How to trim your dog’s sanitary area
Giving your dog a sanitary trim (also known as a hygiene trim) involves clipping the fur around the belly, groin, inner thighs and private areas to keep them clean and hygienic.
Long fur in these areas can easily trap urine, faeces and dirt, particularly in long-haired breeds like Cavoodles, Groodles, Spoodles, Labradoodles and other Oodles. Keeping the fur short helps prevent mess from sticking to the coat, reduces odours and makes it much easier to keep your dog clean between baths.
A regular hygiene trim also helps keep your dog's bedding, furniture and floors cleaner, as they're less likely to carry urine or faeces into the house after going to the toilet.
The good news is that it's one of the quickest and easiest grooming jobs you can do at home. With the right tools and a calm, patient approach, most owners can complete a sanitary trim in just a few minutes.
What you’ll need:
A pair of dog clippers - I use Heiniger cordless clippers or,
A pair of mini trimmers - I use Shear Magic mini trimmers
Grooming belly sling - to prevent your dog from sitting
Dog grooming table (optional)
I prefer grooming on a dog grooming table because it keeps my dogs at a comfortable working height. If you don't have one, a sturdy laundry bench or another non-slip surface works well. If possible, ask someone to gently hold your dog while you groom, especially if they're new to the process.
Clippers or mini trimmers?
Both clippers and mini trimmers work well for hygiene trims, and each has its advantages.
Full-sized clippers are ideal for quickly removing larger amounts of fur, while mini trimmers are perfect for tidying smaller, harder-to-reach areas and manoeuvring around sensitive skin. Many groomers, including me, use both, clipping the bulk of the fur with standard clippers before finishing with mini trimmers for a cleaner, more precise result.
If you're not sure which mini trimmers to buy, you might also like my comparison of the Shear Magic Rocket mini trimmers vs Wahl mini trimmers.
Grooming tips
A few simple tips can make hygiene trimming easier and safer:
Groom when your dog is calm and relaxed.
Keep your dog standing throughout the groom - a grooming belly sling can help prevent sitting.
Work slowly around sensitive areas and avoid rushing.
Let the clippers or trimmers glide over the coat without pressing them into the skin.
Regularly check that your clipper blade isn't getting too hot by touching it against the inside of your wrist.
Reward your dog with treats throughout the groom to create a positive experience.
Watch my step-by-step video
Want to see exactly how to trim your dog's sanitary area safely?
In the video below, I'll show you how I position my dog, which tools I use, and the techniques I've learnt as a professional dog groomer to safely trim the belly, groin and private areas while keeping dogs comfortable throughout the groom.
Watch the full step-by-step tutorial below and groom along with me >
I’m a qualified dog groomer and fur-mum to two cavoodles; Soda and Poppy. I’m passionate about the health and wellbeing of dogs, as well as helping dog parents groom their dogs at home. I’ll teach you the basics, however if you don’t feel comfortable or confident at any time that’s completely fine, book your dog in for a regular groom and pamper session at the salon. Please never leave your dog unattended on a grooming table.
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