Nails, Ears and Anal Glands Explained
✂️ Nail Trim vs. Nail Grinding
Both services care for your dog’s nails—but they’re a little different!
✂️ Nail Trim (Clipping)
This is done with nail clippers to shorten the length of the nail.
Benefits:
✔ Quick and efficient
✔ Great for routine maintenance
✔ Ideal for dogs who may not tolerate longer appointments
Things to know:
Nails may feel a bit sharp after clipping
Some dogs are more sensitive to the pressure of clippers
🪵 Nail Grinding (Dremel)
This uses a gentle grinding tool to file the nail down smoothly.
Benefits:
✔ Smooth, rounded edges (less scratching!)
✔ Can shorten nails a bit more gradually
✔ Great for finishing after a trim
Things to know:
Takes a little more time
Some dogs need time to get used to the sound/vibration
✨ Many groomers (including me!) use a combination of both for the best results.
👂 Ear Plucking: Groomer or Vet?
Ear plucking involves removing hair from inside the ear canal (common in breeds like Poodles and Doodles).
Important to know:
Not all dogs need ear plucking
Over-plucking can sometimes cause irritation
Groomer vs. Vet:
✔ Groomer: Routine, light maintenance when ears are healthy
✔ Vet: If ears are sensitive, inflamed, infected, or have a strong odor
💛 When in doubt, your dog’s comfort and ear health always come first.
🐶 Anal Glands: Groomer or Vet?
Anal glands are small sacs that can sometimes need to be expressed.
There are TWO methods:
✔ External Expression (Groomer)
Done gently from the outside
Suitable for routine maintenance in some dogs
✔ Internal Expression (Vet)
Performed internally by a veterinarian
More thorough and medical in nature
When should a vet handle it?
Frequent issues or recurring problems
Signs of discomfort (scooting, licking, swelling)
Infection or abnormal discharge
💛 If your dog regularly needs gland expression, it’s always a good idea to involve your vet to rule out underlying issues.
💛 A Gentle Reminder
Every dog is different—and their care should be too.
The goal is always:
✔ Comfort
✔ Safety
✔ Long-term health
When groomers and vets work together, your dog gets the very best care 🐾
