Dog Care Checklist: Daily, Weekly and Monthly Grooming and Maintenance Tips
Quick answer: A simple dog care routine covers a few minutes a day (feeding, fresh water, exercise, a quick brush and a check for anything unusual), a weekly check of ears, paws, teeth and skin, and monthly tasks such as nail trims, a bath for most dogs, and parasite prevention. Add a professional groom every 4 to 8 weeks and yearly vet checkups.
Daily Dog Care
- Fresh water and measured meals
- Walks and play suited to your dog’s age and breed
- A quick brush, especially for long or curly coats
- Teeth brushing, or at least 3 times a week (how to brush your dog’s teeth)
- A glance at eyes, coat and energy level
Weekly Dog Care
- Ears: check for redness, odor or discharge, and clean if needed
- Paws: inspect pads and between the toes (dog paw care)
- Skin and coat: feel for lumps, mats, fleas or ticks
- Eyes: wipe away discharge (keeping your dog’s eyes clean)
- Bedding and bowls: wash to keep bacteria and odors down
Monthly Dog Care
- Nail trim every 3 to 6 weeks (why it matters)
- Bath every 4 to 8 weeks for most dogs
- Flea, tick and heartworm prevention as your vet recommends (protecting against fleas and ticks)
- Weigh-in to catch weight gain early
Every 4 to 8 Weeks: Professional Grooming
A professional groom handles the haircut, de-shedding, mat removal, nail trim, ear cleaning and sanitary trim, and gives an expert a chance to spot problems early. See how often to groom by breed and coat and the benefits of professional grooming.
Every Year: Vet Care
- A wellness exam (twice a year for senior dogs)
- Vaccines as recommended (dog vaccination guide)
- A dental check
Dog Care Checklist at a Glance
| How often | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Daily | Food, water, exercise, quick brush, teeth |
| Weekly | Ears, paws, skin and coat check, eyes, wash bowls and bedding |
| Monthly | Nails, bath, parasite prevention, weigh-in |
| Every 4–8 weeks | Professional groom |
| Yearly | Vet exam, vaccines, dental check |
For step-by-step home grooming, see our dog grooming at home guide. New to dogs? Start with our new dog owner guide.
FAQs
What does basic dog maintenance include?
Daily food, water, exercise and brushing; weekly ear, paw and skin checks; monthly nail trims, baths and parasite prevention; regular professional grooms and yearly vet visits.
How often should I clean my dog’s ears?
Check them weekly and clean only when dirty, using a vet-approved cleaner.
How often does a dog need a professional groom?
Most dogs every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on coat type.
