Your pup deserves all the love and attention in the world—and that includes those awkward grooming moments we’d rather avoid. But here’s the thing: trimming hair around your dog’s private areas isn’t just about keeping them looking fresh. It’s actually crucial for their health and comfort.
Did you know that up to 40% of skin infections in dogs happen in areas where hair traps moisture and bacteria? Yeah, those sensitive spots need some TLC too. And while it might feel intimidating at first (trust me, we’ve all been there), learning how to do this safely at home can save you and your furry friend a lot of stress.
Don’t worry—we’re going to walk through this step by step, because nobody wants to accidentally nick their best friend in all the wrong places.
Why This Actually Matters More Than You Think
Look, I get it. Trimming around your dog’s privates feels weird and maybe a little unnecessary. But here’s what happens when you skip this part of grooming: hair traps urine, feces, and moisture, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast infections.
Your dog can end up with painful irritation, nasty odors, and even urinary tract infections. Plus, matted hair in these areas can pull on their skin every time they move—ouch.
We’ve seen dogs come into Hound Therapy with serious infections that could have been prevented with regular trimming. Not fun for anyone involved.
Getting Ready: What You Actually Need (No Fancy Stuff Required)
Before you dive in, grab these essentials:
- Sharp grooming scissors (dull ones are dangerous—they slip and pull)
- A small trimmer designed for sensitive areas (way safer than scissors for most of the work)
- Unscented, dog-safe shaving cream or just plain warm water
- Clean towels
- Some high-value treats (because bribery works)
- Maybe a helper if your dog gets squirmy
Pro tip: Do this after a bath when the hair is clean and easier to see. Your nose will thank you.
Male Dogs: Step-by-step procedure
First things first: If your dog is anxious or this is your first time, start slow. Let him sniff the tools, give treats, make it positive. Some dogs need a few practice sessions just getting comfortable with you touching these areas.
Step 1: Prep Work Get everything within arm’s reach because once you start, you don’t want to be hunting around for scissors while holding your dog in position. Have those treats ready too—this is prime bribery time.
Step 2: The Legs Lift your dog’s back leg gently and trim any long hair on the underside of his thigh area. This step is mainly for dogs with longer coats (think Golden Retrievers or Poodles). Keep the scissors parallel to the skin and cut small amounts at a time.
Step 3: The Main Event Here’s where it gets real. Wet the area around the testicles with warm water or dog-safe shaving cream—just enough to make the hair lie flat. Never get soap or cream inside the penis opening or anus. That’s a vet visit waiting to happen.
Using your trimmer (not scissors for this part—seriously), carefully trim the hair around the testicles and above the penis. Work slowly and let your dog take breaks if he needs them. The skin here is loose and moves around, so use your free hand to gently hold it taut.
Step 4: Clean Up and Comfort Once you’re done, clean off any loose hair and cream with a damp towel. If the area looks a little red from the trimming, a tiny bit of dog-safe moisturizer can help soothe things.
Female Dogs: Step-by-step procedure
The supplies and approach are basically the same, but the anatomy requires a slightly different technique.
Step 1: Get Her Comfortable Female dogs can be more sensitive about this area being touched, so take extra time with the prep. Lots of treats, gentle touches, maybe even do it over a couple of sessions if she’s not having it.
Step 2: The Trim Wet the area around the vulva with warm water, being super careful not to get any inside. Use your trimmer to carefully remove hair from the top and sides of the vulva area. The hair underneath can be trickier to reach, so only do what you can safely access.
Step 3: Extra Gentle Care Female dogs’ skin in this area can be more sensitive, so if you notice any redness or if your dog seems uncomfortable after, a soft brush can help smooth things out. Always finish with a gentle, dog-safe moisturizer if needed.
Tail Grooming
While we’re talking about neglected areas, let’s address the tail. Most people forget that the area under and around the tail base needs attention too—especially for dogs with thick or long-haired tails.
Brush out any tangles first (nobody likes having their hair yanked), then trim any long hair that might trap debris. Keep it neat but natural-looking. And please, for the love of all that’s holy, be careful around the anal area. One wrong move with scissors there is an emergency vet visit.
When to Wave the White Flag and Call Professionals
Look, we love a good DIY project, but sometimes you need to know when to call in the pros. If your dog is super anxious, has a lot of matting, or you’re just not comfortable with the process, that’s totally okay.
At Hound Therapy, we handle nervous dogs and tricky situations all the time. Our team knows exactly how to keep your pup calm and comfortable during these more sensitive grooming tasks. Plus, we can show you techniques that work specifically for your dog’s temperament and coat type.
The Real Talk: How Often Should You Actually Do This?
Here’s the honest answer: it depends on your dog. Short-haired breeds might need it every 6-8 weeks, while long-haired dogs could need touch-ups every 3-4 weeks. Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors or have particularly thick coats might need it more often.
You’ll know it’s time when you start noticing hair that’s getting long enough to trap moisture or debris, or if your dog seems to be licking or scratching the area more than usual.
Ready to Give Your Pup the Full Spa Experience?
Trimming around privates is just one piece of the grooming puzzle. Regular brushing (at least weekly for most dogs), nail trims, ear cleaning, and professional grooming sessions keep your dog healthy and comfortable year-round.
If you’re in the Plano area and want to let the professionals handle the tricky stuff while you focus on the fun parts of pet parenting, we’d love to meet you and your pup. Our team at Hound Therapy specializes in making grooming a positive experience for nervous dogs and busy pet parents alike.
Ready to book that grooming appointment? Give us a call or check out our other grooming services—because every dog deserves to feel fresh, clean, and comfortable in their own fur.