You'll need a toothbrush or a silicone finger toothbrush that's designed for dogs. The Arm & Hammer Fresh Breath Dental Kit for Dogs includes a toothbrush, a finger toothbrush, and pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste. (For feline friends, I like the Sentry Petrodex Dental Kit for Cats.)
Alternatively, you can grab pet-friendly toothpaste paired with an ADA-compliant soft-bristled pediatric toothbrush, for small dogs, or a soft-bristled flat-head adult toothbrush, for large dogs. “These toothbrushes tend to be made a lot better than pet ones because they're not as coarse and are more comfortable,” said Dr. Django Martel of the Animal Medical Center in New York City.
Brushing your pet's teeth is slightly different than brushing our own. You need to brush only the outside surface of their teeth (those facing their cheeks). For dogs, Lee recommends brushing in a downward direction (and for cats, a horizontal motion is preferred). Ideally, you'll brush their teeth every day. Realistically, shoot for as frequently as possible, such as a few times a week.
Nail trimming is an essential part of dog grooming, and trim nails are one clear sign of your dog's good health and hygiene. Professional groomers will perform the task for squeamish owners, but dog nail trimming is a simple procedure if done correctly.
Since nail trimming can be an anxiety-laden experience for many dogs, start handling your puppy's feet and trimming their nails when they're young, so they become accustomed to the process. Some dogs will sit in your lap or on a table while you clip their nails, while others may need some form of restraint.
Tip: You can make the process more fun for your dog by letting them lick peanut butter off a silicone wall mat while you handle the nails.
It's the nature of puppies to get dirty and need a puppy bath so make plans now to learn how to bathe a puppy. While some breeds need more bathing than others, excessive baths can strip natural oils from the coat and dry the skin. Unless they get quite grubby, have a close encounter with a skunk, or are dog show prospects that need frequent grooming, most puppies shouldn't need a bath more than one to four times a year.
Puppies shouldn't be bathed until they are at least four weeks old—six or eight weeks is better. The little guys have trouble regulating their body temperature at that age and can become chilled. Puppies who get sick with diarrhea may need a dunking, but the stress of a bath can make the illness worse. They could even end up with pneumonia.