
When Is It Time for Your Puppy's First Bath?
Puppies are a delightful addition to any family, so it's best to avoid life-threatening situations like baths for the first few weeks of your puppy's life.
Yes, you read that correctly, bathing your puppy too early could have fatal consequences. The reason for this is that newborn pups can't regulate their own body temperature well at all.
Their internal temperature is very delicate and any kind of sudden change could end in tragedy. So read this guide carefully to find out when your puppy's first bath should be.
How Old Should a Puppy be Before Bath Time?
A cautious veterinarian will tell you that four months is how old a puppy should be before bathing. This is because the puppy should be finished with its vaccine schedule by then.
Giving a puppy a bath where it is fully or partially submerged in water before then can cause them to get cold. Puppies can get so cold that they get hypothermia and possibly distemper as well.
If your puppy contracts distemper before it gets all its vaccines, its immune system will be weakened. This weakened immune system is bad news for puppies since their immune systems are weak and undeveloped as it is.
What's more, is that distemper can cause a delay in your puppy's vaccine schedule, making it susceptible to other preventable diseases for an unnecessary period of time.
Meanwhile, your newborn puppy will have to fight off a disease that will require more trips to the vet and even more specialized care.
Also, bathing your puppy a lot and at an age while it's so delicate can disturb the balance of skin oils that your puppy needs to maintain its coat.
Completely submerging your puppy is also risky because it can get water in its ears, which can be difficult for new pet owners to get out.
If you don't notice that your puppy has water stuck in its ear, you run the risk of the poor creature getting an ear infection. Play it as safe as possible and just wait for your puppy to turn four months old before its first bath.
How to Clean a Puppy Without a Bath
It's natural for puppies to get dirty while they're exploring and don't know what scents to avoid yet. Fortunately, puppy moms will often lick their young clean to get off any unwanted dirt or grub from the outside world.
If your puppy is not in contact with its mother and you can't find another dog to give yours a puppy bath, there are still steps you can take.
All you have to do is get a lukewarm washcloth and gently wipe away any dirt or dust that's in your puppy's fur. Make sure to provide plenty of affection and even treats during and after cleaning.
That way, your puppy won't get fussy or try to run away whenever it gets dirty. Once you've wiped your puppy down, you should dry it off with a good towel just in case there's any water still left in its fur.
You can also consult your veterinarian about how to bathe a puppy with dry cleaning options. Not the dry-cleaning like what you do with silk shirts, but special cleaning products you apply directly to your puppy's fur.
You can also check your local pet shop to see if they have pet wipes, which are great for cleaning dogs of all ages. Pet wipes are great for spot cleaning dirty paws or noses and are a great option for puppies that have allergies.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Puppy?
Before the four-month mark mentioned above, you shouldn't be bathing your puppy at all unless it gets dirty. Once your puppy does reach the four-month mark, however, it depends on your dog's breed, coat, and lifestyle.
A good general rule is that you should bathe your puppy every four to six weeks. If your puppy is an outside pet that spends a lot of time rooting around in the dirt and mud, you'll need to bathe it more often than that.
Be careful about letting your puppy out too often though. Even if it is just to remove mud, puppies aren't supposed to bathe very often.
Their skin and coats are delicate, and bathing them constantly will irritate the skin. This is especially true for any puppies that are prone to having dry skin, and excessive bathing will make dry skin worse over time.
What To Do During Puppy's First Bath
When the time finally comes, bathing a puppy will still require a great deal of care and effort. For one, you'll want to wear some old clothes since your pup is going to jump around and shake in his new watery playhouse.
You'll also want to keep the temperature of the water at or near the temperature of your puppy. This is usually something like 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once you've got the temperature of the water at a reasonable level, gently scrub your puppy all over with water. Then, rub in the right shampoo and conditioner. Each dog breed will have different needs, so get the right one.
Make sure you avoid getting water or shampoo in your puppy's eyes, ears, or mouth. After you've scrubbed the shampoo in, wash it out with water and you're done.
Bathing is Just One Part of Pup Care
After Puppy's first bath, you might think you're out of the woods, but you aren't quite there yet. Knowing how to give your puppy a bath is just the first step in knowing how to keep your puppy happy, healthy, and clean.
To maintain that health, you'll have to know how to maintain your puppy's coat in and out of the bath.
