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My 5-week-old puppies smell like pee and poop. Can I give them a bath?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 3 days old | 3 lbs

I have 5 week old puppys that stink like pee and poop can i take them a bath

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Angela Hinton, DVM

Answered By Angela Hinton, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 11th, 2018

Hello there!
Yes you can give your young puppies a bath. I would recommend using a gentle puppy shampoo and take extra precautions, even thought it is summer time, to make sure they stay warm. Just dry them off well and keep them close by so you can monitor them after the bath.
Do not submerge them in water and I wouldn't recommend getting their heads and faces fully wet. Just use a wet cloth to wipe down their heads.

I hope this information is helpful to you.
I wish you and Daisy and all the rest of the puppies all the best.

Dr. Angela Hinton
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 29th, 2019

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Pablo. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian. It is important to have any new pet examined, but especially a puppy. You need to start a deworming protocol and ensure that he is properly vaccinated. His veterinarian can help you determine the source of the bad smell. It could be his anal glands for example. I hope this information helps!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 2nd, 2016

    Try using pet wipes to clean him up if possible. It is best to not bathe such a young pup. If you must, do it as quickly as possible and keep him warm to prevent chill. Dry him thoroughly and provide supplemental heat afterwards.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 24th, 2019

    Hi, a one off bath will not be the end of the world. You need to use warm water, a shampoo that is formulated for young puppies and make sure you dry him up completely afterwards. Keep the bath time short and avoid ears and eyes.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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