Nail Trimming and Ear Cleaning

Our pet’s nails will continue to grow over time. We trim the nails to stop the nails from becoming too long – as this can cause nail growth into the pad – which can be painful and cause infection. This is important even if our dogs walk on the sidewalk (which can wear down the nails to some extent), as the side nails (the dewclaws) are not worn down when walking.

How often should we cut our dog’s nails?

It is recommended to trim nails monthly, or at least every 2-3 months, to prevent excessive growth. We offer “pedicures” for any of our patients if owners prefer not to trim nails at home.

Why do we clean our dogs’ ears?

Many of our pets are prone to ear infections – whether it be from allergies, weather, or secondary to swimming or irritation in the ears. Regular ear cleaning with specifically formulated products can help minimize the occurrence or recurrence of infections in the ears and can remove any waxy debris that can irritate the ears.

How often should we clean a dogs’ ears?

For ears prone to infections, we recommend cleaning out the ears at least once a week, but ears can be cleaned as often as once daily.