How to Clean an 8 Week Old Puppy

Your 8-week old puppy is so much stronger than he's ever been. It is possible at eight weeks he is a new addition to your home in the family and is no longer with his mother and littermates. Or you may have a puppy with the mother and his mates. Either way, your 8-week-old puppy is really starting to grow and change at this point. He is learning, playing, and exploring. This could mean he's also getting quite dirty. It is safe to give your 8-week old puppy a bath. If he's not extremely dirty and just needs a gentle wipe down, you can still use a warm washcloth with a very little bit of puppy shampoo or even baking soda and water to help with any puppy odor. 

Even though your 8-week-old puppy is stronger, once you bathe him you will still need to dry him thoroughly before letting him lose to play or letting him outside. He may be cold after his bath so be sure to keep him bundled and warm while drying him. If bath time is new to your puppy, he may be a bit hesitant about getting in the water, being submerged and wet, or even the sound of running water. Start training now while bathing or cleaning pup and reward him for his good behavior with a nice tasty treat once he's clean.

• If you choose to use a puppy shampoo, choose one that is not only good for his skin but also a tearless shampoo.
• If you're giving your 8-week old puppy a bath or he will be wet after a warm washcloth wipe down, be sure to brush him out thoroughly once you are done cleaning him.
• If your young puppy is taking a full bath, be sure to add a towel or a non-slip mat to the bathtub or sink to avoid slipping injuries.
• At this age, avoid using a flea and tick shampoo without the direction of your veterinarian.
• Do not use human shampoos on your puppy. The pH levels on his skin are much different than humans and human shampoo or other soaps, such as dish soap, can dry his skin and cause itching and redness.
• If you use a washcloth on your puppy, be sure to start with his face first. You can wipe his face down and avoid using any shampoo near his eyes.
• Wiping your puppy's face down first before wiping his potty areas will ensure bacteria from potty areas does not get into his eyes, nose, or his mouth.

Your 8-week old puppy is a cute, cuddly ball of energy. He’s going to get pawsitively dirty at times. It’s a safe time to give your puppy a bath, just be sure to keep your pampered pooch dry and warm once you are done. Use simple ingredients to get him clean and get back to cuddling or playing together quickly.