How to Trim Dog Fur Around Eyes

Fur growing over a dog's eyes isn't just a cosmetic issue — it obstructs vision, causes eye irritation, and traps moisture that leads to tear staining and infection. Trimming the eye area is one of the most important and most intimidating home grooming tasks. Here's how to do it safely.

Why Eye Fur Needs Regular Trimming

• Fur touching the eye causes constant irritation and tearing
• Obstructed vision affects your dog's confidence and safety
• Moisture trapped by eye fur creates a breeding ground for bacteria
• Tear staining is significantly worse when fur stays wet against the eye

Breeds That Need Regular Eye Trims

Shih Tzu, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frise, Poodle, Doodles, Lhasa Apso, Cocker Spaniel, and any breed with long facial fur.

The Essential Tool: Safety Round Tip Scissors

Never use sharp-pointed scissors around the eyes. The GLADOG 5-in-1 Grooming Scissors Set includes curved scissors with safety round tips — specifically designed for safe work around the face and eyes. The rounded tips prevent accidental injury if your dog moves suddenly.

Step-by-Step: Trimming Fur Around the Eyes

1. Brush the facial fur first. Comb the fur around the eyes downward so you can see exactly what needs to be trimmed.
2. Position your dog securely. Have your dog sitting or lying calmly. If your dog is wiggly, have a second person hold them gently. Never rush this step.
3. Use a comb as a guide. Slide a fine-tooth comb between the fur and the eye, with the comb flat against the face. This protects the eye and gives you a straight cutting line.
4. Cut along the comb. Use the curved safety scissors to trim the fur that extends past the comb. Cut parallel to the eye, not toward it.
5. Trim the inner corners. The fur at the inner corner of the eye is the most irritating — trim it short enough that it doesn't touch the eye.
6. Check both sides for symmetry. Step back and compare both eyes before finishing.
7. Clean the eye area. Wipe away any trimmed fur with a damp cloth and clean the eye area with a gentle eye wipe.

How Much to Trim

The goal is to keep fur from touching the eye — not to trim it as short as possible. Leave enough length to maintain the natural look of the breed. For most dogs, trimming 0.5–1cm away from the eye is sufficient.

How Often to Trim

Every 2–4 weeks for most long-faced breeds. Check weekly — if fur is touching the eye, it's time to trim.

Safety Tips

• Always use round-tip scissors — never pointed scissors near the eyes
• Never trim if your dog is agitated or moving excessively — wait for a calm moment
• Use the comb-as-guide technique every time
• If your dog is extremely resistant, see a professional groomer for this specific task

Final Thoughts

Eye fur trimming is intimidating at first but becomes routine with practice. The safety round tip scissors in the GLADOG set and the comb-as-guide technique make it much safer than it looks. Your dog will see better and be more comfortable immediately after.