The Details That Matter: Keeping Ears & Nails Healthy Between Grooms

Ears and nails don't get the spotlight that a shiny coat does but neglecting either can lead to real pain and health problems. Both are easy to overlook between grooming appointments, yet both are simple to check and maintain with just a few minutes of attention. See our Care Guide on why grooming is essential for how this fits into the bigger picture.

Why ear and nail care matters more than you think

Overgrown nails can cause pain, posture changes, and splayed feet over time, while neglected ears can lead to painful, chronic infections that are much harder to treat once established. Regular checks catch problems while they're still minor and easy to treat, and since nails that touch the ground while standing change how a dog walks, staying on top of trims helps prevent joint strain down the road. Chronic ear infections and nail problems can even affect a dog's gait, mood, and willingness to be handled, well beyond the ear or paw itself.

Ear care basics

• Check ears weekly for odor, redness, or discharge — early signs of infection that are far easier to address before they progress.
  
  
• Floppy-eared breeds are especially prone to ear infections due to reduced airflow, which traps moisture and creates a favorable environment for bacteria and yeast.
  
  
• Clean only the visible outer ear with a vet-approved solution, applied on a cotton ball or soft cloth — never insert a cotton swab into the ear canal, where it can push debris further in or cause injury.
  
  
• Dogs who swim or get bathed frequently may need more regular ear checks, since trapped moisture is one of the biggest contributors to ear irritation.

Nail care basics

• Nails should be trimmed roughly every 3–4 weeks, or whenever they touch the ground while your dog is standing — the exact interval depends on activity level and surface.
  
  
• Trim small amounts at a time to avoid the quick — the nail's blood vessel — and keep styptic powder on hand in case of a nick; a small amount of bleeding looks alarming but is usually easy to manage.
  
  
• Regular walks on pavement can naturally help wear down nails between trims, though most dogs still need some routine trimming even with an active outdoor routine.
  
  
• Dogs who resist nail trims often do better with short, frequent sessions — even just one or two nails at a time — rather than one long, stressful appointment.

Signs it's time for attention

A few signs are worth watching for between grooming appointments. On the ear side, that includes wax buildup or odor and head shaking or scratching more than usual; on the nail side, watch for clicking on hard floors, nails visibly curling under, or any sign of discomfort when paws are touched.

The role of professional grooming

Our groomers check ears and trim nails at every appointment and are trained to spot early signs of infection or overgrowth you might miss at home. For dogs who are especially anxious about nail trims, a groomer's steady hands and calm environment can make the experience far less stressful than an at-home attempt.

Why some dogs resist ear and nail care

Some hesitation around ears and paws is completely normal — both are naturally sensitive areas for most dogs. Past discomfort, like a nail trimmed too short once or an ear cleaned roughly, can make a dog wary of the whole process going forward, even with a gentler approach the next time. Dogs who weren't handled in these areas regularly as puppies often just need extra patience and positive association-building as adults.

Building a stress-free routine at home

Handle paws and ears regularly outside of trimming or cleaning sessions, so touch alone doesn't signal that something unpleasant is about to happen. Pair nail trims and ear checks with treats and praise, keeping early sessions short — even just one paw or one ear at a time counts as progress. If your dog is consistently fearful or struggles despite a gentle approach, it's worth letting a professional handle it rather than pushing through a stressful session at home.

Pampered Puppies believes the small details are what keep a dog happy, comfortable, and healthy day to day. Our Grooming team is always happy to show you safe at-home ear and nail care, or take care of it for you at your next appointment. Give us a call or send us an email to make an appointment.