bathe a puppy?

[alita]

Why is it that you can't bathe puppies? The vet said I shouldn't until she gets all her shots...but Lili has mites. she has like dandruff in her skin and she keeps scratching.the vet applied a liquid solution that didnt seem to help as she is still itchy. I'd love to give her a bath but i dont wanna compromise her health.whats your advice?

[BabyGirl Rosie]

I would follow my vets advice.

[Marhcarter]

I have read that 7-8 weeks is the earliest, but waiting until 12 weeks is recommended. I would go with what your vet said. I gave Huey's first bath at closer to 10 weeks. They can be wiped down with a damp cloth or unmedicated doggie wipes prior to that. You didn't say how old your pup is, but I think a damp washcloth with a tiny bit of mild puppy shampoo would probably feel good if she is itchy. The vet isn't recommending anything for the mites other than the one time treatment? Dawn dish soap kills fleas but I dont know about mites and I would ask the vet prior to using it on the pup. I'm sure more people with more extensive knowledge than I will respond to this question. Good luck and congrats on the new puppy. Post some photos when you can.
Oops, just saw your album. She is precious!

[Deb1]

Did your vet mean not to take it to a groomer for a bathe? I can see as they need all their shots for their protection. I don't know why you could not give the puppy a bath at home, if it needs it! Just use a gentle puppy shampoo and rinse completely!

[Harrysmum]

Originally Posted by Deb1

Did your vet mean not to take it to a groomer for a bathe? I can see as they need all their shots for their protection. I don't know why you could not give the puppy a bath at home, if it needs it! Just use a gentle puppy shampoo and rinse completely!

That's what I was thinking, too!

Different countries, different advice - but it might be worth giving your vet a quick call, to see if that's what he/she meant? Good luck! Sally + Harry x

[navillusc]

Originally Posted by Deb1

Did your vet mean not to take it to a groomer for a bathe? I can see as they need all their shots for their protection. I don't know why you could not give the puppy a bath at home, if it needs it! Just use a gentle puppy shampoo and rinse completely!

I agree...I wouldn't want to take a puppy where it could be exposed to bad stuff like diseases and chemicals its little body might be unprepared to handle.

But, I am absolutely certain I have bathed puppies and kittens after their mommies quit their full-time care and the babies were mobile (wobbly...lol) and rolling in nasties...only when they needed it...but, sometimes, they really needed it, too.

A touch of a gentle puppy shampoo...I like clear shampoos with no added color, fragrance, etc. even for large breed adult dogs...but even just plain nice warm water...water and air are great healers. I'd be sure to keep the puppy warm, though...I'd keep it all bundled up and snuggled to me until it was completely dry and warm. Mine always were willing to snuggle after a bath, but when they started squirming to get free, that was my signal they were ready to be put down again.