How old should puppy be before I bath him?

Freiheit89 · 07-08-2008, 05:10 PM

I recently got a 6 week old Chihuahua puppy. He's really starting to stink - can I bath him or does he have to be older? I read on some websites that he has to be 8 weeks, and others say 6 weeks. Does anyone know?
Thanks!

***Rivsky*** · 07-09-2008, 04:07 AM

The websites probably say 8 weeks because this is the earliest puppies should be moved to their new home - but that's beside the point.

I think you'll need to use your own discretion in deciding. River was bathed the day after we got him but he had settled in well and didn't seem stressed about being in a new environment in the slightest. If a puppy was having a little difficulty adjusting to a new environment, people and food I'd probably hold off on the bath for a while so as not to add more stress to the system.

Freiheit89 · 07-09-2008, 10:44 PM

Okay - thanks so much. In that case, I'll probably bath him pretty soon - seeing how he's adjusted very well.

Sentry · 07-09-2008, 11:05 PM

We have a chi and just becareful on the temperature of the water and your pup doesn't get too cold during bath time or after. They can't regulate heat well at that age.

Punkygirl0101 · 07-09-2008, 11:24 PM

A 6 week old puppy shouldn't smell. I personally wouldn't bathe a puppy until they were about 3 months old. To prevent "Doggy odor", a high quality food really does do the trick at keeping dogs odor free. Its best not to bathe a dog/puppy more than once a month, unless they roll around in muck.

Dangels · 07-12-2008, 03:55 PM

I generally give my puppies their first bath between the age of 6 - 8 weeks. Just make sure not to stress the puppy out too much, and as stated above.... be careful that the water isn't too cool.

Best of luck with your new puppy!

07-08-2008, 05:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
Freiheit89 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: -- Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	How old should puppy be before I bath him? I recently got a 6 week old Chihuahua puppy. He's really starting to stink - can I bath him or does he have to be older? I read on some websites that he has to be 8 weeks, and others say 6 weeks. Does anyone know? Thanks!

07-09-2008, 04:07 AM	#2 (permalink)
*Rivsky* Super Moderator Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Australia Posts: 3,774 Blog Entries: 6 Rep Power: 141	The websites probably say 8 weeks because this is the earliest puppies should be moved to their new home - but that's beside the point. I think you'll need to use your own discretion in deciding. River was bathed the day after we got him but he had settled in well and didn't seem stressed about being in a new environment in the slightest. If a puppy was having a little difficulty adjusting to a new environment, people and food I'd probably hold off on the bath for a while so as not to add more stress to the system.
	__________________ As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

07-09-2008, 11:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
Punkygirl0101 7 Doxies-1 Chi-3 Mutts Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central Valley,California Posts: 2,045 Rep Power: 83	A 6 week old puppy shouldn't smell. I personally wouldn't bathe a puppy until they were about 3 months old. To prevent "Doggy odor", a high quality food really does do the trick at keeping dogs odor free. Its best not to bathe a dog/puppy more than once a month, unless they roll around in muck.
	__________________ R.I.P Brad!(November 1st, 1998-July 1st, 2008) R.I.P Zen! (January 10th, 2008-May 17th, 2008) 23 Kitties-2 Rabbits-7 Rats-1 Hamster-2 Turtles-Fish

07-12-2008, 03:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
Dangels Surrounded by Dane-Angels Join Date: May 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 450 Rep Power: 21	I generally give my puppies their first bath between the age of 6 - 8 weeks. Just make sure not to stress the puppy out too much, and as stated above.... be careful that the water isn't too cool. Best of luck with your new puppy!
	__________________ Some people say dogs are man's best friend, some people say their dogs are a huge part of their lives. My dogs are my life.... they are my heart & soul. The greatest friends i'll ever know.

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07-09-2008, 10:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
Freiheit89 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: -- Posts: 2 Rep Power: 0	Okay - thanks so much. In that case, I'll probably bath him pretty soon - seeing how he's adjusted very well.

07-09-2008, 11:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
Sentry Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 459 Rep Power: 26	We have a chi and just becareful on the temperature of the water and your pup doesn't get too cold during bath time or after. They can't regulate heat well at that age.

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