Nails, Ears & Anal Glands: The Little Things That Matter

Not every important part of grooming is about fluffy haircuts or perfect round faces. Some of the smallest, least glamorous services—nails, ears, and anal glands—often have the biggest impact on a dog’s comfort and overall health.

These are also the areas that tend to raise the most questions from pet parents. Should nails be clipped or grinded? Does every dog need ear hair removed? And what even are anal glands, and why are they suddenly part of grooming conversations?

The truth is, there isn’t one universal answer. Good grooming is never about running through a checklist. It’s about looking at the individual dog in front of us and deciding what is actually helpful, necessary, and comfortable for them.

Nails: Clipping vs. Grinding

Nail care is one of those services where the goal is the same, but the experience can feel very different depending on the method.

Clipping the nails is quick and efficient. For many dogs, especially those who are sensitive, wiggly, or stressed by longer handling, a fast trim can be the least overwhelming option. It gets the job done and keeps the appointment moving in a calm direction.

The tradeoff is that clipped nails can sometimes feel a bit sharp afterward, and some dogs are sensitive to the pressure of the clip itself, even when everything is done safely and correctly.

Grinding, on the other hand, slowly files the nail down using a rotary tool. This method allows for a smoother, more rounded finish, which many pet parents appreciate because it’s gentler on floors, furniture, and skin during playtime. It can also allow for a more gradual shortening of the nail.

However, it does take more time, and not every dog is immediately comfortable with the sound or vibration. Some dogs need a slow introduction before they can relax with it.

Neither option is universally better. I often choose based on the dog in front of me—some do best with a quick clip, some prefer grinding once they’re comfortable, and many do well with a combination of both. The real goal is always the same: healthy nails without pushing the dog past their comfort level.

Ears: Hair, Cleaning, and Knowing When to Stop

Ear care is another area where there is a lot of confusion.

Some breeds, especially Poodles, Doodles, and other continuously growing coated dogs, may develop hair inside the ear canal. In certain cases, gently removing some of that hair can help with airflow and maintenance. In other cases, it may not be necessary at all.

This is where individual assessment really matters. Not every dog with ear hair needs it removed.

Healthy ears are typically clean, comfortable, and not sensitive to touch. But if an ear looks red, swollen, has a strong odor, shows discharge, or the dog reacts strongly when it’s touched, that is no longer a grooming decision. That’s a veterinary concern.

One of the most important parts of a groomer’s job is recognizing when to stop and refer out. We can notice changes, flag concerns, and communicate with owners, but we cannot diagnose or treat infections. The kindest thing we can do in those situations is protect the dog from discomfort and recommend veterinary care.

Anal Glands: The Uncomfortable Topic That Matters

Anal glands are probably the least glamorous part of dog care, but they do come up in grooming conversations more often than people expect.

Dogs have two small scent sacs located near the rectum. In many dogs, these empty naturally during bowel movements without any issue at all.

Some dogs, however, have difficulty with this process. When that happens, you might notice scooting, licking, discomfort when sitting, or a noticeable odor that seems out of proportion to anything else going on.

In some grooming settings, external expression of the anal glands is offered. This involves gentle external pressure to help release them when appropriate. But this is not something every dog needs, and it should never be treated as a routine service across the board.

If a dog does not have symptoms, there is no benefit to performing it just because it’s available.

When problems are frequent, painful, or persistent, that’s when a veterinarian should be involved. Repeated issues can point to underlying concerns that need proper medical evaluation rather than ongoing external expression.

As groomers, our role is to notice what’s happening and support comfort where appropriate, but also to recognize when a dog needs a deeper medical look.

Why This All Matters

Nails, ears, and anal glands might not be the most exciting parts of grooming, but they are often the ones that affect a dog’s comfort the most day to day.

What works beautifully for one dog might be completely wrong for another. One dog may thrive with nail grinding, while another finds it overwhelming. One dog may need light ear maintenance, while another should be left completely alone. One dog may never have anal gland issues, while another may need veterinary support to stay comfortable.

That’s why good grooming is never about doing everything available on the menu. It’s about understanding the dog, responding to what they actually need, and choosing the gentlest effective option every time.

Groomers and veterinarians both play important roles in that care. When we work together—and when decisions are made based on the dog’s comfort rather than routine alone—dogs get the safest and most thoughtful care possible.

And at the end of the day, that’s what grooming should always come back to: not doing the most, but doing what is kind, appropriate, and right for the dog in front of us.