You should bathe your Labrador puppy once a month.
As anything more than that could damage their coat, strip out the natural oil, and leave their skin dry.
If your pup stays indoors, then you can bathe him once in two months.
How to Bathe Your Labrador Puppy
- Brush the Hair
- Check the Water
- Place the Silicone Mat
- Dont get any Soap in the Eyes, Ears and Mouth
- Wash out the Shampoo
- Dry your Puppy
Step 1 Brush the Hair
Brush your pet thoroughly before starting the bath.
It will get rid of any dirt or hair that has accumulated.
Brushing the pet helps to remove loose hair.
It will help to minimize knots or matted hair after taking a bath. [1]
Step 2 Check the Water
Prepare the water!
Check that the water is lukewarm and not extremely hot.
You don’t want your dog to be burnt in the shower or become too chilly.
Make sure that your pup is calm throughout the bath.
Step 3 Place the Silicone Mat
If you’re going to use the bathtub or basin, place a silicone mat to avoid getting your puppy slipped.
A silicone bathtub mat placed beneath the puppy’s feet will provide comfort as well.
During wash time, the canines often slip and injure themselves.
Step 4 Dont get any Soap in the Eyes, Ears and Mouth
Shampoo time! You need to choose the right shampoo for your pet.
Always use puppy shampoo on your pet.
These shampoos and conditioners are made specifically for puppy’s sensitive skin.
Human shampoo and laundry soap are often too harsh for your sensitive canine.
When washing your pup, be careful not to get shampoo near their mouth, nose, eyes, or ears.
Step 5 Wash out the Shampoo
Clean your pup with lukewarm water.
The cleaning procedure will become easier if you have access to a faucet or hand sprayer.
But, you need to make sure that the water pressure isn’t too strong for the small fellow.
Use a light spray, but ensure they’re well washed and free of shampoo.
Step 6 Dry your Puppy
Remove your pup from the bathtub once it has been thoroughly washed.
Wipe your dog with a soft towel.
If it’s freezing outdoors, keep in mind that your puppy should be thoroughly dry before stepping outdoors.
What Age Is Best To Bathe Your Puppy?
Pet owners should never wash their puppies with soap before they get at least 12 weeks old.
According to the height of your dog, bathing him in a basin or big bowl may be the most convenient option.
You can use the bathtub for bigger puppies.
Until then, you should only use warm water and a cloth.
Once they turn 12 weeks old, start using a mild dog soap by diluting it with water in their first few baths.
Puppies of all ages like getting messy.
But, it is not a good idea to bathe your furry friend while it is still young.
You will have to wash your pet with a damp sponge until they get a bit mature.
The less water you use on your puppy before he turns 12 weeks old, the safer it is.
Or you can simply use a moist towel to spot clean your pet. [2]
Always use a gentle puppy shampoo on the pet’s delicate skin and hair.
You wouldn’t want your dog to be burnt in the hot bath or freeze in a cold bath.
A silicone bath mat placed beneath the pup’s feet will provide warmth.
During the bath, dogs might occasionally slip and injure themselves.
Remove your pet from the bath once it has been thoroughly washed.
Dry your pup as soon as possible.
Did you Know?
Bathing your dog frequently prevents shedding
How Often Should You Bathe Your Labrador Puppy?
Give your pup a nice bath once a week in his first three to four weeks and then once in a month when they reach the age of six months.
You can slowly move to at least two times a year afterward.
Try to make a relaxing experience for your pup.
Often puppies get terrified by seeing the shampoo coming out of their body.
Try to use a shampoo that won’t lather much and is puppy-friendly. [3]
If you wish to bathe your puppy more than once a month, then it is best to use a soap-free puppy shampoo to protect their sensitive skin.
Another option is to not do use shampoo because they easily get cleaned with just warm water.
Remember not to wash your pet more than once a week without consulting your veterinarian. [4]
The Labrador’s undercoat contains natural oil glands that keep excess water from getting under their skin.
