So, you’ve got yourself a new dog, but now some new challenges occur. Many people don’t really know how often to bathe American Bully puppies and that this differs from a regular brushing routine for adult dogs.
Bathing is an important part of the care of an American Bully. Without it, our furry little friends will not only be dirty but are at risk of various skin issues and other health problems.
But did you know that puppies require a different daily routine from adult dogs? This is where many new owners go wrong!
The good news is – you’re not alone in this journey. I’m here to provide the guidance you need!
Here is everything you need to know about bathing American Bully puppies depending on their age:
How Often To Bathe American Bully Puppy
Bathing an American Bully puppy, as well as other parts of the grooming routine, greatly depends on the dog’s age.
You won’t bathe your dog the same way as a puppy as you would once he is an adult dog. It’s important to understand how the needs of the dog change with age and how to take proper care of him during every growth stage.
Also, while there are different American Bully sizes, the general grooming routine stays the same. So, no matter if you’ve got an American Bully XL or a pocket version, the process is quite similar.
American Bullies have short coats that are very easy to brush and take care of. This makes everything much easier.
Still, don’t let this fool you and make you think proper grooming isn’t that important. Coat health is very important for your pup’s overall well-being – just like regular exercise and adequate dog nutrition.
This is also something you should strive to do properly from an early age to get your dog used to being bathed regularly.
Without further ado, here’s how often to bathe your American Bully puppy:
0-3 Months
When a puppy is very young, his mother should do most of the cleaning. She will use her tongue to keep him clean, so there isn’t really that much you need to do.
However, if, for any reason, the mother dog isn’t in the picture, you might want to give your dog a bath with clean water and shampoo every few weeks to keep him healthy.
Puppies are extremely sensitive at this age, so the best way to bathe him is to use a mild dog shampoo that won’t cause skin irritations.
Also, puppies’ bodies don’t have good thermoregulation during the first few months, so make sure the water is mild. Not only that, but pat dry them with a soft cloth. If they are wet for too long, they can become sick.
Don’t forget that regular visits to the vet are a must at this age. Not only will a professional give them adequate deworming medication, but they can also give you a few pieces of advice on the bathing routine.
3-6 Months
When your American Bully puppy is between 3 and 6 months old, the bathing frequency still shouldn’t be much higher.
They are still very sensitive and prone to skin allergies and irritations, so make sure to avoid bathing them too often.
While they’re less prone to colds at this age, you still don’t want to have your Bully pup walking around for long periods of time while wet. You wouldn’t go outside when it’s windy and cold with wet hair, so don’t force your loyal dogs to do the same.
6 Months To A Year
Once your pup is 6 months old, you can start treating him as an adult dog – at least when it comes to his regular brushing routine, as well as bathing.
While you can bathe him every 2 to 4 weeks, I wouldn’t recommend this to become a regular thing.
Instead, bathe your American Bully puppy once every 2 to 3 months, unless he gets dirty beforehand. As these pups love rolling in smelly stuff, such as poop, I am certain you’ll have the need to bathe them more often than that.
If you bathe them too often, you’re disrupting their natural protective oils, which can result in not only stiff coats but itchy skin, an increase in loose hairs, and even allergies!
In fact, not going overboard with bathing is probably the most important skin care tip any dog professional will tell you.
There is a moment when dog lovers can go overboard with care, and this is most definitely one of them.
General Bathing Tips
All Pitbull and Bulldog breeds, such as American Pitbull Terriers, English Bulldogs, and, of course, American Bullies, have similar features that further influence their grooming needs.
This includes large heads, thick bodies with lots of muscle mass, high sets of ears that are typically cropped, and shorter legs than most other breeds.
Also, they have wrinkles on their skin and face, which can increase not only the amount of cleaning your dog might need but also the frequency of regular vet appointments due to the many skin issues these breeds are prone to.
One of the most important parts of bathing your dog the proper way is choosing the right shampoo.
Human shampoos and soaps contain chemicals and fragrances that can be bad for your pup. Always use dog shampoo for your bathing routine.
If you don’t have a shampoo made for dogs, you can try using a mild dish soap, or even just wipe your dog with baby wipes. This will keep him clean without hurting his skin.
Regular Brushing Routine
I’ve already mentioned that American Bullies and similar breeds have short coats that don’t require too much brushing.
However, a regular brushing routine can help minimize loose hairs and shedding, something these pups are prone to.
Using a gentle bristle brush is a great option for short-haired dogs, and Bullies are no different. Of course, if you don’t have one by hand, most other brushes will do okay.
Teeth Cleaning
Many dog owners forget about teeth cleaning until those early mornings when they are awakened by the smell of their Bully’s breath.
It is estimated that between 80% and 90% of dogs over the age of 3 suffer from some type of dental disease. This number could be lower if more owners would regularly brush their dog’s teeth.
Another good solution is dental treats that help remove plaque and tartar build-up — although they are not a good replacement for good ol’ brushing.
Nail Clipping
Another thing many owners forget about is nail clipping.
Nail clipping should be a part of your regular grooming routine.
In nature, dogs’ nails can wear down when they walk on harsh terrains. When you keep a Bully puppy at home, this isn’t likely to happen, and your dog’s nails can easily become overgrown.
This condition not only looks ugly, but it can be extremely painful for your pup.
My advice is to implement treats when clipping your dog’s nails. This sensation is often frightening to young pups, and it’s better to create some positive associations as soon as possible.
Is Bathing Your Dog Important?
There is a common misconception that our pets can fully care for themselves.
Our loyal dogs were bred to depend on us, and this includes bathing. So, while some pets, such as cats, don’t require regular baths, this isn’t the case with dogs.
In fact, I would argue that bathing is even more important for Bullies, as their wrinkly skin and playful nature can lead to them becoming dirty rather quickly.
However, as I’ve already mentioned, it’s essential that you don’t go overboard. Your dog doesn’t need a bath after every walk.
If it was raining outside or he walked around in mud, take some baby wipes and wipe his paws. This will keep both him and your home clean.
Of course, if he gets really dirty, then it’s time for a proper bath the moment you step a foot inside.
So, there you have it. Now you know just how often to bathe an American Bully puppy and why you must be more careful with young pups than with adults.
I hope you’ve found this helpful, and that you’re enjoying every aspect of being a dog owner – even bathing.
Vanja’s passion for writing started at an early age, which is why she pursued Journalism as her college degree. She can research any topic and find all the information before you bat an eye, which is a great thing for her job but a terrible one for her husband.
Even as a young child, she fell in love with everything fluffy – but dogs have a special place in her heart due to her childhood companion, a Corgie named Archie.
Motivated by her experiences and driven by a desire to give back to her four-legged companions, she spends her free time volunteering at a local dog shelter.