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Weekly Home-Care Routine

newpuppy.vet

A little every day now means a grown dog who lets you (and your vet) handle him.

How often	What to do
Every day	One-minute handling with treats: paws, lips, ears, belly, a gentle hold. Brush teeth, or at least lift the lips and touch the teeth while he's teething.
Every week	Look in and sniff both ears. Check the nails (clicking on the floor means trim). A quick brush. A hands-on check for lumps, ticks or sore spots.
Every week or two	Trim a little off each nail, or have your clinic or groomer do it.
As needed	A bath with dog shampoo when he's dirty, then dry the ears. Grooming visits for coats that keep growing.

Found something that isn't normal, like a smelly ear, a lump, a broken nail, a sore tooth or a spot he won't let you touch? Call your vet.

General education, not veterinary advice. Your vet's plan for your puppy comes first.

More printables

Before Puppy Comes HomeThe new puppy shopping list, plus the jobs to do before pickup day.
First Two Weeks RoutineThe first-week plan: the daily loop, potty times, bedtime and a 14-day health log.
Questions for Visit OneWhat to bring and what to ask at the first vet visit.
Puppy Rules for KidsTen fridge rules for kids, plus Be a Tree.
After the VisitWhat's normal and what's a call after shots, deworming, a microchip and surgery.
First Birthday ChecklistThe 12-month visit and the grown-up jobs, ticked off in one go.
First-Year Cost WorksheetThe Two-Bucket plan with blanks for your own local prices.