Frequently Asked Questions
Dogs can't always express their needs and we understand how hard that can be in terms of their care. We have compiled some of our most common questions that we are asked here to hopefully provide some guidance. If we have not explained things in a way you understand or you have more questions please reach out and we will put all of our knowledge towards providing a better understanding!
How often should my dog get their nails trimmed?
Usually we will recommend getting your dogs nails trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks. That time period can vary widely depending on a large number of factors such as age, activity level, and individual genetics. After a couple of visits we should be able to get an idea for the timeline for your dog specifically!
What does it mean to Dremel my dogs nails?
If your dog will be comfortable, we generally like to file their nails after we clip them using a tool called a dremel. This is not a necessary thing to do, especially if it makes your dog uncomfortable, but it can help keep their nails slightly shorter and less sharp. When you cut a dogs nails with clippers it will take length off of the dogs nails, but creates two edges that are much sharper. The dremel tool lets us file those edges down. This can be especially helpful with small dogs that are often on your lap, dogs that jump up with their feet on you, or dogs that have longer quicks that you are trying to get pushed back.
How do I know if my dog needs their glands expressed?
There are quite a few factors that effect your dogs anal glands so it can be difficult to tell if they need them expressed. The most common signs that your dog is being bothered by their anal glands is if they scoot their bum on the ground, if they're licking or smelling their own bum often, or if you can smell a fishy stink from the area. Generally, dogs will express their glands on their own when they poop. However, getting an upset stomach or diarrhea can cause a build up of glands because the stool is too soft to push the glands out. We understand it is a somewhat strange and complicated service, since it is not the easiest to discuss, so we are more than happy to answer any questions in person or through a message!
What is ear plucking?
Ear plucking is a service we provide where we remove excessive hair from a dogs ear canal. Dogs are covered in hair, but most dogs don't grow hair in the inner part of the ear. With the rising amount of poodle mixes this has become a more common need because "doodles" are much more likely to grow a large amount of hair inside their ears. Having too much hair in the ear canal can trap dirt, wax, other hair, and even become matted. This can be irritating to your dog and create an environment that is more prone to ear infections. Most shorter haired dogs will not need this done, but we are constantly surprised, so we are always happy to take a look in your dogs ears and let you know what we think!