Puppies are experts at finding the one muddy patch in an otherwise spotless garden. Sooner or later, a bath is going to happen. The good news is that a first bath doesn't have to be a soggy wrestling match. With the right puppy shampoo and a little preparation, it can be the start of a lifelong grooming routine your dog actually tolerates (and possibly enjoys).
When can you bath a puppy?
Our prebiotic dog shampoos are suitable for puppies from 6 weeks old. That said, young puppies don't need frequent baths. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth handles most small messes, and a proper bath is for when they've genuinely rolled in something. If your puppy is unwell, very small or struggling to keep warm, check with your vet before their first bath.
Why use a puppy-safe dog shampoo?
Puppy skin is still settling in, so a harsh or heavily perfumed shampoo isn't ideal. Human shampoo is made for a different skin pH and can leave a dog's skin dry and unhappy (we explain why in can I use human shampoo on my dog?). Our prebiotic dog shampoos are hypoallergenic and contain a prebiotic complex, so they're made to be gentle while still leaving the coat soft and fresh.
How to give your puppy their first bath
- Get everything ready first. Shampoo, a jug, a non-slip mat and two warm towels within reach. You won't be able to leave a wet puppy to go and fetch things.
- Warm the room. Puppies lose heat quickly, so pick a warm bathroom and avoid draughts.
- Use lukewarm water. Test it on your wrist. A few centimetres in the bath or sink is plenty.
- Wet the coat gently. Use a jug or cupped hand rather than a strong shower spray, and work from the neck back.
- Lather a small amount. Follow the directions on the bottle, massage it in and keep it away from eyes, ears and mouth. Use a damp cloth for the face.
- Rinse thoroughly. Leftover shampoo can irritate, so rinse until the water runs clear.
- Dry them well. Towel dry, then keep them somewhere warm until completely dry. If you use a hairdryer, keep it on a low, cool setting and at a distance.
- Reward, reward, reward. Treats and praise throughout make the next bath much easier.
How often should you bath a puppy?
Only when they need it. Over-bathing can strip natural oils from the coat. Most puppies are fine with an occasional bath and quick spot-cleans in between. Our guide on how often you should wash your dog covers routines by coat type as they grow.
Making bath time a happy habit
The first few baths set the tone for years to come. Keep them short, calm and full of treats. Let your puppy sniff the bath before it's filled, handle their paws and ears outside bath time, and stop on a good note. A puppy who learns that bath time means fuss and treats becomes an adult dog who doesn't vanish when the taps go on.
Our puppy shampoo picks
Both of our rinse-off shampoos are suitable from 6 weeks:
- Mr Dudley's Prebiotic Dog Shampoo: Crisp Linen fragrance, 200ml.
- Lady Lucia's Prebiotic Dog Shampoo: Cashmere Powder fragrance, 200ml.
Browse the full dog shampoo collection to compare them.
