Grooming Guide: Ear Care and Anal Gland Expression
Should You Take Your Dog to the Groomer for Ear Plucking and Anal Expression?
As a professional pet grooming salon, we often get asked about the necessity and safety of certain grooming practices, particularly ear plucking and anal gland expression. These procedures can be crucial for some dogs' health and comfort, but they also come with their own set of considerations. We want to share some of the reasons why you might want to take your dog to a professional groomer for these grooming tasks and when it might be best to avoid them.
Healthy, unmatted ear
The Details in the Ears
Dogs with hairy ear canals, such as Poodles and Shih Tzus, are prone to ear infections due to trapped moisture and wax. Any breed with droopy ears, like Beagles and Golden Retrievers, can have extra moisture trapped under their ear flaps. Ear infections present differently for every dog. Some may shake or tilt their heads, while others may be totally unbothered! Redness in and around the ear canal, pungent smell, and thick discharge can all be symptoms of an ear infection. These symptoms may start out subtly, so it's important to do regular checks and know what's normal for your dog.
Why We Don’t Pluck
We get the question a lot: “Should I pluck my dog’s ears?” In short, there are two answers. Here’s how it works…
Your dog may need its ears plucked because it has excessive hair in its ears, which blocks airflow and traps moisture. Some dogs who have chronic ear issues benefit from routine plucking to keep the ear clear and make at-home maintenance easier, which lessens the risk of infection.
When plucking, you can create microabrasions, which open up the delicate ear to infections and bacteria. Like nose hairs, ear hair serves as a tool to help protect the ear canal. Some dogs have worsened ear issues with routine plucking, as the delicate ecosystem of a dog's ear is disturbed. This is also a procedure that can be very uncomfortable for your pet! Often, shaving the surface hair can be a sufficient alternative.
Unshaven ear
Shaven ear
Ear plucking can be uncomfortable or even painful for some dogs. If not done correctly, it can cause irritation or trauma to the ear canal. Some may argue against routine ear plucking, suggesting it may lead to more ear problems in certain dogs by causing inflammation and irritation. They can also provide a comprehensive ear cleaning during the plucking process, ensuring any debris or wax is removed. This thorough approach can prevent ear issues before they start. We recommend you consult your vet and groomer to determine what’s best for your dog.
Anal Gland Expression: When You Should Consider Professional Help
What are anal glands exactly? The anal glands are a pair of small sacs that sit just inside the dog’s anus. Healthy anal glands in dogs empty naturally when they poop.
Manual anal gland expression involves applying pressure to the glands located near the dog's anus to expel a fluid that can build up and cause discomfort or even infection. This is a delicate procedure that, if done incorrectly, can lead to injury or infection. The fluid expressed from the anal glands has a potent, unpleasant odor. This can be a regular need for some dogs while being wholly unnecessary for other dogs. It can also be very stressful for dogs who are anxious. Typically, dogs will do this on their own, so unless there is an issue, there is no need to express your dog’s anal glands. Due to their size, smaller dogs are generally more likely to have issues expressing this gland than larger breeds. If not expressed naturally, the anal gland can become full and cause your dog discomfort. You may notice redness, scooting, licking, and/or a foul odor - all signs your dog may be blocked and attempting to relieve the pressure. A large build-up of fluid can sometimes lead to a ruptured anal gland.
FACT: Our grooming salon does not offer anal gland expression.
Here’s a short video explaining more about anal gland expression from Planned Pethood International.
Internal gland expression is what a veterinarian does for dogs. This is a very thorough cleaning and must be done under vet supervision. Groomers are NOT allowed to do internal expressions. That is considered operating without a license. External is the only way professional grooming salons are allowed to do the expression, but if there are chronic issues, this should be addressed by a vet. Continuous manual stimulating of the glands may result in more issues down the road, like the dog not being able to do this themselves.
Pay attention to smelly odor - it’s a sign of anal gland trouble!
If you feel that your dog is in need of anal gland expression, you can look for some of the signs:
Enlarged butthole
Swollen sack under the rectum
Scooting
Excessive licking
Redness
Foul odor
Oozing/scabbing next to or below the butthole
It’s important to be aware of how they’re acting and look for signs that they may be having trouble with their anal glands.
Veterinarians are trained to perform an anal gland expression safely and effectively, reducing the risk of complications. They have the tools and environment to handle this task hygienically, ensuring your home remains clean and odor-free. During this service, a vet can best monitor the health of your dog's anal glands. Early detection of issues such as impaction or infection can prevent more serious health problems down the line.
Balancing Professional Care and At-Home Maintenance
Certain breeds are more prone to anal gland issues and ear problems. If you have a breed known for these issues, professional care for these grooming tasks is recommended. If your dog has a history of ear infections or anal gland problems, regular check-ups can help manage these conditions more effectively.
Doing What’s Best For Your Dog Inside and Out
Talk to your groomer and vet to formulate a plan that best suits your dog! Deciding whether to take your dog to a vet for anal expression and ear plucking depends on several factors, including your dog’s breed, health history, and temperament. While vets offer expertise, safety, and convenience, there are valid reasons some pet owners might choose to handle these tasks themselves, particularly under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Ultimately, the health and well-being of your dog are most important to us. Regular consultations with your veterinarian, combined with professional grooming, can help ensure that your dog remains comfortable, healthy, and happy.