How to Trim Dog Fur Around Bottom

Trimming the fur around your dog's bottom (the sanitary area) is one of the most important — and most overlooked — home grooming tasks. Long fur in this area causes hygiene problems, skin irritation, and discomfort. Here's how to do it safely and effectively.

Why Sanitary Trimming Matters

• Long fur around the bottom traps fecal matter, causing hygiene issues and skin irritation
• "Dingleberries" (fecal matter caught in fur) are uncomfortable and can cause the dog to scoot
• Urine can soak into long fur around the groin, causing urine scald and odor
• Moisture trapped in this area creates conditions for bacterial and yeast infections
• Regular sanitary trims significantly reduce odor and keep the area clean between baths

Tools You'll Need

• Grooming scissors: GLADOG 5-in-1 Grooming Scissors Set — the straight scissors with safety round tips are best for sanitary trimming
• Small clippers: oneisall Low-Noise Cordless Clipper Kit — faster and more thorough for dogs with very dense fur in this area

Step-by-Step: Sanitary Trimming

1. Position your dog. Have your dog standing on a non-slip surface. For small dogs, you can have them stand on a table. For larger dogs, have them stand on the floor with you behind them.
2. Lift the tail gently. Hold the tail up and out of the way with one hand.
3. Trim the fur around the anus. Use scissors or clippers to trim the fur in a circle around the anus, keeping it short enough that fecal matter can't catch. Aim for about 1–2cm clearance all around.
4. Trim the fur under the tail. The fur on the underside of the tail base also collects debris — trim it short.
5. Trim the groin area (if needed). For dogs with long fur in the groin, trim the fur around the genitals to prevent urine soaking. Keep it short but don't trim the skin.
6. Check your work. Run your fingers through the trimmed area to make sure no long fur remains that could catch debris.

How Short to Trim

Short enough that nothing can catch — typically 0.5–1cm from the skin. You don't need to shave it completely bare; just short enough to be hygienic.

How Often to Trim

Every 3–4 weeks for most dogs. Check weekly — if you notice hygiene issues or matting in this area, trim sooner. Long-coated breeds may need trimming every 2 weeks.

Keeping Your Dog Calm

• Work quickly and confidently — hesitation makes dogs more anxious
• Use treats to reward cooperation
• Keep sessions short — sanitary trimming should take under 5 minutes
• If your dog is very resistant, have a second person hold them

Final Thoughts

Sanitary trimming is a quick, practical task that makes a significant difference in your dog's hygiene and comfort. Once you've done it a few times, it becomes a routine 5-minute job that you'll wonder how you ever skipped.