How to Groom a Dog's Rear End
Need regular grooming services?
Introduction
Trimming your dog’s rear end may not be the most fun you will have with your dog, but it’s an important task of grooming your pup. If his fur is long and becomes matted, he could also be tracking feces in and out of your house in this nest of fur. If this sounds like your dog, you may be familiar with the smell that accompanies a dirty and matted rear end. If your pup comes with his own amazing fluffy tail, consider shaving the bottom part of this as well so he doesn't begin to track from his bottom to his tail.
Dog's Perspective
This part of your dog’s body is quite sensitive. He may be a bit worried if you are back there with the buzzing sound and vibration of clippers. Also, if you are behind your dog, he may be apprehensive at letting you touch him from behind. If he’s feeling nervous, a partner may be able to help you the first few times by petting your dog’s ears and face while giving him lots of loving praise.
The Clippers Method
The Scissors Method
Caution & Considerations
- Be careful of the sensitive skin around your dog’s anus.
- Scissors and clipper methods can be mixed as you see fit to get the best results using both tools.
- If your dog is afraid of the sound of clippers, let him sniff them while the are on and buzzing. To do this, hold the blade down away from his nose. You can also place the clippers against his skin so he can feel the vibration and hear the sound.
- To keep the rear end clean, maintain this area with every grooming.
- If your dog has knots and matting, you may need to comb the area first and cut out any mats before grooming.
- Trimming with scissors or with clippers and working from the center of the area outward helps to protect your dog’s sensitive skin.
- Be sure your dog stays still while grooming his rear end to keep his skin protected.
Conclusion
Success Stories and Grooming Questions
Grooming Questions & Answers
Ruby
My dog Ruby has a furry rear end that leads to debris and other unwanted accumulation materializing in this region. She regularly gets on the couch/bed and would like to allow her to continue this with a clear conscience. What is recommended from a grooming perspective and how frequently would you suggest the method to make sure that this is no longer an issue?
0 Dog owners recommended
Hi Tyler, It sounds like Ruby needs a sanitary trim, sometimes called a hygiene cut. Its a shave just under the tail and in between the legs, sometimes taken up to the rib cage on especially furry or messy dogs. Each dog is unique with regards to grooming frequency, but once a month is probably a good place to start. Good Luck! Paige
The groomer shaved backside genital area and the tummy is shaved exposing the skin
Her back legs have been trimmed really short and she has a show next week will off grown back
0 Dog owners recommended
Hello and thank you for the question about Fendi. Short feathers will not grow very much in a week to my knowledge, although the look may soften a bit. I would find a groomer who specializes in grooming dogs for shows and work with them from now on. When you are at the show, ask other Border Collie owners who they use as a groomer. Good luck with Fendi!
Hi, I am hoping to try to show Nieva in time and intend to keep her in full coat. I have researched this extensively but cannot find an answer to my question. That is, my other Lhasa’s needed hygiene trims as puppies on their bottoms. Can show dogs have hygiene trims or is it best to manage the rear end until the coat has grown down and is more manageable? Many thanks in advance for this help!
0 Dog owners recommended
Thank you for the question; I am not aware of the specific regulations for showing canines. I would suggest contacting the kennel club that you plan on showing with to speak with or be connected to someone who typically judges in your area. They may be most aware of the regulations. Alternatively, maybe contact the American Kennel Club. https://www.apps.akc.org/apps/contact/index.cfm. Check the link and look under "Sports & Events" or "Clubs & Delegates". Good luck and have fun!
my dog was groomed on Monday, Monday she was fine then yesterday she started licking her bottom and scooting on floor. I liked at her anus and it is a little red, can't tell if it is from licking or groomer clicked her too close. he said to put Neosporin on it. is that okay? how long will this issue last. thank you
0 Dog owners recommended
Hello and thank you for the question as well as the cute picture of Izzy. I am not a vet, so cannot say if Neosporin is okay to use, but from what I have read on sites that are verified by a vet it should be okay (if you use a small amount and make sure Izzy does not lick it). Why don't you give your vet a quick call and ask? If the problem is from a nick, I would expect it to be sore for a couple of days. All the best to you and Izzy!
My dogs butt is matted to her skin. I've removed Matt's from behind her ears but not from her rear. We also don't have clippers and can't take her to the groomers because of her size. Is there a way to remove this large Matt with only scissors?
0 Dog owners recommended
Hello, I think if Daisy will sit still you should be able to use scissors. Try buying a detangling spray at the pet supply store and see if you can work at the mats a bit. Of course, if the skin is tender, you may not be able to detangle to a great extent. But be extra careful to not nick the skin. Keep the scissors parallel to the skin and not pointed at the skin. As for not taking her to the groomers due to her size, I think a groomer would be willing to help you out if you call and discuss the issue with them. They are there to help and to make Daisy as comfortable as possible. You can also consult the vet to see if they can give you a hand. Once the mats are taken care of, try and brush her regularly, using the detangler to keep mats at bay. These guides may give you a few tips: https://wagwalking.com/grooming/groom-a-dog-with-matted-hair and https://wagwalking.com/grooming/groom-a-dog-with-knots. All the best to Daisy!
