Comfort & Safety Standards

Not every traditionally offered grooming service supports long-term coat health or emotional well-being in every dog. The standards below reflect a veterinary-informed, comfort-first approach to evaluating when certain procedures are appropriate. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, with the dog’s health, stress level, and medical guidance in mind.

Ear Plucking

(Performed only when specifically recommended by a veterinarian.)

• Routine ear hair plucking in healthy ears can cause microtrauma and inflammation to the ear canal.
• Veterinary dermatology research shows that unnecessary plucking may increase the risk of otitis (ear infections) by disrupting the natural barrier of the ear canal.
• The ear canal is skin and repeated hair removal by plucking can create irritation, swelling, and increased moisture retention.
• If a veterinarian diagnoses a condition that requires hair removal for medical treatment, their recommendation will be followed.

Dematting

(Matting is addressed by shaving; prolonged brushing is not performed.)

• Tight matting pulls directly on the skin, causing pain, restricted circulation, and risk of bruising or hematoma formation.
• Prolonged dematting sessions significantly elevate stress hormones and can lead to fear-based behavioral setbacks.
• Veterinary professionals widely recognize shaving as the safest and most humane solution for severe matting.
• If your pet has a double-coat there are risks to shaving, including the coat growing back with a different texture more prone to matting, growing back patchy or uneven, or even not growing back at all.

Anal Gland Expression

(Performed only under veterinary direction.)

• The majority of dogs express their anal glands naturally during normal bowel movements.
• Routine manual expression without medical indication may cause irritation, inflammation, or gland dysfunction over time.
• Veterinary professionals generally recommend gland expression only when there are clinical signs such as scooting, swelling, infection, or impaction.
• Chronic anal gland issues are often linked to diet, stool quality, allergies, or medical conditions that should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Teeth Brushing

(Offered only when part of an established at-home dental routine and medically appropriate.)

• Cosmetic brushing does not treat periodontal disease, which develops below the gumline and requires professional veterinary care.
• Dogs with untreated dental disease often have inflamed, sensitive gums. Occasional brushing in these cases can cause pain or bleeding.
• Teeth brushing is appropriate only when part of a consistent, ongoing at-home routine following veterinary evaluation.