Luckily, it's pretty easy to do once you've got the steps down. After you've learned how to give your puppy a bath, the only thing you'll need is a good towel to dry them off with, so get one today!

How to Make a Dog Agility Course
Dog agility courses are a great way to train a dog, but how can you make one? This guide explains how to make a dog agility course.
Did you know that the only continent that doesn't partake in dog agility training is Antarctica, where dogs aren't allowed?
We're just as incredulous. But we'll take pleasure in the fact that dogs are very much allowed on all other continents, giving us the ability to enjoy dog agility competitions.
If you love dog agility competitions and are looking to create a course of your own, you've come to the right place.
Keep reading to learn how to put together your dog agility course.
The Benefits of Dog Agility Courses
Dog agility courses are extremely beneficial for smart and active dogs. By introducing your dog to an agility course, whether it be for fun or sport, you and your dog will both be entertained and exercised.
There are several great benefits to dog agility courses. These include mental stimulation, building physical health, and bonding time.
Mental and Physical Stimulation
We all know that a tired dog is a happy dog. By using dog agility courses, your dog can run wild and free, off the leash and on the grass.
The combination of mental and physical stimulation helps your dog exercise their abilities and build confidence. Whether your dog agility course is being used to train for a competition or just for fun, your dog will improve their speed and accuracy.
By activating your dog's mental and physical abilities, you'll encourage them to build stamina and improve their listening capabilities.
Cultivates Health and Happiness
Because your pet will get exercise doing what they love, involving them in a dog agility course will cultivate happiness and satisfaction.
By working with your dog to get them trained and used to a dog agility course, you'll help enhance their health and well-being as they get accustomed to a new way of life.
Bonding Time Between You and Your Pet
While improving your dog's abilities, you'll also be improving your own through learning how to communicate with your pet.
By training your dog to use a dog agility course, you will bond with each other while engaging in a productive exercise. By watching your beloved dog weave happily around your course, you'll feel a sense of pride and joy.
Bonding with your pet is an experience everyone desires. By introducing yourself and your dog to an agility course, you'll begin a unique bonding process.
The benefits of using a dog agility course are great and apply to both you and your dog.
What Breeds Excel in Dog Agility Courses?
Several factors determine what makes a good agility partner. These include intelligence, trainability, focus, and body structure.
Keeping these specific traits and abilities in mind, several top breeds work well with dog agility training:
- Border Collies
- Australian Shepherds
- Shetland Sheepdogs
- Golden Retrievers
- Jack Russel Terriers
- Cocker Spaniels
- Papillons
- Whippits
- Poodles
Because all of these dog breeds already include the right factors, you won't find yourself having to train specific traits. It might be easier to build their confidence, but can be difficult to teach a dog traits like drive and focus.
When working with your dog on an agility course, make sure they're able to do what you're asking of them.
Be careful with a breed that isn't as reputable for agility, as this might be due to their bone structure and stability.
How to Make a Dog Agility Course Using the Right Equipment
To successfully build your own DIY dog agility course, you'll need several supplies to bring a great dog agility course to your backyard.
When considering different objects to use for your course, take into account your dog's ability. You'll need to make sure that obstacles are size-appropriate, as a hoop made for an Australian Shepherd will be too big for a Papillon.
Make sure you're not buying dog agility equipment that is difficult for your dog, especially if they have other agility issues like back problems or other physical limitations.
That being said, there are several common pieces of equipment and supplies you'll want to make a great dog agility course.
Contact Objects
Contact objects are typically built from wood or aluminum, usually in an A-frame shape. You can buy ready-made contact objects or make your own.
These are great for having your dog run up one side and down the other.
PVC Pipe Weaves and Jumps
PVC pipes are your key to a great DIY dog agility course. Buy these along with pipe tees and elbows, as this will help you construct obstacles.
These pipes can be great weaving objects for your dog to practice weaving through or even for DIY dog agility jumps. Piecing together PVC pipes to create weaves or jumps can be easy and effective.
Teeter-Totters
Buying or making a teeter-totter and installing it will add to your dog agility course. Your pet will be able to show off their skills using a teeter-totter in their backyard course.
You can make a teeter-totter out of PVC pipes and a plank of wood, as this is often a cheap and easy DIY project.
