To safely trim the hair around your dog’s eyes, ears, and paws, use rounded-tip scissors, keep the blades angled away from sensitive areas, and trim only what obstructs vision, comfort, or hygiene. Prepare your dog with calm handling, use proper grooming tools, and stop immediately if your dog shows signs of stress.
The safest way to trim hair around your dog’s eyes, ears, and paws is by using the right tools and taking a careful, step-by-step approach. Rounded-tip scissors and dog-friendly clippers reduce risk of injury, while patience and preparation ensure your dog stays calm and comfortable. Careers Collectiv recommends prioritizing safety over speed and seeking professional help when in doubt.
Why Grooming These Areas Matters
- Prevents irritation and infection by keeping dirt and debris from building up
- Improves hygiene by reducing bacteria traps around eyes, ears, and paws
- Helps vision and mobility by removing overgrown hair blocking sight or movement
Dogs with long or fast-growing hair are more prone to eye irritation, ear infections, and slipping due to paw hair. Trimming regularly reduces these risks and supports long-term health.
Tools You’ll Need for Safe Trimming
- Rounded-tip scissors: safer than sharp blades for sensitive areas
- Thinning shears: blend cuts for a natural look
- Dog clippers: best for precise areas like paw pads
- Grooming combs: help detangle before cutting
- Pet-safe wipes: clean eyes, ears, and paws before trimming
Always choose tools designed for pets. Human scissors or razors increase risk of cuts and infections. Careers Collectiv’s pet grooming certification covers proper tool selection and techniques tailored for each coat type.
Preparing Your Dog Before Grooming
- Calm your dog by handling paws, ears, and face gently before trimming
- Use treats and short sessions to create positive associations
- Brush out tangles to prevent painful pulling during the cut
- Observe stress signals like lip licking, yawning, or pulling away
A calm dog is less likely to jerk or resist, making trimming safer for both of you.
Trimming the Hair Around Your Dog’s Eyes
Step-by-step approach:
- Brush hair away from the eyes.
- Place your hand gently over the eyes for protection.
- Hold rounded-tip scissors with the blades angled outward.
- Trim only the strands that block vision or poke the eyes.
- Use thinning shears for a softer finish.
Stop if your dog struggles. For severe matting or discomfort, consult a groomer or vet.
Grooming the Hair Around the Ears
- Clean ears with pet-safe wipes before trimming.
- Lift and support the ear gently.
- Comb hair away from the ear canal.
- Trim long strands around the edges, following the natural shape.
- Avoid inserting scissors near the canal to prevent injury.
Regular ear hair trimming lowers the risk of infections and helps airflow.
- Clean ears with pet-safe wipes before trimming.
Trimming the Hair Around the Paws and Pads
- Paw hair grows quickly and traps dirt, causing slipping on smooth floors
- Clean and dry paws before trimming
- Use small scissors or clippers to trim between paw pads
- Neaten the edges for a rounded paw shape
- Check for cuts, debris, or infections while grooming
Trimming paw hair is also a chance to inspect nails. Long nails should be clipped separately using dog nail clippers.
Safety Precautions Every Dog Owner Should Know
- Stop trimming if your dog shows stress or pain
- Never rush, sudden movements cause accidents
- Avoid human scissors or blades
- Seek professional help if your dog is aggressive or fearful
- Take extra caution with breeds like Shih Tzus, Poodles, or Maltese, which have sensitive eyes and thick coats
Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)
- Cutting too close to the skin, leading to cuts or irritation
- Using human scissors, which lack safety tips
- Rushing the process instead of working slowly
- Ignoring stress signals, making the dog associate grooming with fear
When to Seek Professional Grooming Help
Professional help is recommended if:
- Your dog has severe matting
- You are nervous about cutting near sensitive areas
- Your dog resists handling of face, ears, or paws
- You want a breed-standard trim
Professional grooming costs vary but average between $60 to $120 in Australia. Regular visits keep dogs comfortable and reduce medical risks.
FAQs About Dog Hair Trimming
Q: How often should I trim around my dog’s eyes and paws?
A: Every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on hair growth.
Q: Can I use human scissors for trimming my dog?
A: No. Use rounded-tip scissors designed for dogs.
Q: Is trimming paw hair necessary for all breeds?
A: Long-haired and fast-growing breeds benefit most, but all dogs should have paws checked.
Q: What’s the safest way to calm a nervous dog during grooming?
A: Use treats, short sessions, and calm handling.
