So, my pups began weaning 3 days ago and they are filthy lol! I have first viewings on Saturday and obviously want to make the pups look beautiful. a damp cloth just isnt cutting it, so do you think it would be ok to bath them?They are almost 3 weeks old
x

I used baby wipes that got most of the mess off?

Isn't mum cleaning them?  At three weeks I would be surprised if mine were mucky after a good clean off mum, she loved licking their food off them ;)

If they really are bad then I'd go with the Wet wipes too - they remove all sorts of sticky mess :)

I'm surprised that mum isn't cleaning them up after they've eaten, and isn't 3 weeks a bit too young to allow viewings? 5 weeks is more usual, when the puppies are more up on their feet and starting to show personality.

I have to say that they are far too young for anyone to see what they're choosing.  I always wait until personalities develop, so it's easier to match pups to owners.  I would never allow viewings before 5 weeks, as there is nothing to see, so why open up chances of people bringing in disease to precious pups, at a very vulnerable age.

I bath at 5 weeks before viewing, and won't bath again when they leave at 8 weeks, as I want them to smell of siblings and mum for a bit of comfort.

This is a huge litter for the breed, mum has struggled to feed them let alone clean them all aswell, although she does give them a lick. Wet wipes hasnt really got them very clean to be honest.

When my girl (years ago) didn't have any milk, or even look in the direction of her pups, I must admit I did bath them at 3 weeks, but made sure they were as dry as possible before putting them in a box with heat pad, so they stayed lovely and warm.  But I wouldn't normally bath them until 8 weeks, just before leaving to go to their new homes.

When you say they are filthy do you mean with food only??  

yes, filthy with food only.

If you sit with them while they are feeding a use warm face cloths and clean as they are eating I find you can keep them clean and I have white dogs.

also once its dried a little comb with a small baby comb gets any dried food off. If really messy I get a little bowl with warm water and soft cloth and just wash thier faces and usually front paws, then towel dry.
I also think 3 wks is too soon for visitors but I do usually begin after  4 wks.

Sleak2009

Dont you feel it's too early to show potential buyers? - As others suggested 5 weeks is probably a better age, if buyers really want your pups and are serious about their comittment to them, they will wait.

I would do as others have suggested and wipe their mouths/faces/paws with warm flannels after eating.  You will be surprised how much cleaner they stay.  Also pick up any poo's a.s.a.p as obviously this will stop them walking in it. 

Could you also hold off any viewing for at least another week?  It is slightly too early really.

Thank you all for the great advise. I think its the greasey film on the coat from the food that makes then look worse than anything. Perhaps theyre not as bad as I first thought lol

thanks again x