First Time Puppy Owner - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Arodrigues · 05-25-2010, 07:33 AM

Hi Everyone,

I am a first time Yorkie owner. My puppy, Biscuit is 8 weeks old today and i was wondering if it was too early to give him a bath. i took him outside to play and he keeps scratching himself so i want to mae sure he's nice and clean. Also, how often should you bathe them? Help i'm new and know nothing

maggiecc · 05-25-2010, 11:02 AM

I got my Winnie 4 weeks ago and gave her first bath at 9 weeks, she rolled in bird poo. not good.

I just plopped her in the tub and played with her so she wasn't scared but honestly, she really didn't mind it. She was licking me and it didn't bother her.

I also gave her a cut last weekend. That did not go over too well. She was really fussy and there are some bald spots!

Needless to say, I will probably need another person to hold her when it comes down to it.

Now she is having problems with her anal glands, but I won't get into that....

Arodrigues · 05-27-2010, 03:55 AM

Oh I hope your puppy gets better soon! how did you deal with all the toe biting. i give my puppy chew toys but he loves toes and fingers much much more. And i know they are baby teeth but boy do they ever hurt!

DvlshAngel985 · 05-27-2010, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arodrigues

Oh I hope your puppy gets better soon! how did you deal with all the toe biting. i give my puppy chew toys but he loves toes and fingers much much more. And i know they are baby teeth but boy do they ever hurt!

Welcome to YT!
Your puppy is probably a toe biter because he was taken from mom too soon. Mom and litter mates teach them bite inhibition as well as other doggy manners.
As for bathing, I bathe mine once a week. For one as young as yours, I'm honestly not sure. Other than keeping them inside until two weeks after their last shots (anywhere from 18-20 weeks of age) to ensure full immunity, I'm not sure about the bathing.

domo · 10-01-2010, 12:09 PM

Hello! I am also a first-time puppy owner

Domo is now 9 weeks old and we gave his first bath two days ago because he was just getting way too stinky. Domo loves to bite toes too and I'm glad to know why now...

The one thing that really puzzles me is that Domo does not like treats... at least not the meat ones that I've bought. Is there a reason why? What types of treats can one normally give a small puppy?

YorkieSchmalz · 10-08-2010, 07:46 AM

Congrats on your new puppy. When they are that young you can probably go 2 weeks or so between baths. Unless they get really dirty.

pawever Yorkie · 10-10-2010, 01:40 AM

First bath for either 8 or 9 weeks old puppy is kinda too early.
I think it is better to wait till they finish their last shot(week after the last shot) will be the best time for the bath. I use baby wipes till their first bath. I use n-bone puppy teething ring & stick, or dogswell dried sweet potato as a treat for young pups. It is best to give them as natural treats as possible. Good luck with your baby~

FlDebra · 10-10-2010, 07:24 AM

I do not think there is anything wrong with giving them baths at 8 weeks. Just be careful not to use soap on their face and don't run water over their little heads or anything. I used a wet washcloth to wash faces and a tiny bit of shampoo goes a long way on their little bodies.

I gave all of my puppies baths before they went to their forever homes, but did not let them go til at least 12 weeks. Can't remember for sure when I started, but I know they all had several baths before leaving. When the litter is together they are always getting messy. When I would first start feeding, -- oh what a mess! Hahaha -- what fun just to remember them all around that round feeder, walking in the food and getting their little faces all messy. Sort of like watching a one year old dive into that first birthday cake.

dmb1014 · 06-26-2012, 08:04 AM

Hi all. My husband and I just purchased an adorable little Yorkie who is now 10 weeks old. He is a cute little guy and we just love him already. We are now experiencing the toe and finger biting as well. Can anyone tell me what the recommended age is for Advantix? I hear different things. I know that he is still very little but I don't want him to pick up ticks or fleas.

shabiewhabie · 06-26-2012, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmb1014

Hi all. My husband and I just purchased an adorable little Yorkie who is now 10 weeks old. He is a cute little guy and we just love him already. We are now experiencing the toe and finger biting as well. Can anyone tell me what the recommended age is for Advantix? I hear different things. I know that he is still very little but I don't want him to pick up ticks or fleas.

Hi! I'm having the same dilemma.. I'm going to be picking up my 14week biewer yorkie this friday, and I'm also taking him to the vet on the same day just to ask about flea meds.... I have to take him out to play, but I'm afraid of him getting fleas from the grass... plus we have lots of mosquitoes in my neighborhood so I'm afraid of that too!

