How Often Should You Bathe a Puppy? (And How to Prevent Matting)
So, you’ve survived the first month with your new puppy (congratulations!). You’ve mastered the potty schedule and survived the "shark teeth" phase. But now you’re facing a new challenge: The Dirt.
Whether they’ve been rolling in the grass at Brand Park or just tracking dust in from your backyard, puppies have a magical ability to get messy.
At Puppy Island Care & Spa, we love pampering your pups with full professional grooms. But the secret to a happy, fluffy dog isn't just what happens at the salon—it’s what happens at home in between visits.
Here is your Glendale Puppy Grooming Guide to keeping your puppy clean, comfortable, and mat-free.
The Big Question: How Often Should I Bathe My Puppy?
If you ask three different people at the dog park, you’ll get three different answers. Here is the professional rule of thumb we use:
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For most puppies: Once a month is perfect.
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For "oily" breeds (like Bassets or Cockers): Every 1-2 weeks might be necessary.
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For "dry" breeds (like Doodles or Poodles): Wait 4-6 weeks if possible.
Can I Bathe Them Every Week?
Yes, you can—IF you protect their skin.
We know some owners just love that "fresh puppy" smell or have dogs that love to get dirty. If you want to bathe your dog weekly, you absolutely can, but you need to replace the natural oils that the shampoo washes away.
Our Secret Weapon: After the bath, apply a small amount of coconut oil or spray a high-quality avocado mist onto their coat and skin. Massage it in thoroughly. This re-hydrates their skin instantly, preventing the itchiness and flakes that usually come with frequent washing.
The "Mud Puddle" Exception: Obviously, if your puppy dives into a mud puddle, wash them! But if they are just a little dusty, try using dog grooming wipes or a damp washcloth instead of a full bath.
Prevent Dog Matting: The "Golden Rule" of Brushing
The biggest mistake we see new owners make? Bathing a dog that hasn't been brushed.
If your puppy has a small knot in their fur and you get it wet, the water causes the hair to contract and tighten. That tiny knot becomes a hard felt "mat" that is impossible to brush out.
Your New Routine:
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Brush BEFORE the bath: Always brush your puppy thoroughly before they get near the water.
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Brush 3x a Week: For Doodles, Poodles, and long-haired breeds, this prevents those painful tangles from forming.
The "Friction Spots" (Where Mats Hide)
When brushing, don't just brush the back! Focus on these secret spots where friction causes mats to form first:
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Behind the ears
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Under the armpits
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Where the collar sits on the neck
💡 Too Busy to Brush? We Can Help!
We know life gets busy, and fitting in a 20-minute brushing session isn't always easy.
Did you know we offer brushing services during Daycare? If you bring your pup in for a day of play at Puppy Island, just ask us to add a brush-out to their stay. We’ll make sure they go home tired, happy, and tangle-free! Contact us here to book your free first daycare.
5 Steps to a Stress-Free Puppy Bath
Bathing doesn't have to be a rodeo. Follow these steps to keep it calm.
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Check the Temp: Keep the water lukewarm (think "baby bath" temperature). Hot water can dry out their skin.
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Protect the Ears: Avoid pouring water over their head. Water inside the ear canal can cause infections. Use a washcloth to wipe their face instead.
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Use the Right Soap: Never use human shampoo (even baby shampoo!). Dogs have a different skin pH than humans. Use a high-quality, tear-free puppy shampoo.
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Rinse, Rinse, Rinse: Leftover soap residue is a top cause of puppy itching. Rinse until the water runs completely clear.
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The "Click-Click" Test: While they are wet, check their nails. If you hear them clicking on the kitchen floor, they are too long!
When to Call the Pros
Home grooming is for maintenance, but professional grooming is for health. At Puppy Island, we have the tools to safely handle sanitary trims, ear plucking, and deep deshedding that are hard to do in a bathtub.
Is your puppy ready for their first "Spa Day"? We specialize in introducing puppies to the grooming process gently and slowly so they learn to love it.