Do you have a new puppy? If so, congratulations! Puppies are adorable and so much fun. But they also require a lot of care, including regular baths. It is no secret that puppies love playing in the mud and getting dirty. But eventually your new furry friend will need a bath, and it is important to know how to give them one correctly.
Bathing your pup can seem like a daunting task, but it is actually pretty easy - as long as you know what you are doing. In this blog post, we will walk you through the Puppy Baths 101 basics, from choosing the right shampoo to avoiding common mistakes. Keep reading for everything you need to know about giving your fur baby a bath!
When to bathe your puppy:
Now that you have a puppy when is the best time to give them a bath? As a general rule, puppies should be at least 2 months old for their first bath and usually once a month there after. Over-bathing can strip their skin of essential oils and leave them susceptible to skin irritation and infection. Older dogs, on the other hand, may need bathing more often if they roll in something stinky or get really dirty playing outside.
How to prepare for a bath:
- Select the right shampoo and conditioner: There are a lot of different dog shampoos and conditioners on the market, but not all of them are created equal. You'll want to choose one that is specifically designed for puppies like ARI Probiotic Puppy Shampoo. This is the perfect solution for your pup's delicate skin, with a blend of Probiotics and Essential Oils, this shampoo will leave them feeling clean without any harmful chemicals or artificial scents! ARI Probiotic Puppy Shampoo is fortified with Argan Oil, Aloe Vera, and Essential Oils to help fight dryness, itching, and odor, leaving your pup smelling fresh and clean. It is also important to use a good conditioner after shampooing. ARI Probiotic Puppy Conditioner compliments the ARI Puppy Shampoo perfectly. A gentle moisturizing blend of probiotics with Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, and Essentials Oils, sooths puppy’s skin and helps with itching, dryness, shedding and odors. ARI Probiotic Puppy Conditioner is PH balanced and a biodegradable formula as well. Both ARI Probiotic Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner have a delightful aroma of Vanilla and Almonds!
- Gather your supplies: In addition to shampoo and conditioner, you will need a few other supplies to make bath time go smoothly. These include a towel or two, depending on how large your furry baby is, a cup or pitcher for rinsing, a brush for detangling your puppy's fur, and a blow dryer equipped with low and cool/warm settings for quick drying.
How to bathe your puppy:
- Start out by brushing their fur: The first step in bathing your fur baby is to brush their fur. This step is important as it loosens the dirt and detangles the fur before washing. You will find that this makes life easier for the afterbath brushing process as well!
- Wet their fur: Place your pup in the sink or the tub. Using lukewarm water, saturate their fur until fully wet. If you do not have an attachable nozzle on your faucet, use a cup or pitcher to pour water over their back and head, being careful not to get water in their eyes, ears, or nose, as this can frighten them and/or be uncomfortable for them.
- Apply puppy shampoo: Once your fur baby is wet, it is time to apply ARI Probiotic Puppy Shampoo. Gently work the shampoo into their fur, being careful to avoid their eyes, ears, and nose. This is a suitable time to identify any issues with your pet’s skin and coat, for addressing with the vet later.
- Time for the rinse cycle: Rinsing your puppy off is just as important as shampooing them in the first place. Make sure to remove all traces of shampoo from their fur to avoid irritation, taking care to avoid their eyes ears and nose. Always use loving praise while bathing to keep pup calm and comfortable.
- Apply puppy conditioner: After the shampoo is rinsed out completely, apply ARI Probiotic Puppy Conditioner to the pup’s coat. Gently massage their skin while spreading the conditioner throughout their fur. They love this extra attention, and the aroma is calming and nourishing for their skin and coat. Repeat the rinse cycle process and fully rinse all conditioner out of the fur.
- Dry their fur: Use a towel to gently pat their fur dry, being careful not to rub too hard. This is also a wonderful time to snuggle up with your sweet pup and cuddle them as they warm up and dry off. If using a blow dryer, make sure the setting is on low, use the warm or cool temperature option and keep the air flow moving to make sure your pup doesn’t get too hot. Don’t forget to tell them how good they did during their bath and reward them with their favorite delicious Health Extension Treat.
- Brush their fur: The last step in bathing your puppy is to brush their fur completely. After their fur is completely dry, gently comb your pet’s fur making sure not to force the comb through as that can hurt your little one. This will help remove any tangles or matts and make their fur look shiny and healthy. By adding Health Extension Skin & Coat Primrose Oil to their daily diet, your pup will have smooth skin and a shiny coat for a lifetime!
- Pampering: Once your pup is dry and brushed, they deserve lots of love and praise. Always have a favorite Health Extension Treat ready to reward your furry friend for being such a good pup at bath time!
Avoiding common mistakes:
- Don't use human shampoo: It is tempting to use your own shampoo on your puppy, but human shampoo is much too harsh for their delicate skin and coat. Stick to puppy-specific shampoos to avoid irritation or damage.
- Don't get water in their eyes, ears, or nose: Water in your puppy's eyes, ears, or nose can cause discomfort, pain or even infections. To avoid this, be careful not to pour water directly into these areas. If you do accidentally get water in their eyes, ears, or nose, make sure to dry these areas off carefully and immediately.
- Don't rub their fur too hard: When you are drying your dog’s fur, be careful not to rub too hard. This can damage their delicate skin and coat. Gently patting their fur with a towel is all that is needed to get them dry.
- Don't forget to brush their fur: After bath time when their fur is dry, it is important to brush your dog’s fur to remove any tangles or knots. Use a good conditioner and detangler when needed. This will also help their fur look shiny and healthy. Don’t forget to take a picture of your fur baby’s first bath to share with your friends and family!
Giving your puppy a bath does not have to be difficult - as long as you know what you are doing! With these Puppy Bath 101 tips, you will be able to give your pup a bath like a pro – and your fur baby will smell great too! Have you bathed your puppy recently? What tips would you add to this list?