Bathing your new puppy

Bathing your puppy will be a completely new experience for him. To avoid scaring him to death, avoid using a spray for the first few baths.

For a large dog you can bathe him in your bathtub. A smaller dog will fit nicely in the kitchen sink. Place a rubber mat at the bottom of the tub so your pup doesn’t lose his balance and slip.

The bathing session is a good time to check the pup for skin rashes, scaly areas, or scabs. Watch for fleas.

Prepare your pup for his bath by gently brushing his coat. A small tangle will turn into a big mat when the fur gets wet. Have the bath water warm but not hot, then slowly wet your pup’s body starting at the tail and working toward the head.

Use a good dog shampoo as a dog’s skin is more alkaline than ours and requires a different pH balance. You can put a drop of mineral oil in each eye to prevent the shampoo from irritating his eyes. Pour some shampoo along the puppies back then work up a good lather making sure to include the pup’s paws, feet and tail. Wash her hair last, being careful not to get shampoo or water in her eyes, nose, ears, or ears. Clean his head with a washcloth if possible using only a small amount of shampoo.

When you finish your bath, be sure to dry it well to prevent it from getting cold. You can use a hair dryer on a low and warm setting.

Having plenty of towels on hand goes without saying.

The sooner your pup gets used to being bathed, the easier it will be for both of you. His first bath should be when he is still young, small and manageable.

Patience and praise will go a long way in making bath time an enjoyable experience for you and your pup.