The sanitary trim is one of those small jobs that says a lot about a groomer. It is quick, it is unglamorous, and it never makes it onto the salon's photo feed, but done well it keeps a dog clean, comfortable and healthy between grooms. Done carelessly, it is one of the easiest ways to nick delicate skin. So it is worth treating with the respect it deserves.
A sanitary trim simply means tidying the hair around the hygiene areas so waste does not cling, matting does not form and the dog stays comfortable. Here is how I approach it safely.
What the sanitary trim covers
The sanitary trim tidies the hair around the private areas and back end, the hair around the genitals, the strip up towards the tummy, and the area around and beneath the tail. On many coated breeds I will also tidy a little on the inside of the back legs where waste can catch.
The aim is a neat, functional clear, not a dramatic style. You are creating enough clearance to keep the area clean and stop hair matting with waste, while leaving the dog looking natural rather than obviously shaved.
Prep and positioning
Make sure the coat is clean and dry before you start, because clipping a dirty or damp sanitary area is unpleasant and unhygienic for everyone. Position the dog comfortably and securely so they are steady, and never leave a dog unattended on the table for even a moment.
Have a calm, reassuring hand on the dog throughout. Many dogs are sensitive about being handled at the back end, so a slow, confident approach keeps them settled and keeps you safe.
Safety note: This is the thinnest, most delicate skin on the dog. Keep the skin taut, use a light touch, and if a dog is genuinely distressed by being handled here, stop and reassess rather than pushing through.
Blade choice
For sanitary work I want a blade that clears the hair cleanly without going harshly close to this sensitive skin. A longer blade such as a 10 is a common, sensible choice, close enough to keep the area clean but not so short that it irritates.
Some groomers prefer a slightly longer blade to leave a touch more length and reduce the chance of clipper rash on sensitive dogs. Keep the blade clean, sharp and cool, and check its temperature often, because a hot blade in this area is exactly where you do not want it.
The technique, step by step
Work slowly and deliberately here. There is never a reason to rush a sanitary trim.
- Part the coat and see clearly where you are working before the clipper touches down.
- Keep the skin taut and smooth with your free hand, moving folds out of the blade's path.
- Clip gently in the direction of coat growth, using light passes rather than pressing in.
- Around the genitals and tail, use the very tip or corner of the blade for control, and go a little at a time.
- Move loose skin away from the blade as you clip the inner thigh and tummy strip.
- Check frequently that you are only clearing hair and never catching skin.
Take your time around the most delicate points. It is far better to make three careful passes than one hurried one that catches skin.
Finishing and hygiene
Once tidied, comb through, check the area is clean and even, and make sure no clipped hair is left clinging. Wipe the area if needed so the dog goes home fresh.
Disinfect your blades and tools properly afterwards, because hygiene here matters for the next dog as much as this one. Note any redness, soreness or signs of a problem on the record card, and mention anything unusual to the owner, gently suggesting a vet check if something looks off.
Frequently asked questions
What blade should I use for a sanitary trim?
A 10 is a common, sensible choice for a clean tidy without going too close. For sensitive dogs prone to clipper rash, a slightly longer blade leaves a little more protective length.
How do I avoid nicking the skin around the genitals?
Keep the skin taut, use the tip or corner of the blade for control, clip a little at a time, and always see clearly where you are working before the blade touches down.
Is a sanitary trim the same as expressing anal glands?
No, and it is important not to confuse the two. A sanitary trim only tidies the hair. Expressing anal glands is a veterinary task, not a grooming one, and I always refer owners to their vet for that.
How often should a sanitary trim be done?
Usually at every groom, and more often for longer-coated dogs or those prone to catching waste in the coat. A quick sanitary tidy between full grooms keeps many dogs far more comfortable.
Written from the salon floor by Lucy, City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 qualified groomer and owner of Fluffs, a one-to-one dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York. For more professional grooming guides, explore the Fluffs grooming blog.
External references for further reading: Dog grooming (Wikipedia) and RSPCA advice on grooming.