Puppy Care Guide
Week 28 – Hygienic Grooming

Your puppy is now 28 weeks old — entering the stage where regular hygiene care becomes essential. At around seven months, grooming is more than just looking good — it’s about maintaining health, comfort, and trust during handling.
🧴 What Is Hygienic Grooming?
Hygienic grooming focuses on cleaning and trimming areas prone to moisture or dirt buildup — like ears, paws, paw pads, and the tail area. It can be done at home or at a professional salon.
💰 At salons, hygiene grooming usually costs about $45 to $110+ for a basic bath and brush, $50 to $130+ for a bath and tidy, and $80 to $200+ for a full groom, depending on region and service scope.
Visiting a groomer once or twice helps you observe safe techniques before confidently handling these tasks at home.
PetGo Shop | Grooming & Paw Care Essentials
Keep your dog clean, healthy, and comfortable from head to paw. These vet-approved essentials make at-home grooming easier, safer, and more enjoyable for both you and your pup.

Vetnique Oticbliss Ear Cleaner (8 oz)
Seller: Vetnique
Soothing aloe-infused ear cleaner that removes wax and odor while keeping ears fresh and calm — perfect for weekly use.
$26.99
View on Amazon >
Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Wax (2.1 oz)
Seller: Musher's Secret
All-season, all-natural wax that shields paws from heat, snow, and salt — loved by dog owners for outdoor adventures.
$24.90
View on Amazon >
gonicc Dog Nail Clippers & Trimmer
Seller: gonicc
Professional-grade stainless steel blades with a safety guard — ensures clean cuts and prevents over-trimming.
$13.95
View on Amazon >
oneisall Cordless Pet Grooming Clippers
Seller: oneisall
Quiet, low-vibration trimmer with double blades — perfect for trimming around paws, eyes, and ears with zero stress.
$32.99
View on Amazon >✨ Hygiene Grooming Checklist
🦻 Ears
A dog’s ears are delicate — avoid rubbing or inserting cotton swabs. Use soft gauze or pet-safe wipes to gently clean the outer ear area.
- Check ears weekly for odor, redness, or wax.
- Use a pet ear cleaner for maintenance.
- For hairy ears, trim visible hairs gently — or let groomers handle deeper areas.
- ⚠️ Floppy-eared breeds (like Spaniels or Retrievers) need extra attention to prevent infection.
🧡 Talk softly during cleaning — it builds comfort and trust.
🐾 Paw Pads
The paw pads are highly sensitive and collect debris easily. Trim hair between the pads to prevent moisture buildup and slipping.
- Keep pads dry and clean after walks.
- Apply natural paw balm (shea butter or coconut oil) if dry or cracked.
- Trim hair around “jelly pads” every few weeks to avoid fungal irritation.
🐕 Paw Claws (Nails)
Indoor dogs need regular nail trimming to prevent pain or posture issues.
- Trim only the transparent tip — avoid the quick.
- For dark nails, trim gradually and inspect carefully.
- Use pet nail clippers and keep styptic powder ready for bleeding.
- ⚠️ Overcutting causes pain — always trim calmly and confidently.
🦶 Foot Tops (Paw Tops)
For small indoor breeds, trim the fur on top of the paws to prevent slipping and matting. Follow fur growth direction and cut evenly.
✂️ Trim conservatively if unsure — avoid deep cuts that may injure or irritate.
🩹 Between the Toes
After walks, gently clean between the toes with a towel to remove dirt or small pebbles. Regular cleaning prevents cysts and irritation.
🐕🦺 Tail & Anal Area
Trimming hair near the anus prevents fecal buildup and discomfort. Avoid shaving too short — it may irritate the skin or anal glands.
- Use gentle clippers or scissors at a safe distance.
- Apply mild pet-safe soothing cream if redness occurs.
- Wipe gently with fragrance-free wet wipes and dry fully.
🐩 Additional Hygiene Care Notes
- Brush daily to remove dust, loose fur, and prevent tangles.
- Bathe every 2–3 weeks using mild, pH-balanced puppy shampoo.
- Always dry completely after baths, especially in ears and paw pads.
- Reward your puppy after each grooming session for positive association.
🐾 PetGo Professional Insight
Hygienic grooming supports comfort, confidence, and long-term health. It helps detect early issues like ticks, ear infections, or allergies before they worsen.
- Clean ears weekly.
- Trim paws and paw pads every 2–3 weeks.
- Check nails every 10–14 days.
- Clean anal area monthly or as needed.
🧠 Healthy grooming habits form the foundation of a calm, confident companion.
Continue with PetGo’s Puppy Care Guide
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