How to Clean a 7 Week Old Puppy

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How to Clean a 7 Week Old Puppy

Easy

10 - 25 Minutes

4 Weeks

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Introduction

Your puppy is seven weeks old! For some, this could mean he’s new to your home and is discovering his role as your new best friend. For others, the puppy might still be with his mother and littermates waiting for his forever home. Either way, if he’s managed to get into a mess of trouble and get dirty, it might be time for a bath. If he’s not filthy, a good wipe down to return that sweet puppy smell to his cute fuzzy face might be necessary. At seven weeks, your puppy is old enough to take a bath. He is able to regulate his body temperature better than he has in the past. But if a bath isn’t necessary, you might want to consider waiting a bit longer before submerging him.

Dog's Perspective

Your puppy is excited and a little troublemaker. He can get into anything from trash to his own poop to get dirty. Keep an eye on him at all times to ensure he is safe, especially around water. He might be eager to get clean or he may not sit still long enough to let you clean him. Treats will help get his attention and keep him focused.

The Bathtime Method

Most Recommended

2 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Towel

Step

Prep tub

Prepare your bathroom and tub for a warm bath. Only fill the tub or sink as much as you need to cover your puppy’s legs. Make sure the water is warm. If you must use a puppy shampoo, have that nearby. You’ll need a cup or a handheld sprayer or showerhead as well to rinse your pup. Place a towel in the bottom of the bathtub so your puppy doesn’t slide around during his bath.

Step

Puppy in tub

Put your puppy in the bathtub and wet him down with a cup or your handheld shower. Keep him warm by making bath time quick and keeping warm water on him.

Step

Wash

You do not need to use a puppy shampoo, you can wash your pup with only warm water at this age. But if you are using puppy shampoo, only use a small amount and wash from his face to his body. End with his potty area. Try to be quick so he doesn’t get cold.

Step

Rinse

Use clean water to rinse your puppy. Make sure this water is warm and be sure to rinse all the shampoo out of his fur. Leaving shampoo on his skin could cause itching.

Step

Dry

Use a fluffy towel to dry your little guy and keep him warm after removing him from the bathtub.

Step

Brush

Once your puppy is towel dry, brush him and give him a tasty treat to end his warm bath.

The Wet Wipe Method

Effective

2 Votes

Towel

Step

Supplies

To clean your 7-week-old puppy with wipes alone, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. Soft cloths, washcloths, or even puppy wipes can be used to clean your puppy. If you are using washcloths, you will need a bowl or sink full of warm water.

Step

Face

Dip the cloth into the water or use a clean wet wipe. Squeeze any excess water out of the cloth and wipe your puppy’s eyes from the inside corner to the outside corner. Wipe the rest of his face and rinse the cloth with warm water.

Step

Ears

Use a clean wipe or a cotton ball and wipe out the inside of your little guy’s ears. Do not dig far, only clean what you can see.

Step

Body

If your puppy’s entire body needs to be cleaned, use a new wet wipe or cloth and wipe the areas needing cleaning.

Step

Paws

Your puppy’s paws may need to be cleaned as well. Simply wipe each one with a wipe or wet cloth. Be sure to clean between his toes and paw pads. This is a good time to inspect his paws for any scrapes or injuries as well.

Step

Potty areas

End with the potty areas if they need to be wiped. Be sure to rinse the cloth after each wipe so bacteria is not spread.

Step

Treat

Be sure to end any of your cleaning and grooming sessions with a tasty treat.

Caution & Considerations

If you must bathe your 7-week-old puppy in a tub or sink, be sure to use a mild puppy shampoo or only water. Your little guy is still too young for adult dog shampoo.
If you use a puppy shampoo, use a tearless shampoo and avoid his eyes.
Cotton balls just inside your little guy’s ears will help keep water out of his ears.
Be sure to test the water before placing your puppy in the bath. It shouldn’t be too warm, and a bath too cold for your puppy could give him chills.
A wet washcloth dipped in warm water will work well for cleaning most puppies.
If you clean your pup with a washcloth, always start with his face and then move to clean the rest of his body. Doing so will keep his face free of bacteria found elsewhere.
Do not use flea or tick shampoos or human shampoos on your puppy.
If your puppy has a flea or tick problem, talk to your veterinarian.
If you decide to bathe your pup, be sure to protect him with a non-slip surface such as a towel placed at the bottom of the tub.

Conclusion

Your fluffball is sweet, cute, and curious. This might mean he gets dirty all too often. But at his age, he doesn't need a bath every week. If you can avoid giving him a bath, a good wipe down just might be enough. Be sure you are keeping a close eye on your little guy as he explores the world, mud puddles and all.