The Humane Groomer

  Tips From Your Dog's Groomer: How to Prepare Your Pup For Grooming Pet Stylist: Gabi Mickelson Photo by: Alyus Vasquez  A gentle, humane approach to grooming—starting with trust, preparation, and positive early experiences   Written by Jessie Vasquez  Professional Dog Groomer | Humane Grooming Advocate   While grooming is a recurring part of a dog’s upkeep, most dogs won’t sit still on a table like a show dog. It’s not unusual for dogs to shift and wiggle, or to investigate the humans handling them and the tools those humans are using. But for dogs who have not been desensitized to handling, particularly in sensitive areas like their feet, their ears, their tails, and around their muzzles, healthy curiosity can shift into fear and aggression, making the grooming process unsafe for both the dog and the groomer. Most professional groomers strive for a safe and compassionate connection with both the dogs in their care and the humans who care for them. There are...

Anal Gland Expression in Dogs: Pros, Cons, and When It’s Actually Needed Wait a Second… What Are Anal Glands? Dogs have two small scent glands located on either side of the rectum. These glands produce a strong-smelling fluid that normally empties naturally when a dog has a firm bowel movement. For many dogs, this process happens automatically and never causes problems. However, some dogs may develop issues such as impaction, inflammation, or infection if the glands do not empty properly. When this happens, a dog may experience discomfort and show symptoms that indicate their anal glands need attention. Anal gland expression is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of dog grooming and veterinary care. While it can provide relief for dogs with specific medical issues, routine expression without a clinical reason may actually create long-term problems. Below is a balanced look at when anal gland expression helps, and when it can do more harm than good. Pros of Anal Gla...