First Time

Opt for a sensitive skin shampoo if your puppy has dry skin. A groomer can help you determine your dog's skin type if you are unsure.

Always make sure you're using water that isn't too hot or cold since it could make your puppy uncomfortable. Also pay attention to any sprayers you're using to check they aren't high-pressure and hurting your pup.

A 3 week old puppy is a little young for bathing. They aren't good at holding their head up at this age, so there is a greater risk of inhaling water and drowning. Also, their small size makes them prone to chilling, so being wet after a bath could be a problem. If the puppy is soiled, then a blanket bath with damp cotton wool is the best way ahead.

Introduce the dryer several days (or weeks) prior to the bath. Keep the fan low and switch it on at some distance from the puppy, so that they aren't alarmed. Have a second person play with the puppy, and gradually move the pup closer and closer to the dryer. Praise and fuss them for being calm around the dryer. Keep the sessions short, so as not to overtax the pup, but repeat them daily and the pup will not bat an eyelid around the dryer.

You can give them a bath, just keep in mind that they need to stay warm as pups can't regulate body heat just yet. Keep the water warm, the bath short and a warm towel ready to wrap them up in once its finished.

You don't want to bathe your dog too often to avoid drying out their skin, but depending on the breed, you could wash your dog once a week or so. Check online to find recommendations for your dog's breed.

You should use specified dog shampoo, and get your dog in the bath. Use lukewarm water to wet their hair, shampoo them, and rinse them off. When they are done being washed, towel dry them as much as you can before you let them finish air drying.

Yes, you can. In my experience, a lot of dogs are amused by rubber ducks and other toys like that.

Yes, just make sure to use only products meant for dogs.

Yes, for bigger breeds such as labs, goldens, or even shepherds, you can use your bathtub. You can also use the garden hose if it is hot outside.

It depends on the breed. If he has short hair, every two months. If he has medium hair, every 2-3 weeks. If he has long hair, once a week.

You should just dab a wet cloth on the nose.

It's not idea, as you could possibly get shampoo in the puppy's eyes. Try using just water and rubbing your hand in circular motions over its head and face.

If you don't have time to go to a local pet store, then you can easily either make homemade shampoo (1/2 cup of water, 1/4 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of baby shampoo or non-toxic dish soap) or just rinse them in lukewarm water (remember that the water cannot be hot or too cold).

Take your dog to the potty pad frequently. A puppy can only control his bladder one hour for every month of his age. Put your dog on a leash and walk him to the pee pad every two hours, as well as upon waking, after playing and after eating. Say “go potty” and wait for results.

Most experts recommend bathing a puppy at 3 months old, but if your dog shows sign of dirtiness or smelliness, then you can rinse them with water.

It's a matter of preference. Baths are good for your dog's coat and keep him/her from smelling badly, but how often depends on you and your dog. Once a month is perfectly adequate for most dogs.

Simply take a wet rag or cloth and wipe gently at the puppy's face and head, then dry the puppy off with another cloth. Most likely the puppy's mother will clean her up some more, so just try to get as much as you can and don't worry too much about it.

Yes, you could. There is no harm in that.

It depends on what kind of spray it is and what's in it. Some cleaning products are toxic to dogs, and at the very least, your dog could up with a rash or severely dry skin. Consult a vet before spraying anything on your dog.