Tunnels
One of the most common parts of a dog agility course is the tunnel.
You can find appropriately-sized collapsible tunnels in the children's aisle of most toy or department stores. Adding this obstacle to your dog agility course will enhance its level of challenges.
Making the Course
Once you've bought or made the right equipment for your dog agility course, it's time to put it all together.
Prepare the area for your course by clearing away sticks, rocks, and other distracting or harmful objects. Make sure your desired spot for a dog agility course is mostly level, as a flat surface is ideal.
Space all your obstacles throughout your dog agility course, checking each object twice to ensure its safety.
Now you're ready to start training your pet to use their new agility course.
Using a Dog Agility Course With Your Pet
Before you start training your pet to use their new course, let them sniff and explore everything first.
Familiarizing themselves with the equipment around them will help your dog become comfortable with the course. After they've become aware of each object, slowly start encouraging your dog to use each object.
After you've taken them on a walkthrough and they get active, your dog might get hot. Make sure you give them water and a quick cool-down with The Absorber® Dog Lover's Towel.
Cooling Down Together
Once you and your dog have gotten comfortable with your new dog agility course, you'll be ready to pick up the intensity. Take care to respond to your dog's needs and to listen to them as much as they listen to you.
If you enjoyed this article on how to make a dog agility course, take a look at our blog post on more summer activities to enjoy with your dog.

Backyard Safety Tips for Pet Owners
Your furry best friend deserves the backyard of their dreams for long days of romping and tail-wagging. Here are some staple backyard ideas for dogs to maximize their happiness and safety.
CBD in the Pet Industry
CBD For Dogs
The cannabidiol (or CBD) dogs take is typically derived from industrial hemp rather than marijuana. It’s used because of its widely-discussed potential health benefits. This active plant compound has been studied to relieve seizures in dogs as well as believed to alleviate or eliminate:
- Arthritis Pain
- Anxiety
- Lack of Appetite
- Inflammation
- Excessive Barking
- Aggression
- Nausea
- Loss of Energy
- Cardiovascular Issues
- Carcinogens
- Surgery and Illness Recovery
Is CBD Safe for Dogs?
Although testing is still being done, many studies so far have not shown any serious or harmful side effects for canines taking CBD: it’s considered generally safe to use! However, some pet owners have found it to cause dry mouth, lightheadedness, and sleepiness in pets. This can usually be corrected by adjusting the dosage according to your pet’s size and needs.
You should also understand that your dog won’t “get high” from CBD. The CBD dogs are given is typically sourced from hemp, which contains plenty of the desirable CBD compound while still having virtually no THC. THC is the marijuana component that is famous for its psychotropic properties. This is also toxic to dogs, so ensure that your dog’s CBD product only has a maximum of 0.3% THC and they should be fine.
How to Shop CBD Dogs Can Safely Eat
You need to be mindful of what could be going into your dog’s body when shopping for CBD. You can mitigate some of the risks by purchasing organic CBD, or even products that contain no pesticides, heavy metals, fungicides, or solvents. It’s always cleaner when the CBD extraction process uses carbon dioxide (CO2) instead of other harsh chemical solvents. Remember, higher-quality CBD dog products will be the ones that skip out on using strong ingredients and chemicals. To keep your pet safe, be willing to spend more instead of just opting for the cheapest product on the shelf.
It’s important that you only buy CBD products that list their Certificate of Analysis (COA). This specifies how the product is made so you can trust it by knowing exactly what’s in it. If you’re still worried about getting the right product for your dog, you may want to consider just buying CBD oil instead of CBD dog treats so you have more control over how much your puppy is getting in a dosage. If you want to use this as a long-term solution, it can end up being more cost-effective to use oil too.
How Does CBD Affect My Pet’s Arthritis?
Your pup experiences pain relief from CBD because it directly interacts with their brain’s nerve receptors. Not only does it help them feel more comfortable, but CBD’s anti-inflammatory characteristics can actually treat the cause of pain in certain cases.
How Does CBD Affect a Pet’s Anxiety?
The CBD dogs ingest are a great natural alternative to help them better relax and get through:
- Travel Jitters
- PTSD
- Separation Anxiety
- Fireworks
- Vacuums
- New People, Places, and Dogs
- Vet and Groomer Visits
Discuss its usage with your veterinarian if your pooch is currently on medication or if you’ve been considering it for them due to their stress levels.
