Family sitting with their happy groomed dog.

How to Trim Hair from Your Dog's Eyes & Ears

Not all dog breeds require routine trimming of the coat around the eyes and ears, but all should undergo regular inspection and cleaning around these sensitive areas. It will help prevent the development of infections that could seriously damage these vital organs.

Dogs with heavy, wiry, curly, corded, double or combination coats are likely to benefit from periodic trimming around the eyes and ears but many with short or smooth coats may never need it. It’s a simple procedure with blunt scissors or the right trimmer. Cleaning should be done on a regular basis. Poodles and spaniels often incur tear stains under the eyes but these can be controlled by the use of warm water and a cotton ball. Never use soap near a dog’s eyes.

Dogs with floppy ears benefit from weekly ear cleaning but others generally can be cleaned on a monthly basis. Wahl has all of the tools to do the job.

What you need:

Caring for Your Dog's Eyes & Ears Step-by-Step

  • 1

    Ears:

    Start by examining your dog’s ears for foreign objects. If you identify something out of the norm, contact your vet. If everything is clear, move onto step 2.

  • 2

    Moisten a cotton ball or gentle wash cloth with mineral oil, olive oil or witch hazel and gently wipe the inside of your dog's ears. Cotton swabs are not recommended. Never insert anything into the dog’s ear canal.

  • 3

    Use blunt scissors or approved trimmer to trim excess hair within ear. Always stay clear of the ear canal. If your dog sprouts hair from the ear canal, tweezers will be required for plucking to prevent matting and tangles. Ask your vet whether this is necessary for your dog.

  • 4

    Eyes:

    Wipe away dried matter from the corners of the eyes using a moistened cotton ball. Do the same for tear stains under eyes. Never use soap near your dog's eyes.

  • 5

    Use blunt scissors or an approved trimmer to trim excess hair obscuring your dog's eye line of vision.

What to use

Lithium-Ion® Pro Series® Pet Clipper Kit

Lithium-Ion® Pro Series® Pet Clipper Kit

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Waterless No-Rinse Dog Shampoo - Oatmeal

Waterless No-Rinse Dog Shampoo - Oatmeal

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Refresh Large Dog Wipes - Coconut Lime Verbena

Refresh Large Dog Wipes - Coconut Lime Verbena

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Dog Nail Clipper

Dog Nail Clipper

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Need help deciding what you need?

Wahl has a full line of pet-grooming products that will let you handle brushing to bathing in the comfort of your own home.

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More Dog Grooming Tips

Wash Your Dog's Coat Regularly

Two girls washing their dog in a tub outdoors.

Fill tub with 3 - 4 inches of lukewarm water (not hot water).

Only Use Pet-Friendly Shampoo to Bathe Your Dog

Dog being shampooed and lathered during a bath.

Apply dog shampoo over your dog's entire body and lather in from shoulders to tail, finishing with the head. Wahl has several pet-friendly shampoo options; never use human shampoo.

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