How often to Bathe a Poodle and Groom them

Poodle puppies are very delicate, just like babies, and must be handled with care during bath time. If the puppy lives with the mother, it is important to wait until they have weaned to prevent the parent from not recognizing their own puppy. The mother will clean and care for the puppy herself when the puppy is considered to be dirty.

On the other hand, it is important not to bathe a puppy if is has just started their vaccination schedule because bathing could their effects. The recommended age to bathe your poodle puppy for the first time is 3 months old, once the administration of their vaccines has ended.

You should bathe your puppy once a month because dogs have a natural protective lipid layer on their skin. If you bathe them excessively, you will get rid of this layer that protects them, so it is not advisable to bathe them too much.

Tips to clean them without bathing

If your puppy is very dirty and smelly you don't have to let them stay that way. There are some very effective tricks that will help keep your unruly puppy clean:

• Wet wipes: Use baby wipes to clean specific areas of hair that are dirty and then brush the fur thoroughly. It is the easiest and cheapest option.
• Wet sponge: Wet the sponge and rinse it well. Apply to the dirty areas. You should then dry your dog to prevent them from catching a cold. Wrap them in a towel and use a dryer if necessary.
• Dry foam: You will find professional products to dry-bathe a dog in pet shops. All you need to do is apply the foam and then brush it thoroughly to remove traces of the product.

Bathing a puppy poodle, step by step

A poodle's first bath will undoubtedly be the most important because this will determine whether the puppy is fearful of the water in the future. It is a fundamental part of the socialisation process.

To start with, we recommend you prepare a basin with warm water in your bathtub, at 37ºC (98.6ºF). Of course, don't fill the tub with too much water; the level should not cover your puppy too much. Choose a safe place with no drafts. Remember that the puppy poodle can get a cold very easily, so they should not be too cold.

Wet your dog with a sponge or with your hands and when they are completely wet, apply the shampoo. We recommend you look for a special shampoo for puppies, with an acid pH, and carefully massage it into your puppy's skin. Don't forget to reach all areas - legs, belly, groin.. but never wash the head. You should try to make this experience as positive as possible, so that the puppy associates it as something they like and enjoy doing. When you have finished, rinse your puppy well.

At the end of the bath, you must take precautions to prevent the puppy from getting too cold, as puppies do not regulate temperature as well as adult dogs can. Wrap your poodle in a towel and when it is fairly dry, use a dryer at its gentlest setting.

Although you can use more generic products on your poodle, it is advisable to use shampoos, conditioners and sprays specific to the breed. It may also be good to use shampoo for white-haired dogs if your poodle has white or light fur. This will make the stains in the fur disappear.

Take advantage of the situation to remove the stains from your poodle's eyes, which usually accumulate as time goes by.

There are sebaceous glands in your dog's skin that help keep the skin stable and give the hair stability. It is very important to understand that excessive washing or using of inappropriate products will result in a dermatological alteration which can cause allergies, for example. You should bathe your poodle approximately every 21 to 35 days, which is enough time for the skin to regenerate and regain its natural oils. After this period of time, you can bathe them without any problems.

Bathing an adult poodle, step by step

Remember to use specific products such as those mentioned earlier, so that your dog's ph is not altered:

1. Fill your tub with warm water without the water level being too high.
2. Help your dog into the tub, but make sure they don't slip!
3. Wet your dog using your bath hose so that their entire body is wet.
4. We recommend starting with the legs: rub them thoroughly to remove any dirt.
5. Carry on with the torso, genitals and neck. Don't get the head wet or soapy.
6. Once completely lathered, you can begin rinsing the entire body.
7. Take your time when rinsing to remove all traces of soap in their fur.
8. When you've finished, cover them with a towel and wait so that it absorbs some of the water.
9. Next, simply use the dryer until they are completely dry. Use a brush to make your poodle look better.

Don't forget that after the bath, you must apply an anti-parasite pipette to prevent fleas and ticks from settling into their freshly washed coat.

How often you clip it and groom a poodle depends on the choice of hairstyle. If you're not sure how you want to style it, don't hesitate to visit our article on 10 haircuts for poodles. However, and in general, on average you should clip your poodle's hair every 40 - 50 days.

Even though you can cut your dog's hair at home, it is highly recommended to go to a dog groomer until you have the necessary experience to do it. The different types of cuts require expert hands who know how to shape and what they should look like. For example, you should cut the hairs around the ears carefully and avoid getting them inside the ears, which can cause moisture and fungi.

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