To clean your dog’s teeth, you’ll need a pet-specific toothbrush and pet toothpaste, plus a few treats on hand to reward your dog for their cooperation.

If it’s your first time, gently introduce the toothbrush and toothpaste, allowing them to sniff and taste and get used to the new sensation. Once you’re ready to start brushing, position the toothbrush where the teeth and gums meet, and brush in a circular motion. Begin at the front of their mouth and slowly work your way around their teeth, maintaining a 45-degree angle and concentrating on the base of the tooth and spaces between the teeth.

Keep the first few teeth brushing sessions short and gradually increase the duration as your dog gets used to it.

The frequency of bathing your dog depends on their breed, coat type and lifestyle – but generally, a bath every four to six weeks is a good rule of thumb. Breeds with oily coats or a more active lifestyle might need more regular washing, while indoor or short-coated dogs may require less. Avoid over-washing your dog, as it can strip natural oils, leading to dry skin or irritation. Be sure to ask your vet for a grooming routine tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

No – it’s not recommended to use human shampoo on dogs. Their skin pH is different, and many human shampoos can irritate or dry out their skin. Your vet will be able to recommend the best dog shampoo to maintain your pooch’s coat and skin health and avoid negative reactions.

Regular brushing keeps your dog’s coat shiny, healthy and free from loose hair and mats. Always brush right down to the skin – not just the surface – as hidden tangles often form close to the roots. Lift small sections of fur and brush from the skin outward to remove knots before they become uncomfortable mats. How often you brush depends on coat type, but most dogs benefit from brushing at least weekly, and more often during shedding seasons.

The best brush depends on your dog’s coat:

• Short coats (Beagles, Staffies, Chihuahuas) need a bristle brush once a week to remove loose hair and boost shine.
• Medium or long coats (Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, German Shepherds) should be brushed with a slicker brush every few days; the fine wire bristles detangle fur before mats form.
• Curly or wool coats (Poodles, Cavoodles, Groodles) need daily brushing using a mix of a slicker brush and a metal comb to prevent painful matting.

For all coat types, brushing from the roots outwards keeps the coat soft, healthy and tangle-free. A good diet, stress reduction and vet-approved shedding shampoos can also help you manage loose fur at home.

The best technique for cutting dogs’ nails is: 

1. Hold the paw: Gently but firmly push the paw pad to see the nail better. 
2. Find the quick: Look to see where the quick ends (the blood supply inside the nail) and aim to cut 5mm below it. Avoid trimming within 2-3mm of the quick as this will cause pain and bleeding.
3. Clip in the right direction: Cut the nail parallel to the walking surface and the paw pad.  
4. Don’t forget the dew claws: These are the small extra toes found higher up on your pooch’s legs (a bit like a thumb). Some dogs only have them on the front legs, and some have them on all four.  

Let the “quick” be your guide on how often you trim your dog’s nails. The quick is the blood vessel and nerve inside the nail that supplies nutrients and sensation to the nail. Ideally, there should be about 3–5 mm of nail beyond it. If the nail grows more than around 5mm past the quick, it’s time for a trim, but never cut right back to the quick, this will cause bleeding and pain.