Dog Lover’s Towel
Now that you know what CBD dogs use and the answer to “how does CBD affect a pet’s anxiety?”, you can start thinking about what other products your furry friend could benefit from. We suggest getting The Absorber® Dog Lover's Towel. Whether your pup was playing fetch, taking a bath, or walking through rain and mud—trust nothing less than the best to help them dry off and get cleaned up. This towel is super-absorbent, convenient, and easy to wring out and shake hair off of. You’ll love its machine-washer-friendliness, and your dog will adore its soft texture and quick drying time so you can go back to spending quality time together.

Supplies You Can Donate to Your Local Animal Shelter
List of Animal and Dog Shelter Supplies Needed Wherever You Go
Animal and dog shelters take on the generous responsibility of housing stray, lost, abandoned, and surrendered pets to help man’s best friend find their hew family. It’s a big one—which is why they need your help to see it through.
With all the different pets these establishments have and will continue to help over the years, donated animal shelter supplies and/or dog shelter supplies are always appreciated. Have a look around your home or make a small purchase if you have a little extra to spend, consider helping them out. It’s a good idea to call ahead and find out what they’re lacking in so you can assist them with their biggest priority first before you take in anything extra.
The Absorber Team has listed some dog shelter supplies that—no matter the place—are virtually always in demand.
Food, Bowls, and Treats
Depending on the size of your local shelter, they may have a hundred or more mouths to feed. Based on a dog’s size, they may need anywhere from a quarter to 2 cups of kibble per day. Dog food is one of the most obvious dog shelter supplies needed, but with certain breeds’ or individuals ‘special diet needs (e.g. wet or gluten-free food), it’s also one you can never go wrong with gifting in abundance anyways. Find out from your shelter if there are any particular brands or types they’re running low on.
You may even be able to donate peanut butter, canned tuna, hot dogs, fresh produce, or other options like CBD dog treats. CBD oil and treats have become really popular products for dogs; they’ve been hailed for their ability to help manage and relieve arthritis, anxiety, digestive issues, neurological and blood disorders, and even some tumors and cancers.
CBD for dogs is still relatively new, so more testing is being done, but people seem to like the results so far. Cannabidiol dog products should contain no more than 0.3% THC, so rest assured, the shelter animals will not be experiencing any psychoactive effects.
After calling to verify these dog shelter supplies are okay to bring in, make sure the donated food items are unopened and still fresh for animal health and safety reasons. Providing the pups a clean, sturdy bowl to eat out of certainly doesn’t hurt either, but see if your shelter only takes metal ones first.
Leashes and Harnesses
Just like any happy-go-lucky pup you’ve gotten to know, shelter dogs both want and require lots of exercise! Help them stay in shape and have fun by providing dog shelter supplies/equipment such as collars, leashes, and harnesses. As long as they are in good shape to use on shelter dogs, they will definitely come in handy during walks with potential families and exciting outdoor activities. This is especially true when considering all the different shapes and sizes dogs come in!
Toys
Dog shelter supplies like toys go by fast. Our canine companions love to rough around with them because they’re stimulating, comforting, and entertaining. Most animal shelters will want sturdy toys that will stand wear and tear because dinky or low-quality products can break apart and hazardously be ingested by the animals. Your safest bet is dropping off ropes, balls, and toys from dependable brands such as Kong. Don’t2 forget to disinfect any donated toys that were gently used beforehand!
Cleaning Supplies
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for the animals that are placed into shelters to be suffering from poor health, malnutrition, anxiety, and trauma—and these places don’t get pets’ medical records as often as they’d like either. Coupled with the fact that “accidents” happen regularly while these pooches are potty-training, it’s safe to say that cleaning supplies are also dog shelter supplies.
Equip a shelter with anything from paper towels, garbage bags, rubber gloves, spray bottles, storage bins, Ziploc bags, and disinfectants like vinegar or chlorine bleach. You’ll be a huge help in stopping the spread of germs and diseases amongst the animals.
