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I just got my very first puppy and she is a 10 weeks old miniature schnauzer. I need to know when to give her a bath, and if it is ok that she shakes a lot. She is very nervious. Any suggestions?

2007-02-12 06:29:04 · 13 answers · asked by Porcari 1 in Pets Dogs

13 answers

The younger you get her used to being bathed, the better - It'll make it a lot easier as she gets older and stronger!

Use a mild, tear free, puppy shampoo and don't wash her too much or she'll get dry skin. I usually wash my dogs about once a month, or when they start to stink (The "Smell" actually smells like Corn Chips!).

2007-02-12 06:46:41 · answer #1 · answered by Yo LO! 6 · 0 0

You should only bathe your dog when it is dirty. Shampoo strips the dog's coat of essential natural oils, so you shouldn't bathe them too often. Once every month or two is fine, but only when the dog is dirty. But because she's a puppy, this is her time for socialization, so give her bathes without the use of shampoo just to let her get used to them.

Shaking usually isn't a good thing. Dogs usually shake because they might be cold, nervous, or excited, and sometimes shaking is a side effect of seizures and poisoning. If she's cold, keep her in warm conditions and get a dog vest for her. If she's nervous, then you have a problem on your hands. Timid puppies need extra special socialization to bring them out of their shell. Take her to puppy kindergarten classes, as this is an excellent place for her to be socialized and trained, and you will learn a lot from it as well. Be sure to schedule her first vet appointment as soon as you can. She'll need vaccinations and a check-up. The vet will also help you identify what's causing her shaking.

2007-02-12 06:42:03 · answer #2 · answered by Steel 3 · 0 0

First -- congrats on the new baby!!

Second -- IF she has had all her puppy shots, it is OK. If she is small enough, use a sink 1/2 full of warm water -otherwise, use the bathtub. While talking to her, sit her in the water -- constantly tell her that she is a good girl (reassure her). Wipe her face and ears (inside too) down with a wash cloth. Then take a cup or small pitcher and get her body wet. I use baby shampoo, but you could use puppy shampoo. I use baby shampoo as it is very gentle on their skin and IF it accidentally gets in their eyes, it won't hurt them. After you shampoo all of her fur, rinse over and over to make sure you have ALL the soap out. Then gently squeeze most of the water off of her and wrap her in a big towel. After a while, let her go -- she WILL shake, but that is part of the 'fun'. If it is the least bit cold in your place -- keep her warm, either by the fireplace or turn up the heater until she is completely dry -- you can blow dry her fur IF she will stand for that - most pups won't.

2007-02-12 06:43:10 · answer #3 · answered by GP 6 · 0 0

Bathe her when she smells bad. Try not to do it more than once per week. If her bum gets dirty then just wash her bum (or feet, or face, etc.).

She's shaking because she's frightened. This is the first time she's been away from the safetly and comfort of mommy and her littermates. She doesn't know anything about you or your home yet. Nothing smells familiar. Nothing sounds familiar. This is quite normal considering what she's going through, wouldn't you say?

Give her her quiet time and let her relax. Don't do too many things at once with her. You'll be concentrating on establishing good toilet habits mostly. You can practice calling her name and giving her a treat when she looks at you/comes to you.

If you want a good book to read for first time puppy owners, try:

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/item/books-978157731455/1577314557/Before-and-After-Getting-Your-Puppy-The-Positive-Approach-to?ref=Search+Books%3a+'ian+dunbar'

This will give you lots of info and address the problems that are sure to crop up in the future. Don't worry - mistakes are going to happen. Every puppy had to learn by making mistakes. It's alright! For your puppy's sake and future health, do some reading and get to know how she "works". Dr. Dunbar is highly recommended for pupppies and adult dogs alike. He's very easy to read and will cover all you'll need to know.

Good luck with your little girl!

2007-02-12 06:41:16 · answer #4 · answered by heathen 4 · 1 0

I think that it is still too early to give her a bath. She probably shakes a lot because she is so young and still getting used to everything. Try to give her attention and kind words. She is very young and is learning about the world.Don't shelter her though, the exposure to many things and people as a young puppy is very important. Just be there for her and give her lots of attention. It is very similar to having a baby, they are very demanding and needy. Ask your vet when you can give her a bath. Good luck

2007-02-12 06:38:10 · answer #5 · answered by K L 3 · 0 0

first congrads. how cute. puppies should not be bathe often, because they lose their oils from their hair and then you will end up with a dog suffering from dry skin and that is a mission. it is normal that she is nervous. i mean wouldnt you be too, being taken from your mother and given to this total stranger and someone so so big, remember she is probably used to thing her own size, maybe slightly taller. just gvier her lots of love, and play with ehr often. eventually she will know you as her mom.
if she starts to stink a little bit, get a spray bottle. mix it with half part apple vinegar and half part water. just spray it on her hair. it works are a cleaner and will get rid of the bad smell she might have. i would not bathe her for a while. maybe once a month.
shaking just means she is nervous. it will go away with time. she and you have to get used to each other.

2007-02-12 06:41:50 · answer #6 · answered by lasalle_1986 4 · 0 0

Puppies shake when they come around a new enviorment first spend time with her about 2-3 weeks then you can give her 1 bath a week.!!!
good luck!!!=)

2007-02-12 07:18:21 · answer #7 · answered by Manuela O 1 · 0 0

There is a puppy who needs you to hold her and reassure her. She is in a new situation and is understandably scared.
I would wait to bathe her until at least three months or she starts to smell so her skin doesn't dry out.

2007-02-12 06:41:37 · answer #8 · answered by lisbug2003 2 · 0 0

Give her a bath once every month or two..I also have a 10 week old puppy, good lawd they are a handful, but precious!

2007-02-12 06:36:25 · answer #9 · answered by echc 3 · 0 0

I have some 3 month old puppies and i havent bathed them.Yours is too youg. Nand let it be warm water and dont wet his ears it doesnt matter how long his bath is

2007-02-12 07:57:32 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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