Knowing how to take care of your dog is important. To help you, we’ve put together lots of information on everything from grooming and paw care to tips on looking after your dog's teeth.
Grooming your dog or puppy
It's a good idea to get into a daily grooming routine – it’s a great way to form a bond with your dog, as well as looking after their coat.
Daily brushing removes dead hair, dirt and any parasites your dog has collected out on a walk. Choose a brush that’s designed for dogs like yours – one that suits their size and their fur.
Grooming is also a good chance to check your dog’s claws, eyes, ears and teeth.
Claw trimming
If your dog often walks on hard surfaces like pavements, their claws won’t usually get too long. If not, they'll need regular trimming to make walking comfortable. Ask your vet or a professional dog groomer to show you how to do this.
Eyes and ears
Your dog's eyes and ears should always be clean. You can gently clean the area around their eyes with moist cotton wool. Do the same for the ears, but be careful not to poke inside; it’s sensitive in there.
Teeth and gums
Taking care of your dog's teeth and gums can be tricky - you can find out how to brush your dog's teeth in our dental care section. And from about six months, you can help prevent teeth and gum problems with Pedigree Daily DentaStix, which are clinically proven to reduce tartar build-up by up to 80%.
Fur trimming
Dogs with wire-haired coats, like terriers and Poodles, need to be clipped every six to eight weeks. Dogs with silky coats, such as Cocker Spaniels, should be trimmed every three months. Each breed is different, though, so ask your breeder, vet or a professional dog groomer if you’re not sure.
