It can be stressful to trim the hair on your dog’s face and around their eyes. You don’t want to hurt them, and wiggly pups are always a cause for concern.
If you can keep a firm grip on your dog and hold him still for long enough, this isn’t a hard job.
Trimming around your dog’s eyes helps to keep their vision clear and stay in good health. Preparing for this task and understanding how to trim properly is critical.
This guide will show you everything you need to know about grooming your pet’s face and eyes.
How To Keep Your Dog Calm While Grooming?
Positive reinforcement is the best way to keep your dog calm while grooming. This means rewarding your dog with treats or praise whenever he cooperates during the grooming process.
You should also try to make the grooming session as short as possible. If you can, break up the grooming into smaller sessions throughout the day instead of doing it all at once.
Lastly, try to keep a calm and relaxed demeanour while you’re grooming your dog. This will help to ease his anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable for both of you.
How to Trim Around a Dog’s Eyes
You Will Need:
- A sharp pair of scissors
- A comb
- An assistant (optional)
- Treats (optional)
Make Sure Your Dog is Clean
Before you start trimming, it’s important to make sure your dog is clean. This will help to prevent any infections if he happens to get nicked while you’re trimming.
If your dog has long hair, you might need to use a comb to detangle any knots before you start cutting.
Don’t Forget Safety Precautions
Be sure to take the proper safety precautions before you start trimming your dog’s fur. First, make sure the area you’re working in is well-lit so you can see what you’re doing.
Second, keep a sharp pair of scissors on hand. Dull scissors can cause your dog pain and might even lead to an infection if they nick his skin.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to have an assistant help you hold your dog still while you’re trimming. This will help to prevent any accidents.
Start Trimming
Now that you’re prepared, you can start trimming the hair around your furry friend’s eyes.
Steps To Trim
Step 1: Comb the fur around your dog’s eyes. You want to remove any knots or tangles before beginning the trimming process.
Step 2: Bring the hair forward for easy access, hold a section of fur between your fingers and use the scissors to trim off the tips.
Be careful how much you cut at a time; start by trimming small amounts off and gradually increasing it until you reach your desired length.
You can always trim more if you need to, but you can’t put it back if you cut too much.
Step 3: Repeat this process until you’ve trimmed all the fur around your pet’s eyes.
Step 4: Use a comb to smooth out the area you just trimmed. This will help to prevent any irritation or discomfort.
That’s it! You’ve successfully trimmed the fur around your dog’s eyes. Be sure to give him a treat and some extra attention for being a good boy.
Read Here: Dog Clipper FAQ Guide
How To Trim Your Dog’s Eyebrows
Trimming your dog’s eyebrows is a bit different than trimming the fur around his eyes. For this task, you’ll need to use a pair of small scissors or electric clippers.
Start by combing your dog’s fur to remove any knots or tangles around their head. Next, hold a section of fur between your fingers and trim off the tips.
Be sure to cut only a small amount of fur at a time so you don’t remove too much.
Work your way around your dog’s eyebrows until you’ve trimmed all the fur. You can use a comb to smooth out the area you just trimmed.
It’s as simple as that! You’ve successfully trimmed your dog’s eyebrows.
Trimming the Fur From the Corners of the Eyes
The dog’s hair around the corners of your dog’s eyes can be a bit tricky to trim. For this task, you’ll need to use a pair of small scissors or clippers.
Start by gently lifting up the outer corner of your dog’s eye. You’ll see a small amount of white tissue called the third eyelid. This is what you want to avoid cutting.
Now, take your scissors or clippers and snip off the long fur at the base of the third eyelid. Be very careful not to cut the third eyelid itself. Be sure to keep your dog’s head still whilst you do this.
Next, work your way around the outer edge of the eye, trimming away any long or unruly fur. You can also use a small amount of petroleum jelly to help keep the hair out of your dog’s eyes.
When you’re finished, the area around your dog’s eyes should be clean and free of any long fur.
Trimming the Hair Around Your Dog’s Nose
The hair around your dog’s nose is usually pretty short, but it can still get in the way from time to time. To trim this area, you’ll need a pair of small scissors or clippers.
Start by lifting up your dog’s upper lip. You’ll see a small triangle of hair just below the nose. This is what you want to trim.
Using your scissors or clippers, snip off the hair in this area. Be careful not to cut your dog’s skin.
Next, trim the fur along the sides of the nose. Again, you can do this in a straight line or follow the natural curve of your dog’s nose. You’ll need to ensure you avoid snipping their whiskers.
Repeat this process on the other side.
How to Clean the Gunk Out of the Dog’s Eyes
As a dog owner, you should get used to the fact that your pooch will probably have goopy eyes from time to time.
