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Is it okay to bathe my dog after puppy shots? How long should I wait?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Italian Greyhound | Female | unspayed

I took my small/medium size dog in to get her first set of shots almost 2 1/2 weeks ago. I was told by the vet assistant not to give her a bath until all the shots where done. Which takes almost 3 months. No bath for 3 months! My question-Why can't I give her a bath? How would giving her a bath affect the shots? Shots are under the skin so how would it affect her? Is there any way to keep her clean with out bathing or damp rag? the assistant didn't speak english so was there a misunderstanding?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on May 1st, 2017

Hmm... that's definitely very strange! I have never heard of anyone being told not to bathe their puppy until vaccines are finished, and have never given this advice myself - like you, I can't think of any reason at all why this would matter. I suspect that there may have been a misunderstanding, so I would suggest calling your vet's office and speaking to a different employee (or the vet, if possible) to clarify :)

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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