I already spoke to the vet on the phone and they told me that they will discuss all the options with me during the visit, so Ill let you know what they told me. But i did do my own online research and I'm leaning towards frontline or revolution. Revolution helps with fleas and also heartworms, so its just 1 thing to give... but at the same time that seems like of too harsh for my baby who is around 3 lbs... I was also thinking of frontline because that's what my dogs breeder giver her own dogs and others with small yorkies recommended it to me. But, I guess I will make my final decision after i speak to the vet... Ill let you know what he tells me!

Also, do you know at what age they get their rabies shot? I always thought it was around 4-5months.. but now I'm reading that its given at 3 months.. does anyone know anything about this!

luvlee · 06-27-2012, 08:54 AM

All the newbies should really talk to their vets about all these issues. For example, a vet can tell you by the condition of your baby's skin & body whether to bathe now or not (even though it might be generally an OK thing to do.) As far as products, my vet gave me heartworm, rabies, Frontline.

Some yorkie breeders disagree with the opinions of vets, however. If you're not experienced with yorkies yourself, I'd just go with the vet's advice.

Your new babies need full examinations first. The advice here is wonderful and cautionary. But the members here haven't examined your puppy. I really think the vet who actually examines your baby should advise you directly on products, especially if you're new to the breed.

Good luck. Tracey

dmb1014 · 06-28-2012, 05:30 AM

Hi and thank you for the response. I am really enjoying this site, as I have already learned a lot! I have an appointment with the vet on 7/10. In the meantime, the vet recommended Frontline. So that being said, I think I am going to start that over the weekend.

-Deana

Mom2TwoYorkies · 06-28-2012, 09:32 AM

Congrats on your new baby! I wouldn't recommend using the entire tube of Frontline as you baby is still a baby . . .

Even as both of mine are now adults, I split the dose between the two of them, it's just way too much for one!

I also wanted to say that I usually start the flea preventative from May - October, and then stop for the Winter, usually after the first hard frost.

Although, I haven't started them yet this year, it is now getting a lot warmer, so this weekend will be their first.

Julia Howard · 06-28-2012, 09:55 AM

8 weeks is not too young as long as you dont get soap in the eyes and dry him good. Sometimes you dont have a choice about bathing puppies. I have had new moms get sick and get their babies in a mess and a bath was a necessity. If they are really young I do try to do it with a bath cloth.

Mom2TwoYorkies · 06-28-2012, 10:13 AM

My vet waited until 20 weeks old to give the rabies vaccine. I believe it is safe anywhere from 12 weeks on, but I think it depends on your actual vet.

I also wanted to say that when mine were pups, we never gave more than 1 shot per visit, and I always opted out of the Lepto vaccine . . .

Good luck with your new pup and congrats!

05-25-2010, 07:33 AM	#1
Arodrigues YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2010 Location: Union, NJ, USA Posts: 3	First Time Puppy Owner Hi Everyone, I am a first time Yorkie owner. My puppy, Biscuit is 8 weeks old today and i was wondering if it was too early to give him a bath. i took him outside to play and he keeps scratching himself so i want to mae sure he's nice and clean. Also, how often should you bathe them? Help i'm new and know nothing

05-27-2010, 03:55 AM	#3
Arodrigues YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2010 Location: Union, NJ, USA Posts: 3	New Puppy Oh I hope your puppy gets better soon! how did you deal with all the toe biting. i give my puppy chew toys but he loves toes and fingers much much more. And i know they are baby teeth but boy do they ever hurt!

10-10-2010, 01:40 AM	#7
pawever Yorkie Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2009 Location: New York, NY USA Posts: 429	First bath for either 8 or 9 weeks old puppy is kinda too early. I think it is better to wait till they finish their last shot(week after the last shot) will be the best time for the bath. I use baby wipes till their first bath. I use n-bone puppy teething ring & stick, or dogswell dried sweet potato as a treat for young pups. It is best to give them as natural treats as possible. Good luck with your baby~ __________________ "EVERYDAY'S A YORKIE DAY" www.hopeforpaws.org www.yorkiehavenrescue.com www.SaveAyorkieRescue.org

