Puppies need regular grooming to keep them clean, healthy, and happy. Grooming can also be a great bonding experience for the puppy and owner. Puppy grooming supplies include shampoo and conditioner; brushes for your dog’sdog’s coat texture and length (long-haired dogs need pin brushes with stainless-steel or chrome-plated pins; short- or medium-coated pups need bristle brushes); combs; and clippers.
Bathing
Bathing is an essential part of grooming that many pet owners overlook. It helps to remove dirt, debris, oils, and mites from your dog’s skin, especially around their ears, eyes, and toenails. Plus, it’s an opportunity to inspect their skin for rashes or hot spots. If you’re uncomfortable giving your puppy a full bath, ask your vet or a professional pet groomer to do it. They’ll be able to ensure your puppy is clean, comfortable, and calm while they’re being washed. Before you start the bath, comb your puppy’s fur to work out any tangles. This will make the process much easier for both you and your puppy. When bathing your pup, a shampoo specifically designed for dogs is essential. This will help to protect their skin and coat from harsh chemicals. You’ll also want to stock up on dog shampoo, conditioner, and waterless dog shampoo (which requires no rinsing). You can find these products online at Chewy.com or any pet store. These shampoos typically contain mild ingredients that are gentle to their delicate skin and sensitive paws. They also have a particular scent to keep your dog smelling fresh and clean. It would be best if you rinse thoroughly to ensure all of the soap is removed. If your puppy is a hesitant bather, try introducing them to the process gradually, for example, by offering treats and positive reinforcement when they are near the tub or water. Eventually, they will become familiar with the scent and sounds associated with bathing and will be more relaxed during future sessions.
Brushing
Puppies love to be brushed, which is essential to grooming. It removes dead fur and skin, distributes natural oils, and encourages blood flow to keep the coat healthy. And it’s a great way to bond with your pup! It’s essential to start this practice early to get your puppy used to it. This will help reduce their stress when a groomer or other pet professional brushes or bathes them later in life. You can also groom them at home using the right supplies. For puppies with short fur, look for a smooth bristle surface brush to minimize matting. For puppies with long or curly hair, a brush with longer bristles may be needed to detangle and loosen up fur that would otherwise become knotted. A comb is also essential for getting rid of tangles and mats.
Nail Trimming
Trimming your puppy’s nails is an essential part of grooming. Nails that grow too long can snag on furniture or flooring, which causes your dog pain and possibly leads to infection in their paw pads. Getting your pup used to having their feet handled early on will make nail clipping much easier for you and them. Some dogs will happily sit on your lap or a table while you clip their nails, while others are more squirmy and need to be held to prevent them from escaping. If you have a squirmy puppy, try to tire them out before trimming their nails or ask for help from a friend or family member. Reward them for allowing you to trim their nails, even if only with verbal praise and treats, so they associate the nail-clipping process with something positive. When you cut your pup’s nails, clip them straight across and not too close to the quick. This will help prevent you from cutting into the live blood supply that runs through the nail (the pink portion is called the quick). You can apply styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding if you accidentally cut the quick. Some older dogs fear having their nails clipped because of a bad experience or the sound of the clippers. In these cases, a sedative can be an excellent option for helping your dog relax and calm down during the nail-clipping process.

Teeth Cleaning
It is essential to keep your puppy’s teeth clean. This can reduce plaque and bad breath and prevent gum disease or tooth decay. Most veterinary dentists recommend daily brushing, but it’s difficult for puppies. Getting your dog used to the idea early can help them tolerate it later. It’s best to do this when your pet is usually calm and relaxed, such as at bedtime or in the morning. Making it part of their daily routine is also a good idea, so they start to expect it and associate it with walks or treats. A small brush and some flavored veterinary toothpaste work well for most puppies. Begin by rubbing their mouth with your finger and then slowly progress to touching the inside and outside teeth with your fingers and, finally, a toothbrush. This can be done over a few days and should always be followed by praise and maybe a treat afterward. Dental wipes may work better for some dogs than oral sprays or gels, and many of them come in tasty flavors your pup will love, so this can be a good option. Another alternative is a crunchy chew such as dental jerky or rawhide that helps to reduce plaque and tartar.