Towels and Blankets
Other dog shelter supplies needed in a pound’s crates and cages are blankets, towels, newspaper, for comforting warmth in these animals’ safe space while awaiting their new homes. In particular, shelters love to receive towels because they can be used for bedding and cleaning purposes. They don’t have to be in perfect condition, but by providing these shelters a high-quality towel, they will gain a resource that can stand the test of time to help many pups get through their stay.
The Absorber® is made from a super-absorbent PVA material that will dry the shelter dogs after a bath, swim, or rainy walk in record time. Soft, convenient, and machine-washable: your shelter is going to notice the difference with our doggy towel!
Crates and Carriers
Animal rescue centers aim to minimize their costs without losing their quality of care, so your gifted animal shelter supplies/equipment make a difference! Crates and cages have some of the highest costs per unit, so if you have an old one that you can spare, it would easily serve as a long-lasting solution. Even during the transporting of pets, they don’t get as roughed up as much as toys do.
Find out whether your shelter takes plastic carriers or if they are only looking for metal ones. Check to make sure nothing is broken, falling off, or sticking out of your cage before turning it in so it’s not a choking or physical hazard to any dog!
Furniture
If you’re going to get information about any of the in-demand dog shelter supplies listed by CleanTools, make sure it’s this one. Some shelters furnish playrooms with armchairs, cots, cushions, and footrests to get the dogs and possible owners used to one another in a familiar home setting. They may even want your old generic folding chairs for outdoor or adoption events. If they will take your good-standing furniture piece, plan in advance how you will have it safely delivered or picked up.
Grooming Supplies
Not only does the grooming of shelter animals keep them clean, healthy, and happy: it also makes them look absolutely huggable when potential adopters come in for their visits! Some arrivals come from difficult situations, so they could have thick, long, and matted fur, unruly nails, and uncomfortable skin conditions that need to be washed up and treated. Donate hygienic supplies such as shampoos, combs, brushes, nail clippers, haircutting scissors, The Absorber®, and other related products for a rewarding giving experience.

5 Easy Ways to Care for Dogs with Sensitive Tummies
Does your furry mate have a sensitive tummy? The prevalent signs of a sensitive stomach in dogs include nausea, intermittent loose stools, and diarrhea now and then. You can also tell if your dog is sick, if they're not licking their lips, not eating or swallowing, and excessive wind passing. Besides, your canine might vomit or you notice blood in their stools.
Best Guard Dog Breeds for Families
Although certain breeds are known for their inherent traits, picking the right guard dog for your family has more to do with the specific dog you’re adopting and your household environment. Looking for these personality traits during the initial meeting will be the best way to tell if they have the making of a good family watchdog.
What to Consider When Buying a Dog Grooming Bath Tub
Are you tired of muddy paws and stinky dogs in between grooming sessions? Purchasing an at-home grooming bathtub for your home could be the solution you’re looking for. Keep reading for what to consider before purchasing.
Using Baby Shampoo on Dogs: Grooming and Safety Tips
Now that summer is here, playing with your dog outside, taking them swimming in lakes, and going on runs with them are frequented activities. And while there’s nothing better than watching your pup wag their tail and enjoy the pure summer bliss, they can get quite dirty from being outside all day. Taking your four-legged friend to the groomer for a professional cleaning can be costly, as most washing services range from $30 to $90 an appointment. Given the amount of outdoor time that your dog is likely having, you might find that your bill for the groomer skyrockets during the summer months. Instead of going to the pet store or an independent dog washer, there are easy ways to keep your dog clean at home.
How to Make Your Home Pet-Friendly
As members of your family, it’s important to consider your pet’s needs in your home. After all, they deserve a comfortable and safe home, too! Keep reading to see a few of our suggestions to make your home pet-friendly.
The Absorber Dog Towel to Support the Pandemic Pup Relief Tour
The Absorber® Dog Lover's Towel has announced its donation to the Pandemic Pup Relief Tour. Started by Brian Taylor from Harlem Doggie Spa, the Pandemic Pup Relief Tour is a 6-city road trip committed to assisting local rescues, shelters, and black-owned businesses by providing grooming and bathing services to dogs in need.The Pandemic Pup Relief Tour has a goal to service over 600 dogs across New York, Washington DC, Wilmington, Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles. Commitment has been received from 50 black groomers to volunteer their time as a contribution to the tour. In addition to the groomers, each city will have a dedicated team of volunteers.