10-10-2010, 07:24 AM	#8
FlDebra Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: FL Posts: 7,651	I do not think there is anything wrong with giving them baths at 8 weeks. Just be careful not to use soap on their face and don't run water over their little heads or anything. I used a wet washcloth to wash faces and a tiny bit of shampoo goes a long way on their little bodies. I gave all of my puppies baths before they went to their forever homes, but did not let them go til at least 12 weeks. Can't remember for sure when I started, but I know they all had several baths before leaving. When the litter is together they are always getting messy. When I would first start feeding, -- oh what a mess! Hahaha -- what fun just to remember them all around that round feeder, walking in the food and getting their little faces all messy. Sort of like watching a one year old dive into that first birthday cake. __________________ FlDebra and her ABCs Annie, Ben, Candy Promoting Healthy Breeding to the AKC Yorkshire Terrier Standard

06-26-2012, 08:04 AM	#9
dmb1014 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Waterford, NY Posts: 6	New puppy owner Hi all. My husband and I just purchased an adorable little Yorkie who is now 10 weeks old. He is a cute little guy and we just love him already. We are now experiencing the toe and finger biting as well. Can anyone tell me what the recommended age is for Advantix? I hear different things. I know that he is still very little but I don't want him to pick up ticks or fleas.

05-25-2010, 11:02 AM	#2
maggiecc Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ames, Iowa, USA Posts: 84	I got my Winnie 4 weeks ago and gave her first bath at 9 weeks, she rolled in bird poo. not good. I just plopped her in the tub and played with her so she wasn't scared but honestly, she really didn't mind it. She was licking me and it didn't bother her. I also gave her a cut last weekend. That did not go over too well. She was really fussy and there are some bald spots! Needless to say, I will probably need another person to hold her when it comes down to it. Now she is having problems with her anal glands, but I won't get into that....

10-01-2010, 12:09 PM	#5
domo YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NYC Posts: 1	Hello! I am also a first-time puppy owner Domo is now 9 weeks old and we gave his first bath two days ago because he was just getting way too stinky. Domo loves to bite toes too and I'm glad to know why now... The one thing that really puzzles me is that Domo does not like treats... at least not the meat ones that I've bought. Is there a reason why? What types of treats can one normally give a small puppy?

10-08-2010, 07:46 AM	#6
YorkieSchmalz Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 192	Congrats on your new puppy. When they are that young you can probably go 2 weeks or so between baths. Unless they get really dirty.

06-27-2012, 08:54 AM	#11
luvlee YT Addict Join Date: May 2012 Location: secaucus, nj Posts: 483	All the newbies should really talk to their vets about all these issues. For example, a vet can tell you by the condition of your baby's skin & body whether to bathe now or not (even though it might be generally an OK thing to do.) As far as products, my vet gave me heartworm, rabies, Frontline. Some yorkie breeders disagree with the opinions of vets, however. If you're not experienced with yorkies yourself, I'd just go with the vet's advice. Your new babies need full examinations first. The advice here is wonderful and cautionary. But the members here haven't examined your puppy. I really think the vet who actually examines your baby should advise you directly on products, especially if you're new to the breed. Good luck. Tracey

06-28-2012, 05:30 AM	#12
dmb1014 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Waterford, NY Posts: 6	Hi and thank you for the response. I am really enjoying this site, as I have already learned a lot! I have an appointment with the vet on 7/10. In the meantime, the vet recommended Frontline. So that being said, I think I am going to start that over the weekend. -Deana

06-28-2012, 09:32 AM	#13
Mom2TwoYorkies YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,306	Re: Frontline Congrats on your new baby! I wouldn't recommend using the entire tube of Frontline as you baby is still a baby . . . Even as both of mine are now adults, I split the dose between the two of them, it's just way too much for one! I also wanted to say that I usually start the flea preventative from May - October, and then stop for the Winter, usually after the first hard frost. Although, I haven't started them yet this year, it is now getting a lot warmer, so this weekend will be their first. __________________ Deb, Mommy to: Brody & Rhianna Belle

06-28-2012, 09:55 AM	#14
Julia Howard Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Dothan, AL. Posts: 357	1st Bath 8 weeks is not too young as long as you dont get soap in the eyes and dry him good. Sometimes you dont have a choice about bathing puppies. I have had new moms get sick and get their babies in a mess and a bath was a necessity. If they are really young I do try to do it with a bath cloth. __________________ Julia Howard

06-28-2012, 10:13 AM	#15
Mom2TwoYorkies YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,306	Rabies Shot My vet waited until 20 weeks old to give the rabies vaccine. I believe it is safe anywhere from 12 weeks on, but I think it depends on your actual vet. I also wanted to say that when mine were pups, we never gave more than 1 shot per visit, and I always opted out of the Lepto vaccine . . . Good luck with your new pup and congrats! __________________ Deb, Mommy to: Brody & Rhianna Belle