Puppies are adorable and fun to raise, but one thing’s for sure, they sure like to get dirty! From rolling in mud to sticking their noses into all kinds of trouble, they can get messy real quick.
If you are the new owner of a Goldendoodle puppy, congratulations! You and your pup are in for some fun times. However, any dog parent knows that part of having a pooch is caring for them, and that means grooming. The good news is that Goldendoodles are relatively clean dogs that require little maintenance.
A monthly bath will keep your Goldendoodle puppy spick and span and have its coat in tip-top condition. In this blog post, we’ll look at when you can start bathing your pup and how to care for your Goldendoodle puppy’s coat.
When Can You Bathe Your Puppy?
You should only bathe your Goldendoodle puppy after eight weeks old. Before eight weeks, very young pups have yet to develop the ability to regulate their body temperatures and can become chilled, even if you’re using warm water.
If your pup is too young for a proper bath with shampoo and conditioner, you can use a damp cloth to wipe down their coats, paws, and butts for a more superficial clean.
How Often To Bathe Your Goldendoodle
You can bathe your Goldendoodle about once every four to six weeks, depending on your dog’s lifestyle. A dog that spends mostly outdoors will have to be bathed more frequently while an indoor dog that has a short, daily walk can be bathed less.
In addition, if your dog has dry skin, you may need to bathe them less often to prevent its skin from becoming irritated. Most dogs only need a bath once every few weeks.
However, you may need to increase the frequency if your dog gets dirty or stinky. Dogs are notoriously messy creatures, and even the most well-trained pup can end up covered in dirt and mud from time to time. While most dogs enjoy the occasional roll in the grass, certain telltale signs show its time for a bath.
If your dog smells ripe, that’s a good sign that it’s time for a trip to the tub. You may also notice that your dog is shedding more than usual, or that its fur is looking dull and matted. If your dog has been rolling in something smelly, such as garbage or feces, then a bath is definitely in order.
How To Give Your Goldendoodle Puppy Its First Bath
Now your Goldendoodle puppy is of age, it is time for its first bath! Be careful and proceed with caution, as the first bath is the most important. It will socialize your pup to being bathed and set the groundwork for more enjoyable bathing sessions in the future.
Be gentle and don’t scare them. If your pup is fearful, go back to the beginning and try something else. If your pup ends up terrified of being bathed, it will be detrimental to both of you in the future.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you even think about getting your pup wet, make sure you have everything you need within arm’s reach. This includes puppy shampoo, a cup or pitcher for pouring water, a towel for drying off, and lots of treats! Use only puppy treats, and pups and adult dogs have different nutritional and caloric needs.
Be sure to use only puppy shampoo formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin. If possible, use a shampoo made with natural and organic ingredients. Puppies are small, tiny creatures, and exposing them to harsh chemicals of some low-quality shampoos can be detrimental to their health in the long run, and you’ll want to give your pup the best head start it can get.
Having everything gathered ahead of time will help make the experience less overwhelming for your puppy—and you.
Step 2: Test The Water Temperature
Just like when you’re bathing a human baby, it’s important to make sure the water is lukewarm—not hot or cold. The best way to test the temperature is to use your forearm, wrist, or somewhere sensitive. If it feels comfortable to you, it should be just right for your pup.
Step 3: Get Your Pup Used To The Water
Now that you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to fill up the tub or sink, if your pup is small enough. If your dog has had little exposure to running water before, this part can be tricky. A good way to get them used to the idea is to slowly pour some water over their back while offering loads of reassurance and treats. Once they’re okay with that, you can move on to actually getting them into the tub.
Step 4: Lather Up!
Now that your pup is in the tub, it’s time to wash them off. Be sure to use a gentle shampoo so as not to irritate their skin. Work up a good lather and then rinse thoroughly; nobody likes soap in their eyes!
Step 5: Time To Dry Off
Once you’ve rinsed all the soap out of your pup’s fur, it’s time to grab that towel and get them dry. Be sure to rub gently so as not to overdo any sensitive areas.
Pro Tip: While it won’t be necessary for a Goldendoodle puppy, you might want to brush an adult Goldendoodle’s coat out before the bath. Goldendoodles are likely to be low-shedding dogs but they still will benefit from a brush now and then.
Brushing your adult Goldendoodle before a bath will keep their hair out of the drainpipes and remove whatever dead fur and dander before cleaning what’s left.
Final Thoughts
Goldendoodles are clean dogs that are relatively low maintenance but all dogs could use some TLC. Good luck in giving your bathing your Goldendoodle puppy for the first time, and remember, go slow and be gentle!