Anal glands are visually checked for a healthy appearance only by your dog groomer. If a para-anal sac problem is suspected, your pet should be seen by a veterinary surgeon for confirmation of the diagnosis and advice regarding any necessary treatment. Non-medical personnel, like dog groomers, are not qualified to perform internal expression of the para-anal sacs per rectum. This is so that only registered veterinary nurses or veterinary surgeons may perform it, as it equates to the practice of veterinary surgery. Or as student veterinary nurses employed by veterinary surgeons and under their supervision.
Skilled laypeople like dog groomers or owners may express the para-anal sacs externally. However, a veterinary surgeon should have shown them how to do it, explained why it’s necessary, and how often to empty the anal glands. A veterinary surgeon should examine the animal if an anal gland issue is suspected to confirm the diagnosis and provide guidance on any necessary.

Ear Health and Ear Plucking. Excess hair found around the opening or auricular part of the ear canal will be cleared as part of our hygiene service.

Removing small amounts of hair or debris from a non-infected ear can be undertaken by a layperson, as this would not usually be considered an act of veterinary surgery; however, if there is an ear infection or the possibility of a ruptured ear drum, a veterinary surgeon should deal with cleaning or plucking. As a non-medical layperson, a dog groomer cannot determine whether or not a dog has an ear infection; therefore, it is the responsibility of a veterinarian.

Hair and ear wax or plugs inside the ear canal should be removed under your Veterinarian’s supervision. Ear hair removal from deep inside the ear may cause or exacerbate ear infections; as such, it is your vet’s responsibility. Your vet should inspect the ear canal after removing hair and wax plugs to assess if irritation or damage may impact ear health.

It is your responsibility, not that of your dog groomer, to seek out the expertise of your veterinarian to examine the internal vertical and horizontal ear canals, anal areas, and anal glands to ensure proper function and health.

Please be aware that dogs brought into the salon over three appointments (giant breeds over two appointments) and show signs of not receiving adequate or reasonable care and attention, such as not being brushed to prevent a matted coat, will no longer be accepted. This would go against our ethical standards as individuals and as professionals, which require pet owners to take reasonable measures to ensure the welfare of their animals.