Author: Sumit, Head of Grooming at Furrvy
Sumit has groomed dogs for 5 years, the last 1.5 at Furrvy, and sees firsthand how much overgrown nails and dirty ears affect a dog’s comfort.
Overgrown nails change how a dog stands and walks, putting strain on joints over time. Unclean ears, especially in floppy eared breeds, are one of the most common causes of ear infections. Both are quick to manage with regular grooming, but easy to neglect since they are less obvious than a messy coat.
Furrvy is a pet daycare and boarding centre in Gurgaon (also Gurugram) with centres in Sector 58 and Sector 27, with in house grooming at both.
Quick Facts: Nail and Ear Care
| Care | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nail trimming | Every 2 to 3 weeks | Prevents joint strain and posture problems |
| Ear cleaning | Every 2 to 3 weeks, more for floppy ears | Prevents infections |
| Sign nails are too long | Clicking on hard floors | Indicates overdue trim |
| Sign ears need attention | Wax buildup, redness, smell | Early infection warning |
Why Do Dog Nails Need Regular Trimming?
Overgrown nails force a dog’s foot into an unnatural position, which changes how weight is distributed through the paw and leg over time. Left long enough, this can lead to joint strain and discomfort.
A simple way to check is sound. If you can hear your dog’s nails clicking on a hard floor, they are due for a trim. Left unattended for months, this becomes a genuine posture problem, not just a cosmetic one.
How Often Should Nails Be Trimmed?
Nails should be checked every 2 to 3 weeks, though how fast they grow varies by dog and how much natural wear they get from walking on hard surfaces. Dogs that mostly walk on grass or soft ground need trims more often than dogs that walk a lot on pavement.
Waiting until nails are visibly long makes trimming harder and riskier, since the quick, the sensitive part inside the nail, grows longer too. Regular small trims are safer than occasional big ones.
Why Does Ear Cleaning Matter So Much?
Ears trap moisture, wax, and debris, especially in floppy eared breeds where airflow is limited. Left unclean, this becomes a common route to infection, one of the most frequent reasons dogs end up at the vet.
Regular cleaning keeps this from building up. It is a small, quick task that prevents a much bigger and more uncomfortable problem for the dog. The American Kennel Club has detailed guidance on safe ear cleaning technique.
How Do You Know an Ear Needs Attention?
Watch for wax buildup, redness, a bad smell, or your dog scratching at or shaking its head more than usual. Any of these are worth checking, and a smell in particular often signals infection has already started.
Catching this early, before it becomes painful, is far easier to treat and far kinder to the dog than waiting until symptoms are obvious.
Can I Do This Myself at Home?
Basic nail trims and ear wipes can be done at home with the right tools and a calm approach, but it takes practice to trim close to the quick safely or clean ears without causing irritation.
If your dog is anxious about nail trims or you are not confident with the technique, a groomer is the safer option, especially to avoid cutting too close or missing early signs of an ear problem. The RSPCA recommends professional help if you are unsure about doing this safely at home.
How Does This Fit Into a Grooming Routine?
Nail trimming and ear cleaning are included in Furrvy’s Hygiene Cut and Full Body Cut plans, so they are handled as part of a normal grooming session rather than needing a separate visit. This keeps them from being forgotten between bigger grooming appointments.
If your dog’s coat does not need a full groom yet but nails or ears do, a quick standalone visit works too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a dog’s nails be trimmed?
Every 2 to 3 weeks, though it depends on how much natural wear the nails get from walking on hard surfaces.
How do I know my dog’s nails are too long?
If you can hear them clicking on a hard floor, they need a trim.
How often should ears be cleaned?
Every 2 to 3 weeks, more often for floppy eared breeds prone to trapping moisture and wax.
What are signs of an ear problem?
Wax buildup, redness, a bad smell, or your dog scratching or shaking its head more than usual.
Can I trim nails and clean ears myself?
Yes, with the right tools and a careful approach, though a groomer is safer if you are unsure or your dog is anxious about it.
Book Nail and Ear Care
Furrvy handles nail trimming and ear cleaning as part of its grooming plans at its Sector 58 and Sector 27 centres in Gurgaon. To book, message us on WhatsApp: 💬 6355093941.
Related reading: Dog Grooming Cost in Gurgaon | How Often Should You Groom Your Dog | Summer Grooming for Dogs in Gurgaon | Grooming service
