How to give a puppy their first bath
Short, warm and full of treats: how to make the first bath a good memory, from water temperature to the final towel rub.
In this guide
The first bath sets the tone for every bath after it. If it is short, warm and ends with a treat, your puppy learns that water is no big deal. If it is long, cold and noisy, you will be chasing a wet dog around the house for years. Here is how to get it right.
When can a puppy have their first bath?
Most puppies don't need a full bath in the first few weeks at home. A damp cloth and a brush handle most messes. Many vets suggest waiting until your puppy is around 8 weeks old and settled in before a proper bath, and longer if they are unwell or still finishing their vaccinations. If you are unsure, ask your vet at the next check-up.
Until then, a waterless dry bath spray and a soft towel are enough for muddy paws and the odd accident.
Get everything ready first
Puppies wriggle, and you can't leave one alone in a tub. Lay everything out before you turn the tap on:
- A gentle, tear-friendly shampoo made for young pets, like our Puppy & Kitten Shampoo
- Two towels: one to dry, one to wrap
- A non-slip mat for the tub or bucket
- A plastic jug or a handheld shower on low
- Small treats in a pocket
- A cotton ball for the ear entrance (not inside the canal)
Getting the water right
Use lukewarm water, about the warmth you would use for a baby. Test it on the inside of your wrist. In an Indian summer the tap water may already be warm, and in winter you may need to mix in a little hot water. Fill only a few centimetres in the tub; puppies feel safer when their feet touch the bottom.
During the bath
- Lift your puppy in gently and give a treat straight away.
- Wet the coat slowly from the neck down, using your hand to shield the eyes and ears.
- Work in a coin-sized amount of shampoo. Lather the back, belly, legs and tail with your fingertips.
- Clean the face last with a damp cloth only. No shampoo near the eyes.
- Rinse until the water runs completely clear. Leftover shampoo is the most common cause of itchy skin after a bath.
Talk in a calm, happy voice the whole time. Keep the whole thing under ten minutes.
Drying off
Wrap your puppy in a towel and press, don't rub hard. Puppies lose heat quickly, so keep them in a warm room away from fans or AC until fully dry. If you use a hair dryer, keep it on the coolest, lowest setting and well away from the skin. Many puppies are scared of the noise, so introduce it slowly over several days.
After the bath
Finish with a treat and some play. That last happy minute is what your puppy will remember. Then check the paws, trim any loose fur near the eyes if needed, and note anything unusual on the skin.
How often should a puppy be bathed?
For most puppies, once every three to four weeks is plenty, unless they roll in something. Too many baths strip the natural oils from the coat. Between baths, spot-clean with a damp cloth or dry bath spray. For a fuller schedule, read how often you should bathe your dog.
Questions pet parents ask
Can I use human baby shampoo on my puppy? +
It's better not to. Human shampoo is made for human skin, which has a different pH from a dog's. A shampoo made for puppies is gentler on their skin and coat.
How warm should the water be for a puppy bath? +
Lukewarm, about the temperature you'd use for a baby. Test it on the inside of your wrist; it should feel comfortably warm, never hot.
My puppy cries during baths. What should I do? +
Keep baths very short, use only a little water, give treats throughout and end with play. Practise just standing in the dry tub with treats on other days so the tub itself feels safe.
- #puppy bath
- #first bath
- #puppy shampoo
- #grooming basics
This guide is general information for pet parents, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, injured or you're unsure, please talk to your vet.
