Grooming is important for your dog’s health and physical comfort. It’s also a great way for you to bond with your puppy. Puppies don’t generally enjoy having their paws, mouth, or ears handled, so it’s best to help them get used to the physicality of grooming at an early age, and with plenty of positive reinforcement. This helps with vet and groomer visits, too, so your puppy can remain calm when these professionals are handling them.
Dental care: As your ankles or arms can attest, puppy teeth are sharp. At around 16 weeks, your puppy will begin to lose their puppy teeth as the adult teeth grow in. You might see some bleeding from the gums or blood on their toys—this is normal. Even before their adult teeth have grown in, this is a perfect time to get them used to having their teeth brushed. There are products such as a powder you can add to your puppy’s food or water that keeps teeth clean systemically by interacting with saliva, but nothing works better than a toothbrush and toothpaste. There are many different types of toothbrushes for dogs, but at this age just getting them used to having something in their mouth is a positive first step. If their puppy teeth are loose, be extra gentle. You can ask your vet, a groomer, or trainer to show you how to effectively brush your puppy’s teeth.
Puppy pedicures: Get your puppy used to having their nails handled from an early age and you will avoid future frustration. File gently with a nail file or simply hold each nail between your thumb and forefinger to accustom your puppy to the sensation. Give your puppy treats as you hold their nails in your hand, to make this into a rewarding activity. A puppy who holds still for nail trimming is far less likely to get nicked by a clipper. If you haven’t done this before, ask your vet, a groomer, or a trainer to show you how, as dogs have a blood vessel that runs through the nail, and trimming their nails improperly can cause bleeding. A product we recommend is styptic powder for dogs. If you do nick that vessel, simply apply the powder to stop the bleeding and start the healing.
Ear care: Check your puppy’s ears frequently for dirt or signs of infection. While ear infections are common in all dogs, some breeds are more prone to them than others. Wipe out the outer ear canal regularly using a cotton ball and a mild ear cleanser. Take breaks to give your puppy a treat. If you have a puppy with a long, fleecy coat, fur will often grow down into the ear canal and will need to be plucked—let a groomer or your vet do this for you.
Bathing and brushing: Unless your puppy is really filthy, you don’t need to bathe them every week, as this will strip the natural oils from their skin and coat. However, you should get your puppy used to having their coat brushed at least once a week. For long-coated dogs, this will prevent tangles and matting. For short-coated dogs, it will reduce shedding. Make sure you purchase the right type of brush for your puppy’s coat. Most puppies really enjoy being brushed, so the act of gentle brushing is often reward enough. But if your puppy is squeamish, take plenty of breaks and be generous with the treats.
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