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Puppy Essentials & Checklists

Puppy Grooming Kit: What You Actually Need

You don't need a groomer's cart. A good brush, a nail trimmer, gentle shampoo and a toothbrush cover most puppies. Start early and keep it short, and grooming becomes something your dog shrugs off for life.

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Close-up of a fluffy golden puppy Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush Works on most coats, and one click pops the fur off the pins. Check price on Amazon Puppy playing in the backyard Nail Clippers With Safety Guard The guard limits how much you take off, so you're less likely to hit the quick. Check price on Amazon Woman walking a small white terrier on a leash Quiet Nail Grinder Files nails smooth a little at a time, which is great for nervous dogs or dark nails. Check price on Amazon Puppy playing with a ball Styptic Powder Keep it next to the clippers. It stops bleeding fast if you trim too short. Check price on Amazon Wet dog walking out of a lake Tearless Puppy Shampoo Gentle on young skin. Use a dog shampoo, because human shampoo can dry out a dog's skin. Check price on Amazon Three golden puppies together Deshedding Tool For double-coated breeds. Pulls loose undercoat before it ends up on your couch. Check price on Amazon Small dog on a walk in the woods Grooming Wipes Quick cleanups for muddy paws and dirty faces between baths. Check price on Amazon Portrait of a bully breed dog Dog Toothbrush & Enzymatic Paste Dog-safe paste that tastes good to them. Never use human toothpaste, which can contain xylitol. Check price on Amazon

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Start early, keep it short

Handle your puppy's paws, ears and mouth for a few seconds every day, with a treat after each one. A puppy who's used to being touched grows into a dog who's easy to groom, bathe and examine at the vet.

Nails: a little, often

If you can hear nails clicking on the floor, they're probably too long. Many dogs need a trim every few weeks. Take off a tiny bit at a time and stop before the pink quick, which is harder to see in dark nails. If you do nick it, press on a pinch of styptic powder. If nails stress you or your dog out, your vet or groomer can trim them.

Brushing by coat type

Short coats do fine with a quick weekly brush. Long, curly and double coats need brushing several times a week to prevent mats, plus a deshedding tool in shedding season. Brush before baths, because water tightens tangles.

Baths: only when they need it

Most dogs only need a bath when they're dirty or smelly, often about once a month or less. Use lukewarm water and dog shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and dry well. Wipes handle the in-between messes.

Teeth and ears

Brushing your dog's teeth is one of the best things you can do for their health. Start with a finger and paste, then work up to a brush. Check ears weekly. A little wax is normal, but redness, odor, discharge or lots of head shaking is a reason to see your vet.

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