Puppy grooming routine, month by month
Start early, keep it short, make it fun. A month-by-month grooming plan from 8 weeks to adulthood.
In this guide
The grooming habits you build in puppyhood last a lifetime. A puppy who learns that brushing, baths and nail trims mean treats and calm attention grows into an adult dog who's easy to care for, at home, at the groomer and at the vet.
8–12 weeks: get used to touch
Focus on handling, not actual grooming.
- Touch everything: paws, between toes, ears, mouth, tail, belly. One second at a time, with a treat each time.
- Introduce a soft brush. A few strokes along the back, then a treat.
- Spot clean with a damp cloth or a Waterless Dry Bath Spray. Check with your vet before using products on very young puppies.
- Show them the tools. Let them sniff the brush, clippers and towel.
3–4 months: first baths and nail trims
- First bath, if needed and your vet agrees. Use a gentle formula like Puppy & Kitten Shampoo, keep it short and warm. See our first bath guide.
- First nail trims. Snip just the tips of one or two nails, then stop. See trimming dog nails.
- Brushing two or three times a week, short sessions.
- Ear checks once a week: look and sniff. See cleaning your dog's ears.
4–6 months: building the routine
- Baths every three to four weeks, or as needed
- Nail trims every two to four weeks
- Brushing several times a week, longer sessions
- Start tooth brushing with a dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste)
- Puppy teeth fall out around now. Some gum soreness is normal.
6–12 months: towards an adult routine
- Coat changes: many breeds shed their puppy coat. Brush more often. Our brushing guide by coat type helps you pick the right tools.
- First professional groom, if your breed needs it. Visit the groomer once just for treats and a short handling session first.
- Paw care: check pads after walks and use a little Cracked Paw Repair Balm if they get dry.
- Tick checks after every walk, especially in the monsoon. See checking your dog for ticks.
Around 1 year: switch to adult products
Once your puppy's skin and coat have matured, many dogs move to an everyday shampoo like 5-in-1 Shampoo. Dogs with sensitive skin can stay on the gentle formula.
Golden rules
- Short and sweet. End before your puppy gets restless.
- Treats, always. Grooming should predict good things.
- Never force it. If your puppy panics, go back a step.
- Stay consistent. Little and often beats a big session once a month.
Questions pet parents ask
When should I start grooming my puppy? +
Start gentle handling and soft brushing from the day they come home. Baths and nail trims can start once your vet agrees, usually from around 3 months.
How often should I brush my puppy? +
A few minutes, a few times a week, is ideal. It's as much about training as cleaning.
When should a puppy switch to adult shampoo? +
Usually around a year old, once the adult coat has come in. Dogs with sensitive skin can stay on a gentle formula.
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This guide is general information for pet parents, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, injured or you're unsure, please talk to your vet.
