Grooming Your Growing Dog

No matter the breed or coat length, grooming your puppy is a vital part of caring for their health and happiness. From nail trimming to bathing, regular grooming keeps your puppy comfortable, clean, and confident.

Here’s a handy guide to help you through the basics, including expert tips from ROYAL CANIN®️ and recommended products.

Bathing your puppy

How often you bathe your puppy depends on their coat type.

Close-cropped coats: Only bathe if dirty
Short-haired puppies: About twice a year
Long-haired puppies: Approximately every three months

If your pup enjoys swimming, always rinse their coat thoroughly afterwards. Residues from river or seawater can irritate the skin, so a careful rinse helps keep them comfortable.

How to bathe your puppy

Brush thoroughly to remove knots and mats before wetting
Use lukewarm water and a puppy-specific shampoo to protect their sensitive skin
Work shampoo into a lather, avoiding eyes and ears
Let the shampoo sit for a few minutes
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water, saving the head for last
After bathing, dry your puppy well indoors or outdoors if warm
Use a hairdryer only if your puppy is comfortable, keeping it on a low heat

Tip: For tar on the coat, avoid oil-based cleaners. Apply vegetable oil to dissolve tar, wait a few minutes, then bathe as usual.

Nail care for puppies

Puppies have two types of nails: dewclaws (found slightly higher up the leg) and regular toenails, and both continue to grow throughout their life. In most cases, toenails wear down naturally through walking and play, especially on harder surfaces.

However, if you start to hear your puppy’s nails clicking on the floor, it may be time for a trim.

While many young puppies may not need frequent nail clipping, it’s important to check regularly and keep them comfortable. If trimming is needed, always use proper pet nail clippers and be careful not to cut too close to the quick.

Top tip: Ask your vet to show you how to trim nails safely, it’s the best way to learn the technique with confidence.

Brushing and combing

Shedding varies by coat type and lifestyle: Outdoor dogs shed heavily in spring and autumn while indoor dogs shed year-round, with peak periods in spring and autumn. Here are a few tips on how to brush and comb your dog based on their hair length:

Oral care

Most dogs aren’t naturally keen on having their mouths touched, so it’s a smart idea to gently get your puppy used to this early on. Building positive associations now will make dental care much easier as they grow. Here are some tips to use when inspecting your pet’s mouth:

Healthy gums are pink; redness may signal inflammation
Brush teeth several times a week using dog-specific toothpaste and brush
Provide chewing bars 2-3 times weekly to reduce plaque and tartar

Ear cleaning

Dogs generally have either drop ears (which hang down) or prick ears (which stand upright). Puppies with drop ears may need more frequent checks, as their ear canals get less air circulation and can be more prone to build-up or irritation.

Clean ears with vet-recommended solutions:

Place 1-2 drops in ear canal
Massage gently for 30 seconds
Wipe outer ear with cotton wool

Eye care

Your puppy’s eyes should appear bright, clear, and moist, with healthy pale pink inner eyelids (mucosae). It’s perfectly normal to see some tear-staining, especially in breeds with longer facial hair.

To keep your puppy looking fresh and comfortable:

Gently clean away any discharge, dirt, or tear-stains using cotton wool and lukewarm water
Always be gentle around the eyes and avoid using harsh products

Start early, groom with confidence

Starting grooming routines while your puppy is young makes life easier for both of you as they grow. It helps your dog become comfortable with handling and reduces stress during grooming visits later on.

For a healthy, happy puppy, combine grooming with good nutrition – ROYAL CANIN®️’s tailored foods support skin and coat health from the inside out!