Best Puppy Shampoo For All Coat Types

Grooming for puppies involves bathing and making use of the best puppy shampoo that is gentle on the coat and devoid of harsh ingredients. This is of utmost importance, especially during puppyhood when the coat is still tender. Needless to say that puppies come with sensitive coats and pH balance issues in some dogs may cause irritation or allergy.

Though the act has become common knowledge, pet parents must understand the difference between grooming for adult pups and the one for puppies. Note that the regular canine shampoo is suffused with a variety of potential chemicals and irritants; thus, it is recommended that you go for a gentle and best puppy shampoo as against the regular ones for dogs.

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Do You Need Separate Shampoo For Puppies And Adult Dogs?

Expert reports suggest that regular shampoo can be used on puppies if there is no other choice, however, dog owners must avoid using medicated dog shampoo like the tick and flea shampoo known to be too harsh on puppy skin. In the case of puppies that have skin problems, a vet needs to be consulted to recommend the best puppy shampoo for the condition. Your choice should run to high-quality shampoo since the cheaper ones tend to degrade fast once opened, and can have dire consequences. Also to be avoided are those types of shampoo with pungent fragrance or perfume as they can lead to irritation on sensitive skin.

With that said, the best shampoo recommended for young dogs are the puppy shampoos that come in high quality, this type of shampoo is non-medicated and remains gentle on the skin. They serve as mild cleansers, specifically produced to cater to the delicate skin of a puppy. The shampoos are designed in unscented forms, mild, or with natural scents like lavender or oatmeal. So, no, it’s not wise to use the same shampoo for adult dogs on the puppies.

Can You Use Shampoo And Conditioner For Humans On Puppies?

Your choice when it comes to the best puppy shampoo shouldn’t run to regular human shampoo, the same can be said about their conditioner. The reason is that a dog’s skin is less acidic than that of humans and human shampoos are replete with stronger pH balancing agents. The skin of a pup is more alkaline, and thus must be groomed with a mild shampoo.

Using human shampoo on canines comes with a few disadvantages, for one, it causes dryness on a dog’s skin, leading to itchiness and irritation. Besides, when a dog is constantly scratching, skin abrasions are likely to occur and we know that bacteria thrive on abrasions, and there may be the risk of inflammation.

How Often Can You Bathe A Puppy

Bathing a very young puppy may not be necessary until the pup smears its body with dirt. Pet owners whose dogs are clean and healthy never bother with baths, unless the puppy gets poop on its body. But if the dirt on your little canine friend is just a tiny spill of food, you can soak a sponge in water and use it to wipe the area, especially if it is a short-coated puppy. However, there is a set schedule you can follow if you must expose your cute furball to baths.

Once-weekly until the puppy is three months old
Once monthly, until the canine is six months old
From six months, your dog can get baths when necessary or a couple of times annually

Remember, the schedule may not be necessary as puppies won’t get hurt without baths, however, remember to use the best puppy shampoo while you are it.

Tips On Dog Bathing

As we have mentioned before, you may not need to expose your little pooch to baths but, there are guidelines to follow if you must:

Avoid bathing your little furry until after three months.
Give the puppy a good brushing prior to the bath and brush regularly in between baths.
Brushing will help in eliminating loose or dead hair, debris, dirt, as well as mats.
Use the best puppy shampoo available and massage it into the furry fellow’s coat with warm water. Start working from the head with your fingertips and move towards the tail through the back.
Rinsing should be done with warm water from a plastic pitcher or a spray hose.
Be sure to avoid splashing water on the dog’s eyes, ears, and nose; a damp cloth can come in handy for cleaning those areas.
Towel the pup as much as possible and allow it to shake the remaining water out.
Grooming for pups is not all about the best puppy shampoo, we must also remember the treats and praises which should be offered for good behavior as you proceed with the bath.
Always make bathing a pleasurable experience for your furbaby and remember to keep calm and patient.
Recommendations from groomers and veterinarians suggest that owners play with their dog’s ears and paws while bathing or imitate what they would normally do during the grooming process and baths. This aids in removing anxiety as the dog will get used to being handled in that manner.

Types of Dog Shampoo

Shampoo for dogs comes in many types which can make it a bit difficult to select the right one for your pooch. Your best bet is to seek the assistance of a vet in recommending the best puppy shampoo that will be just right for a dog’s alkaline-based skin.

De-shedding shampoo

The de-shedding shampoo is a lifesaver for double-coated breeds that are known to shed throughout the year, however, breeds that shed once a year can still benefit from it. When the shampoo is used alongside a proper grooming schedule, it can aid in reducing shedding to a large extent. This type of shampoo is replete with omega fatty acids and moisturizers which function to enrich a dog’s hair follicle, reducing the likelihood of them drying out and eventually dropping. With this, the dead hair will be easily brushed out after bathing.

Dry, sensitive, and hypoallergenic puppy shampoo

Pups with skin that is too sensitive will benefit from the dry, sensitive, and hypoallergenic puppy shampoo. Dogs that have allergies are prone to scratching which leaves their skin flaky and sore. The shampoo functions to restore a dog’s skin moisture, making it irritant-free.

Shine and conditioning

Also among the best puppy shampoo is the shine and conditioning cleanser. Every type of coat can be exposed to this type of shampoo, and it is equally great for wire coats. The shampoo works to get rid of excess shedding hair, leaving the coat soft and with a welcoming scent.

For the long and curly coat

This type is good for those breeds of canines with curly hair that is prone to tangling and knotting. It softens the coat, making brushing easier.

Conditioning sprays

This is perfect for dogs that are averse to bathing and can come in handy for that stress-free quick freshen. For those wiry breeds, a conditioning spray can aid in detangling knots, conditioning the fur to make it silky between baths. Besides, it has a great smell.

Deodorizing

Thick-coated breeds that are prone to a bad odor can benefit from the deodorizing shampoo. The best puppy shampoo for this type of coat doesn’t just cover up the odor, it neutralizes it.