This is especially true if your dog has long hair that hangs over his eyes and gets irritated.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to clean the gunk out of your dog’s eyes and prevent it from coming back.
Here are a few tips:
Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe away any eye gunk or discharge that you see around your dog’s eyes (wipe from the tear ducts). Be gentle so you don’t irritate the area.
If the gunk is particularly stubborn, you can try using a cotton ball soaked in warm water. Gently dab the cotton ball around your dog’s eyes until the gunk is gone (be sure to use a steady hand).
If your dog’s eyes seem to be constantly watering or he has a lot of discharge, it’s a good idea to take him to the vet. He may have an infection or another problem that needs to be treated.
In the meantime, you can try using a dog eyewash to clean your dog’s eyes and help prevent infections. These solutions are available at most pet stores.
Following these tips should help you keep the gunk out of your dog’s eyes and prevent any further problems.
When To Seek Professional Help
There are a few times when it’s best to leave the grooming to a professional. If your dog has mats or tangles in his fur, it’s best to have them removed by a groomer.
Mats can be painful for dogs, and they can lead to skin problems if they’re not removed.
If you’re not comfortable trimming your dog’s fur, a dog groomer is the better choice as they are more experienced. Dogs have sensitive skin, and it’s easy to cut them if you’re not careful accidentally.
Finally, if your dog has any health problems that make grooming difficult, it’s best to have a groomer do it. This includes dogs who are blind, deaf or have mobility problems.
Read Here: Dog Grooming Costs Guides
How To Use Scissors To Trim Your Dogs Face
If you’re going to use scissors to trim your dog’s face, it’s important to choose the right type of scissors. Small, sharp scissors are best for this task.
You’ll also need to be very careful not to cut your dog accidentally. It’s a good idea to have someone else help you hold your dog still while you’re trimming his fur.
Here’s how to use scissors to trim your dog’s face:
Start by combing your dog’s fur to remove any knots or tangles.
Next, hold a section of fur between your fingers and trim off the tips. Be sure only to cut a small amount of fur at a time.
You can always trim more if you need to, but you can’t put it back if you cut too much.
Work your way around your dog’s nose until you’ve trimmed all the fur. You can use a comb to smooth out the area you just trimmed.
How To Trim Around A Shih Tzu Eyes
Trimming the hair around your Shih Tzu’s eyes is important to prevent eye irritation and infection. But it’s also a delicate task that requires some care and attention.
Here’s how to trim around your Shih Tzu’s eyes:
Start by combing your dog’s fur to remove any knots or tangles.
Next, use a pair of small scissors to trim the fur around your dog’s eyes carefully. Be sure only to cut a small amount of fur at a time to avoid taking too much off.
Work your way around your dog’s eyes until you’ve trimmed all the fur. You can use a comb to smooth out the area you just trimmed.
If you’re not comfortable trimming your dog’s fur, it’s best to leave it to a professional. Dogs have sensitive skin, and it’s easy to cut them if you’re not careful accidentally.
How To Trim Around a Poodle’s Eyes
Poodles have long, fluffy fur that can easily get into their eyes and cause irritation. That’s why it’s important to keep the fur around their eyes trimmed short.
Here’s how to trim around your Poodle’s eyes:
Gently comb your dog’s fur to remove any knots or tangles.
Next, use a pair of small scissors to carefully trim the fur around your dog’s eyes – being careful to trim the fur gradually.
Work your way around your dog’s eye until you’ve trimmed all the fur. You can use a comb to smooth out the area you just trimmed.
If you’re not comfortable trimming your dog’s fur, it’s best to leave it to professional groomers. Dogs have sensitive skin, and it’s easy to cut them if you’re not careful accidentally.
How Often Should You Trim Your Dog’s Fur?
How often you trim your dog’s fur will depend on the type of dog you are trimming and how fast his fur grows.
For example, toy poodles generally need to be trimmed every 4-6 weeks, whereas Shih Tzu’s only needs to be trimmed every 6-8 weeks.
Long-coated breeds will benefit from regular trimming to keep their fur short and tidy as well as free from mats and tangles.
If you’re not sure how often you should trim your dog’s fur, it’s best to ask a professional groomer. They will be able to give you specific advice based on the type of dog you have.
Conclusion
Grooming your dog at home is a great way to save money and bond with your furry friend.
With a little practice, you’ll be trimming your dog’s face and eyes like a pro in no time.
Just be sure to take your time, use sharp scissors or clippers, and never cut too much fur at one time. With these tips, you’ll have your dog looking dapper in a flash. Thanks for reading!
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.