Large Puppy Grooming: Best Tools & Tips for Healthy Puppies

Grooming isn’t just about keeping your puppy clean—it’s a chance to check on their health and have some fun together! Peek at those ears, eyes, and paws to make sure everything looks happy and healthy, and use the time to get your puppy comfortable with being handled. Talk to them in a soothing voice, shower them with pets, and reward calm behavior with treats—soon enough, your pup will look forward to these special moments, making vet visits and future grooming a breeze!

Puppy Grooming Essentials

• Brush and Hair Remover
• Shampoo brush
• Puppy-safe shampoo and conditioner
• Nail clippers or nail scissors
• Ear wipes or gentle ear cleaner
• Toothbrush and dog toothpaste

Puppy Grooming Checklist

• Check ears, eyes, and paws: Weekly
• Brushing: 3–5 times per week
• Bathing: Every 3–4 weeks
• Nail trimming: Every 3–4 weeks
• Ear cleaning: Weekly
• Dental care: 2–3 times per week

Follow this simple routine, and your puppy’s coat, skin, teeth, and nails will stay happy and healthy—plus, you’ll enjoy extra cuddles, bonding time, and plenty of puppy smiles along the way! To make grooming easier, we’ve handpicked the best products for your furry friend, complete with Amazon links and tips on exactly how to use each one to keep your pup looking and feeling their absolute best.

1. Brush and Hair Remover

Brushing your puppy regularly helps remove loose fur, prevent mats, and keep their coat healthy and shiny. The top-rated Hertzko Dog Slicker Brush and Hair Remover gently removes fur while stimulating the skin for a soft, tangle-free coat.

Safety Tips:

• Use gentle pressure to avoid scratching skin
• Brush in the direction of hair growth
• Focus on small sections at a time

Recommended Frequency: Brush 3–5 times per week

2. Shampoo Brush

The best place to bath your puppy is somewhere safe and cozy, like a bathtub with a non-slip mat or a shallow sink where they can stand comfortably. Using a shampoo brush during baths helps spread the shampoo evenly and gives your puppy’s coat and skin a gentle, thorough clean. The Bodhi Dog Shampoo Brush makes bath time more fun and relaxing by providing a soothing massage that your puppy will enjoy.

Safety Tips:

• Use with lukewarm water
• Massage gently
• Avoid shampoo in eyes, ears, and nose

Recommended Frequency: Bath once every 3–4 weeks

3. Puppy Shampoo and ConditioneR

Shampooing your puppy helps remove dirt, oils, and allergens from their coat and skin, keeping them clean, healthy, and comfortable. Burt’s Bees for Pets Tear-Free Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner cleanses and moisturizes sensitive skin without harsh chemicals or stinging eyes.

Safety Tips:

• Rinse completely to remove all shampoo and prevent skin irritation.
• Perform a patch test on a small area first to ensure your puppy doesn’t react.
• Keep shampoo away from eyes, ears, and nose to avoid discomfort.

Recommended Frequency: Use during baths every 3–4 weeks

Tip: After a bath, keep things calm and cozy. Wrap your puppy in a soft towel and gently pat dry—skip rough rubbing. Make sure the room is warm and draft-free. If using a blow dryer, only do so if your puppy is comfortable: use the lowest heat and speed, keep it moving, and never aim directly at the face or ears. Dry paws, belly, and ears well to prevent irritation, then finish with praise or a treat so bath time ends on a positive note.

4. Small Dog Nail Clippers OR Scissors

Maintaining healthy nails is essential for your puppy’s comfort and overall well-being. Overgrown nails can cause pain, alter their gait, and even lead to joint or posture problems over time.

The gonicc Professional Small Dog Nail Clippers make trimming nails safe and precise, reducing the risk of splitting or injury. Clipping your puppy’s nails keeps them comfortable while walking and helps maintain proper posture and joint health.

Safety Tips:

• Only trim the tip of the nail, avoiding the pink quick to prevent bleeding.
• Keep styptic powder nearby in case of accidental cuts.
• Trim nails slowly and steadily, rewarding your puppy between paws.

Recommended Frequency: Nail trimming every 3–4 weeks

If you prefer scissors over clippers, the gonicc Pet Nail Trimmer Scissors provide precision for thicker or stronger nails, ensuring they stay at a healthy length without causing pain.

Safety Tips:

• Hold the paw firmly but gently to keep your puppy calm and prevent sudden movements.
• Cut small amounts at a time to avoid hitting the quick, which can cause pain or bleeding.
• Trim in well-lit areas so you can clearly see the nails and ensure precise, safe cuts.

Recommended Frequency: Nail trimming every 3–4 weeks

6. Ear Cleaner Wipes

Healthy ears prevent infections and discomfort. Regular ear cleaning removes dirt, wax, and bacteria, which can cause painful infections, itching, and unpleasant odors. Proper ear care also supports overall hearing health and balance, helping your puppy stay active, confident, and comfortable. Pet MD Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes gently remove dirt, wax, and debris to keep ears clean and infection-free.

Safety Tips:

• Wipe outer ear only
• Use gentle motions
• Stop if redness, swelling, or odor occurs

Recommended Frequency: Check and wipe once a week

7. Arm & Hammer for Pets Tartar Control

Healthy teeth and gums prevent painful infections, tooth loss, and bad breath, which can affect your puppy’s appetite and overall comfort. Maintaining oral hygiene also supports heart, kidney, and liver health, as bacteria from untreated dental issues can enter the bloodstream and impact vital organs. The Arm & Hammer Tartar Control Kit includes toothpaste, toothbrush, and finger brush for easy cleaning.

Safety Tips & How to Hold Mouth:

• Use pet toothpaste only
• Start slowly, let puppy get used to brush
• Brush gently in circular motions
• Sit puppy on lap, lift upper lip gently, support jaw lightly, and brush few teeth at a time
• Reward puppy after each session

Recommended Frequency: Brush 2–3 times per week

Grooming is more than just keeping your puppy clean—it’s an essential part of their overall health and well-being. Regular brushing, bathing, nail care, ear cleaning, and dental maintenance help prevent infections, keep skin and coat healthy, and allow you to spot potential health issues early. Just as important as nutrition, consistent grooming ensures your puppy not only looks and feels their best but also grows strong and confident. To complement your grooming routine, check out our guide to Best Nutrition for Large-Breed Puppies to make sure your pup gets all the essential nutrients they need for a healthy, active life.

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