Bringing a puppy home comes with a lot of firsts - and bath time is one of them.
It’s also one of the moments where many owners feel unsure. Puppies have delicate skin, and using the wrong product can quickly lead to dryness or irritation. So it’s a fair question: what should you use?
Keeping things simple
Puppy skin is more sensitive than adult dogs. It’s thinner, more delicate, and still developing, which means it can react more easily to strong ingredients or heavy fragrances.
Because of that, less is usually better.
For a first bath, we always recommend choosing a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo. Something that cleans without overwhelming the skin or coat.
Where our products fit in
Our products were originally created for our own dog, Penny, who has always had sensitive skin. From the beginning, the focus has been on keeping formulations simple, mild, and suitable for dogs who need a little extra care.
For puppies, our Pure Shampoo is the best place to start.
It’s:
- fragrance-free
- made with mild, plant-derived cleansers
- pH-balanced and soap-free
Designed to gently clean without disrupting the skin’s natural balance.
What about scented products?
Our scented range uses essential oils to create a light, natural fragrance. While these are carefully balanced, for very young puppies or particularly sensitive skin, it’s best to keep things as simple as possible.
You can always introduce scented products later, once you know your dog’s skin is comfortable and happy.
A gentle first experience
A puppy’s first bath isn’t just about getting clean — it’s about creating a calm, positive experience.
Use lukewarm water, keep things unhurried, and use only a small amount of product. A gentle towel dry afterwards is usually all that’s needed.
A simple rule to follow
If in doubt, choose the gentlest option.
That’s exactly why we created our fragrance-free range — for dogs (and puppies) who need things to be a little simpler, and a little kinder.