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Why does my puppy have itchy bumps? Is it from bathing or crating?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Newfoundland | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 27 days old | 35 lbs

My Newf pup has little pimple like bumps causing him to itch. I've been trying to crate train him when away but is covered in irons when I get back...could the bumps be from bathing him too much?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 8th, 2017

Poor pup. It is likely your pup is having a skin allergy or mild infection on the skin itself. Overbathing can potentially do this, as well as urine scalding if he tends to have accidents in the crate and then lays down in it. Puppies can hold their bladder for how ever many months they are + 1 in hrs. So since Dak is approx 3 months old, he can hold it for 3+1=4 hrs at a time. If you are away for longer then its best to try and get a neighbor or friend to come by and walk him so he can relieve himself.

To treat the skin bumps I would recommend trying to cut down on the baths and only use an oatmeal based puppy shampoo once every 2-4 weeks. In between baths if he gets dirty its best to use puppy wipes. I would also recommend that you make sure he doesn't have fleas by applying a flea preventative on him once a month. Some dogs have flea allergies and will itch in response to a flea biting them.

And lastly, Dak will likely need a short course of antibiotics prescribed by your vet to take care of the current skin infection and perhaps antihistamines to stop the itch. I hope your puppy gets better soon.
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