06/25/2026
As a pet groomer, I’m a big believer in knowing my lane—and staying in it. While I love helping dogs look and feel their best, some things are best left to veterinary professionals for the safety and long-term health of the animal.
Here are a few procedures I won’t perform and why:
1. A**l gland expressions
Repeated manual expression can cause the glands to become dependent on external help rather than emptying naturally. This is something I always recommend owners have assessed and managed by a veterinarian.
2. Ear plucking
Plucking hair from the ear canal can create tiny micro-abrasions that leave the ears vulnerable to bacteria and recurrent infections. I prefer to trim excess hair safely when appropriate and leave deeper ear care to the vet.
3. Dangerously difficult or high-risk situations
This includes dogs that are “alligator rolling” (extreme fear or resistance during restraint) or severely pelted (matted fur that has formed a solid, tight layer against the skin). These cases carry high risk of injury to the dog and stress that can escalate quickly.
4. Embedded nails
When nails have overgrown so severely that they curve and pierce the paw pads, this requires proper veterinary evaluation and treatment to address pain, infection, and underlying issues.
5. Open wounds
Any active bleeding, raw skin, abscesses, or open injuries need medical attention first. Grooming around compromised skin can worsen the problem and delay healing.
At the end of the day, my job is to make dogs feel better, not risk their health. When in doubt, I always refer to the vet. Our pets deserve the right professional for the right job. 🐾
What are your thoughts? Have you ever encountered a situation where something needed to be referred to a vet during grooming?
