Grooming - Face Hair Maintenance

During the colder weather, some people are reluctant to get their pet's hair clipped or have a bath at home for lack of a dryer. Even so, there are some areas that we need to ensure we are taking care of "in-between" grooms.

Eyes

Long haired dogs can have hair grow around their eyes, blocking their vision or worse, scratching their eyes. If your pet is well behaved and used to being groomed, you could potentially trim the hair yourself.

Ensure that you aren't pointing the scissors or clippers towards the eye, but have the blade parallel to the eye, keeping a good distance to trim the hair, particularly the hairs that grow from the muzzle up. If you are unsure or unable to do this, you could book with your groomer to tidy up the face.
If your pet doesn't have long hair that grows into the eyes, it is always important that you monitor the eye for any excessive discharge. Wipe the inner eye gently with a warm, damp cotton ball. If your pet has excessive discharge, contact us as they may have an eye infection or irritation.

Ears

Hairy ears or hanging ears can be a perfect storm for ear infections or overgrowth of yeast, so in addition to hair trimming, you should continue to clean your pet's ears out with a safe, pet specific ear cleaner.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Choose a calm area where you and your dog can both relax during the cleaning process. It's also a good idea to have someone assist you in holding your dog, especially if they are not used to having their ears cleaned.

2. Before you start cleaning, examine your dog's ears for any signs of redness, swelling, discharge or a foul odour. If you notice anything unusual or your dog's ears appear to be infected, please consult with our vets before proceeding.

3. Apply the ear cleaning solution. Following the instructions on the product, gently lift your dog's ear flap and squeeze a few drops of the ear cleaning solution into the ear canal. Make sure not to insert the dropper or any other objects deep into the ear canal, as this can cause damage.

4. Gently massage the base of the ear in a circular motion for about 20 to 30 seconds. This helps distribute the ear cleaning solution and loosen any debris or wax buildup inside the ear canal.

5. Take a cotton ball or pad and carefully wipe away any debris, wax or excess ear cleaning solution from the visible parts of the ear canal. Avoid pushing the cotton ball too far into the ear canal to prevent injury. Use a fresh cotton ball for each wipe.

6. If your dog's ears are clean, repeat the same process on the other ear.

How to Trim the Hair in Your Dog’s Ears

Using a comb, gently comb through the hair in your dog's ears to remove any tangles or mats. This will make the trimming process easier and prevent accidental pulling or discomfort.
Hold the ear flap gently but securely to expose the area you want to trim. Using the blunt-tipped scissors or grooming shears, carefully trim the excess hair, being cautious not to cut too close to the skin or into the ear canal. It's best to trim small sections at a time, gradually working your way through the hair.
If your dog becomes anxious or uncomfortable during the process, take short breaks to give them a chance to relax and regroup.

Mouth

A forever moist spot, the mouth is one that is quickly overlooked.

Ensure your long haired pet has hair clipped away from their mouth so they aren't sucking it in and getting hair stuck to their gums or between their teeth.

Check their teeth regularly for any plaque build up. Where possible, teeth brushing is the gold standard and a good daily habit to get into (pet specific toothpaste please). If you simply cannot do this, there are foods or water additives available to help keep your pet's teeth nice and clean.

Proper grooming and maintenance of your dog's face hair around the eyes, ears and mouth are essential for their overall health and well-being. By regularly trimming and cleaning these areas, you can prevent issues such as eye irritations, ear infections and dental problems.

Remember to consult a professional groomer or our nursing team for guidance, and enjoy the rewarding experience of grooming your pet. With a little effort and care, you can ensure your beloved furbaby looks and feels their best!