Bath-time: How often should I bath my puppy or dog?

What you need to bathe a puppy or dog

Learning how to wash a dog isn’t too difficult, but it can be chaotic if you’re not prepared. When it’s time to bathe your puppy or dog, you’ll need several things. These will likely include:

Towel

Whether your pup is short-haired or long-haired, have a towel – or several – ready, or you’ll be on the receiving end of a coat-shaking rainstorm after the puppy bath.

You could also use a hairdryer to dry their fur, but don’t put it on too hot, hold it too close, or keep it on one spot for too long. Younger dogs may also fear the hairdryer, just like the vacuum.

Brush

Stop tangles turning into knots, remove lose hair, and brush out dirt with a puppy-friendly and breed-appropriate brush.

Treats

While adult dogs might be a bit more seasoned, puppy bath time can be a traumatic event. Get some treats ready to establish bathing as a positive experience – especially if you’re bathing a puppy for the first time.

Bathtub, container, or sink

Where you bathe your puppy or dog is up to you, but account for their size. It’s also highly likely your pooch will shake water from their fur at some point so it’s important the surrounding area can get wet.

Older dogs benefit from a shower wash as they’re less likely to jump out and injure themselves. 

If your shower is too small, you could also consider a portable dog bath. They come in different variations to suit dogs of all sizes.

Shampoo

Human shampoo can be bad for dogs, so it’s important to make sure the shampoo you use is dog friendly. There are a wide range of puppy or dog shampoos specifically designed for their skin and fur. 

How to a bathe a dog

Dogs don’t usually feel the same way we do about baths – you won’t find them reclining and watching Crufts. To ensure they have a pleasant experience, make sure there’s only enough water to cover the bottom of the bath. That way, it’s only their paws and legs taking the plunge.

With that in mind, learning how to bathe a dog is easy. Just keep these things in mind:

Ensure your dog is comfortable

Make sure your pooch is comfortable while you’re bathing them. If your dog doesn’t enjoy bath time, you should always reward them with a treat at the end of the wash as positive reinforcement. Maybe treat yourself too.

Use lukewarm water

While you might like your bath’s piping hot, it can overheat your dog – so make sure the bathwater is lukewarm at most. 

Alternatively, you could opt to use a lukewarm showerhead instead.

Big dog breeds can be at risk over overheating, and puppies can’t regulate their body temperature early on. So, be extra careful in these circumstances and veer on the side of caution.

Brush your dog before washing them

If your dog is a longer-haired breed, brush their fur before you put any product or water on it. This avoids matting their fur, which could hurt your pet when brushing.

If you’re looking to improve their coat’s appearance, using a 2-in-1 brush lets you de-tangle your pet’s fur and adds shine at the same time.

If your dog has matted hair, you may want to avoid bathing them until you’ve removed it. Brushing your dog not only makes their fur look and feel smoother, but also makes it easier to wash.

Use the right shampoo

It’s time to scrub down your dirty dog. Be gentle while massaging the product into their fur. Give extra attention to the areas that get the dirtiest, like their legs and tummy. The right shampoo for your dog can make all the difference. You might have to try several before you find the right one, especially if your puppy has sensitive skin and be careful to not get any shampoo in their eyes. Rinse your dog thoroughly with water after using shampoo so there’s no residue left on their coat.

Use a towel

You can use a towel to dry off the excess water after your dog’s bath. Your dog’s coat doesn’t need to be bone dry, but enough that there’s no discomfort or risk of wet dog smell.

Look out for their eyes and ears

Try to keep your dog’s eyes and ears dry, to help them feel more comfortable and avoid the risk of infection.

How to bathe a puppy

Bathing a puppy is like bathing a dog, but you’re going to want to consider a few more things.

Here’s some tips on how to bathe a puppy safely:

Introduce bath time when they’re young

Bathing a puppy is easier if they learn early, but you shouldn’t give them a puppy bath until they’re at least eight weeks old. You can then begin introducing bath time to get them used to it, and they’ll soon start to expect it as part of their routine.

Prepare the space

Before you and your puppy take the plunge, prep the space with everything you think you’ll need close by. Puppies rarely sit still for long, so you don’t want to be searching for a brush mid-puppy bath.

Get them completely wet

Be sure to wash your puppy all over, including their ears and tail (but don’t submerge them). Instead, gently pour water over them using a cup or jug. Alternatively, a moveable showerhead can be good for washing those hard-to-reach places.

Rinse and dry your puppy thoroughly

Once your dog is all lathered up, be sure to rinse all the shampoo off. Just like us, leftover shampoo can result in itchy and dry skin. When you’re rinsing your dog try not to get shampoo in their eyes or ears. 

Remember to thoroughly dry your puppy after bath time as wet fur can lead to a range of issues including matting or tangling of the fur, wet dog smell, infections or skin irritations.

Reward your puppy

Once everything’s done and your puppy is nice and clean, reward them with their favourite treat. Bathing a puppy can be stressful for them, so this can reinforce it as a good thing. 

How to bathe a dog or puppy with shampoo

Dogs should be bathed and washed using a shampoo specifically made for dogs. There are a few things you should take into consideration when looking for a shampoo:

• If your dog has sensitive skin, you’ll need to use hypoallergenic doggy shampoo.

• If you have a puppy, you’ll need a specific shampoo for pups.

• Short haired dogs tend to benefit from a gentler shampoo and conditioner.

• Make sure you use a shampoo that’s made specifically for dogs. The best ingredients to look for are natural ones, such as aloe vera and oatmeal.

• Always read the label too as shampoos that contain artificial fragrances should be avoided.

And most importantly, never use shampoos designed for humans. These products can cause skin irritation and brittle fur.

When it’s time to scrub down your dog or puppy at bath time, be gentle while massaging the product into their fur. The right shampoo for your dog can make all the difference. You might have to try several before you find the right one, especially if your puppy or dog has sensitive skin. And remember, always be careful to not get any shampoo in their eyes.

Check your dog’s skin

When you’re bathing your dog and gently scrubbing them down, be sure to take the opportunity to check their skin. This means feeling them all over and making note of any unusual lumps or bumps. Because your puppy is covered in fur, it makes it hard to spot the condition of their skin. 

If you notice anything that shouldn’t be there, or anything that concerns you, contact your vet. 

Don’t forget dog insurance

Muddy paw prints and hair on the carpets are part and parcel of dog ownership, but what if your dog shakes fresh paint all over your neighbour’s new car? They will need more than a bath to get you out of that one.

With Sainsbury’s Bank Dog Insurance you’re covered for third party liability if your dog accidentally damages someone else’s property.

You’re also covered for illnesses, injuries and treatments for your dog up to the value of £10,000, depending on your policy. Find out more and get a quote. 

Please note that we won't cover any pre-existing conditions and that terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitations apply. 

Frequently asked questions 

*Guaranteed discount for Nectar members: The discount is based on information related to you and the transactions you've made with Sainsbury's supermarkets and Sainsbury's Bank using your Nectar card. For more information go to sainsburysbank.co.uk/nectar.