These natural oils also maintain their coat silky and bright, acting as natural protection.
Deciding Factors for Your Puppy Bath
- Place of Living
- Age of Your Lab
- Labrador Smell
- Skin Issues
- How Naughty is Your Lab
1. Place of Living
It is among the most significant factors when it comes to the number of baths for your puppy.
If you reside in the rural areas with your pet, or whether your property is nearby farm fields, your pup is more likely to become dirty.
Labs are mischievous dogs who love to play in filth and trash all of the time.
If you have these types of places around your home, your pup may need more frequent baths.
If you are living in an urban area or your pup spends the majority of his time inside, bathing him on a regular basis may not be required.
As a result, your pet is less likely to become dirty.
Note: Dogs living in rural areas are more prone to have ticks. [5]
2. Age of Your Lab
Lab pups do not need to be bathed as often as adult Labs.
Ideally, you should wait for your pup to turn at least 8-10 weeks old to give him his first bath.
Washing your Lab pup under the age of 8 weeks is not recommended since he may find it hard to maintain his body temperature.
As a result, you don’t need to wash your pup unless his coat gets visibly messy.
You must train your dog to become familiar with the feeling of water and shampooing in order to avoid future bathing issues.
3. Labrador Smell
Labradors are well known to have the strongest odors, and also every lab will have its unique smell.
Some Labrador has strong body smells, while others have subtle body odors.
Labs with a stronger scent are more likely to stink more when they become dirty or have not taken a bath for a long time.
As a result, the Labrador’s odor indicates how frequently they bathe.
4. Skin Issues
If your pup has any skin conditions, such as ticks, fleas, bugs, or any other issues, you might have to wash him more regularly.
In such circumstances, the frequency to clean the Labrador is determined by the skin’s quality and intensity.
In such situations, your veterinarian is the ideal person to evaluate how frequently you should bathe your pet. [6]
5. How Naughty is Your Lab
Some Labradors have an uncontrollable desire to play in the dirt and are constantly drawn to the trash can.
So, if he becomes muddy, clean him down with a damp towel or rinse him with fresh water from a yard hose.
Alternatively, you may utilize this backyard shower to keep yourself clean while out on vacation or anyplace outdoors.
As a result, if your pup is also a mischievous one, it may require regular washes.
Did you Know?
Oatmeal bathe can prevent skin problems like itchiness and dryness
How to Bathe Your Lab Puppy According To Weather?
Whenever the weather is great, Labradors love being in cold water.
It implies that the majority of times if your pet becomes dirty, you can spray him out in the yard.
If your furry friend does not get cleaned up using an outdoor hose, a thorough shampooing would be necessary.
You can also do this out in the garden in the autumn or fall season.
Get a few big towels ready before shampooing him.
Give your best shot to get some good shampoo action into their undercoat.
Take a coin-sized amount of shampoo and massage it into their undercoat with the help of your fingertips.
Especially in places where he’s dirty and gets stinky.
Then spray him clean and do it all over again until he gets visibly clean. [7]
The second round would be quick since you have reached his natural oils under the dense undercoat.
Lather it down and rinse it completely.
Keep in mind that canines lick their fur, so proper cleaning is essential.
While outdoor shampooing is great in the summer, but you will have to wash your pup inside in the winter.
Place a couple of towels on the floor to direct your pup to the shower, and then carry him into the bathtub.
Don’t allow him to jump in and out of the bathtub because he might fall and injure himself if it’s wet.
Rinse and clean with a faucet nozzle, exactly like you did in the garden.
Note: Labrador’s fur is difficult to get wet as it’s so water-resistant.
Conclusion
Even though your pet’s coat looks to be very easy to maintain, it always needs consistent care to keep in good shape.
It’s a lot simpler if you make it more exciting for both you and your puppy.
Assure that the shower is a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Remember not to overdo the bathing routine as it may leave your pet’s fur dull and their skin dry.
You also need to keep in mind about the weather and bath your pup accordingly.
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