How to Bathe a Newborn Puppy

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Is there anything cuter than a newborn puppy? If you've got a litter of puppies at home, you're probably wondering how best to keep them clean. While you usually won't need to do anything at all because their mother will take care of bathing them, we'll walk you through what to do if the mother doesn't clean her puppies. We've also got a guide on how to bathe puppies older than 4 weeks so they stay clean and fresh.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Hand-Cleaning Newborn Puppies

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  1. Puppies less than four weeks old do not really need to be bathed. At most, bathe your puppy one time if it is very dirty and the mother cannot clean it herself.
  2. Holding the puppy close to your chest will keep it warm. [1]
    • Newborn puppies are very sensitive to temperature. [2] Don't put the puppy into water because its body cannot regulate temperature well.
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  3. Choose a cloth that is clean and soft because newborn puppies are very sensitive.
    • For very tiny puppies, you can even use a cotton ball or piece of gauze. [3]
  4. Wet the clean washcloth in warm water and wring out most of the excess water until it is just damp.
    • Do not use soap or dog shampoo on a puppy under four weeks old, its skin is too sensitive and can dry out from shampoo.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Bathe a Newborn Puppy
    Use the warm, damp cloth to gently wipe the puppy's coat.
    • Start at the head and wipe softly toward the tail.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Bathe a Newborn Puppy
    It is very important to dry the puppy to remove any excess moisture. A wet puppy can become too cold very quickly because it has a hard time regulating its body temperature.
  7. After cleaning and drying the puppy, return it to its mother so she can keep it warm. [4]
    • If it is not possible to place the puppy with its mother, make sure it stays in a warm area without cold drafts.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Bathing Puppies Older than Four Weeks

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Bathe a Newborn Puppy
    Dogs of all ages do not really need to be bathed unless they have a skin condition or if they are very dirty. If your puppy is very dirty or smelly you can bathe it occasionally.
    • Try not to bathe a puppy more than once a month or so.
    • Most dogs only need to be bathed a couple times a year. [5]
    • Do not put puppies into a bathtub, sink, or tub full of water. It is hard for them to regulate their body temperature and they can become too cold when immersed in water.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Bathe a Newborn Puppy
    Brush your puppy to remove tangles or mats before you bathe it if it has a long or fluffy coat.
    • It is good to get longer coated and fluffy dogs used to being brushed while they are young.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Bathe a Newborn Puppy
    Choose a soft clean cloth and get it wet in water that is warm but not very hot. Wipe the puppy off with the cloth.
    • Start at the head and wipe gently back towards the tail.
    • Make sure to wipe the underside too.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Bathe a Newborn Puppy
    Use shampoo made for puppies or babies. Puppy skin can be sensitive even as they start to grow.
    • Just use a small amount of shampoo.
    • Dry shampoos can be used on older puppies that don't like water. These are rubbed onto the coat without water. [6]
    • Make sure not to get the suds in the puppy's eyes.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Bathe a Newborn Puppy
    Lather the shampoo like you would on your own hair. Wipe the suds away with the cloth, then rinse it in warm water and wipe again. Repeat until the puppy is clean.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Bathe a Newborn Puppy
    Dry the puppy right away with a clean dry towel. It is important to get the puppy dry so it does not get too cold.
  8. Puppies need a place to stay warm since it is hard for them to regulate their own temperature. [7]
    • Choose an area that is not drafty.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Bathe a Newborn Puppy
    Get your puppy used to bathing and make them associate a bath with nice things like toys and treats. Let your puppy have a nice treat after its bath. [8]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Leaving it to Mom

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  1. Mothers usually care for newborn puppies including keeping them very clean. If at all possible leave the bathing of a newborn puppy to its mother for the first four weeks. [9]
  2. Make sure to keep the space for the mother and puppies clean. [11]
    • Line the space with newspapers, cloth, or towels and change them regularly.
    • Use a material that does not contain dyes or chemicals.
    • The mother will take care of all the feeding and removing waste for the first month or so. Just give her a nice clean space.
  3. Check to make sure the mother cleans her puppies. In rare cases a mother may abandon or neglect some puppies. [12]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    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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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • Question
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    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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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 12
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/newborn-puppy-care
      2. ↑ https://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/breeding-for-dog-owners-caring-for-newborn-puppies/488
      3. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/newborn-puppy-care
      4. ↑ https://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/breeding-for-dog-owners-caring-for-newborn-puppies/488
      5. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/general-dog-care
      6. ↑ https://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2095&aid=824
      7. ↑ https://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/breeding-for-dog-owners-caring-for-newborn-puppies/488
      8. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/bathing-your-dog
      9. ↑ Kateryna Zabashta. Dog Breeder. Expert Interview. 19 March 2021.
      1. ↑ Kateryna Zabashta. Dog Breeder. Expert Interview. 19 March 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.terrificpets.com/articles/102209865.asp
      3. ↑ https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/keeping-your-dog-healthy/puppy-care/caring-for-newborn-puppies
      4. ↑ Kateryna Zabashta. Dog Breeder. Expert Interview. 19 March 2021.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you're considering bathing a newborn puppy that has a mother, it's best to leave the bathing to her for the first month or so. In rare cases, the runt of the litter or a sickly puppy might be neglected by the mother, so only intervene if the mother isn't cleaning them. If this is the case, or if the mother passed away, dampen a soft, clean cloth with warm water. Then, gently wipe the puppy's body, starting at the head and wiping in the direction of the tail, before drying it off thoroughly. For tips on bathing older puppies, read on!

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