Client Education

Dogs have two small scent glands located just inside the anus at approximately the 4 and 8 o’clock positions. These glands naturally produce a strong-smelling fluid that is normally released when your dog defecates. In healthy dogs, this happens automatically and you never notice them.

However, in many dogs, these glands do not empty properly — which can lead to discomfort, scooting, infections, or abscesses.

Your dog may benefit from anal gland expression if you notice:

• Scooting or dragging their rear on the floor
• Licking or chewing at their hind end
• A strong, fishy odor
• Straining to poop
• Sudden sitting or discomfort
• Swelling, redness, or tenderness near the anus

Common reasons glands may not empty properly include:

• Soft stools or chronic diarrhea
• Small breed anatomy
• Obesity
• Allergies
• Low fiber diets
• Previous infections or inflammation

Once a dog has had gland issues, they are more likely to continue needing routine maintenance.

If glands are not emptied when needed, they can become:

• Impacted (thickened material stuck inside)
• Infected
• Abscessed (painful, rupturing infections that require veterinary treatment)

Routine expression can prevent pain, medical emergencies, and costly vet visits.

At Lexi’s Loving Care, anal gland expression is performed gently, hygienically, and fear-free in the comfort of your home.

I use:

• Proper restraint techniques
• Clean, sanitary methods
• A calm, low-stress approach
• Careful monitoring for abnormal gland material

If signs of infection, blood, pus, or abnormal swelling are noted, I will always recommend prompt veterinary care.

This varies by dog:

• Some dogs never need them done
• Some need them every 1–3 months
• Dogs with chronic issues may need regular maintenance

I am happy to help you determine an appropriate schedule for your pet.

Anal gland expression is a veterinary nursing procedure, not a cosmetic grooming service. It should always be performed by a trained veterinary professional to prevent injury or infection.

Proper nail care is far more than cosmetic — it is an essential part of your pet’s comfort, mobility, and long-term joint health. Overgrown nails change the way your pet walks, placing abnormal stress on their joints, tendons, and spine. This can contribute to pain, arthritis, and long-term mobility issues.

Many pets silently suffer from nail discomfort long before owners realize there is a problem.

When nails are left to overgrow, they can cause:

• Pain while walking or standing
• Joint and posture changes
• Slipping on floors
• Broken or torn nails
• Nail bed infections
• Ingrown nails (especially dewclaws)
• Increased anxiety and reactivity due to discomfort

In severe cases, overgrown nails can actually curl into the paw pads, causing open wounds and infection.

Most pets benefit from nail trims every 3–6 weeks, depending on:

• Breed and size
• Activity level
• Surface they walk on
• Nail growth rate

Waiting too long allows the quick (blood supply) inside the nail to grow longer, making future trims more difficult and uncomfortable.

Routine trims help:

• Maintain healthy posture and gait
• Reduce arthritis progression
• Prevent painful nail injuries
• Keep your pet more confident on hard floors
• Improve overall comfort and behavior

At Lexi’s Loving Care, nail care is performed using low-stress handling, calming techniques, and professional veterinary nursing standards — all in the comfort of your home.

I carefully evaluate:

• Nail length and quick position
• Paw pad health
• Signs of arthritis or discomfort
• Nail strength and growth patterns

This allows me to tailor care to your pet’s specific needs.

The first few months of your pet’s life set the foundation for how they feel about handling and grooming for years to come. Gentle, positive nail care early on helps prevent fear, anxiety, and resistance later in life.

Many adult pets who “hate their nails done” are simply experiencing fear from negative or rushed early experiences.

Starting correctly can change everything.

Young pets grow nails quickly and often need trims every 2–3 weeks to prevent overgrowth and sensitivity.

Short, frequent trims also help keep the quick short — making nail care faster, safer, and more comfortable long-term.

Routine puppy/kitten nail trims help:

• Prevent painful overgrowth
• Build confidence with handling
• Reduce fear-based reactions later in life
• Create positive associations with care
• Protect developing joints and posture

Puppies and kittens receive:

• Calm, slow introductions to handling
• Gentle restraint techniques
• Breaks when needed
• Treat-based positive reinforcement
• A quiet, fear-free environment in their own home

Your pet learns that nail trims are safe, predictable, and even rewarding.

Consistent, positive nail care during puppyhood and kittenhood can mean:

✔ Easier vet visits
✔ Less anxiety
✔ Fewer injuries
✔ Better lifelong comfort

A small investment now creates a lifetime of calmer care.