How to trim Maltipoo hair around eyes

Things You'll Need

Leash
Harness
Spray bottle
Water
Conditioner
Brush
Trimming scissors

Like many small show breeds, Maltese dogs demand constant grooming. If you neglect your grooming duties with your Maltese, you may find its fur soon becomes a matted mess. Besides the matting and tangles that occur on the dog’s body, the hair of a Maltese will quickly grow over its eyes, blocking its view. Although dogs rely less on their eyes than humans, it is still a good idea to keep the hair near the eyes of your Maltese trimmed back between professional grooming appointments.

Secure your Maltese in place by putting it in a harness, then attaching the harness to a leash. You can sit on the leash while you groom your dog or tie off the leash to an object.

Mix water and a couple of drops of conditioner into a clean spray bottle. This solution will act as a simple detangler for your Maltese’s fur.

Spray the top of your dog’s head and work the solution down into the fur over its eyes. Avoid spraying your dog in the face.

Brush the fur out thoroughly to ensure there are no mats or snags.

Snip the excess hair away from the eyes with your trimming scissors. If your dog is restless, it may be a good idea to have a friend hold the dog’s head in place to prevent injury.

Scissors

Comb

Tire your dog out by playing or running with him. Tiring your dog out before an eye fur trim will help him relax and rest as your trim around his eyes.

Wipe down your dog’s eyes, cleaning out any gunk and getting the fur cleaned as well. You can use a dog wipe or a paper towel wet with warm water.

Groom your dog with a good undercoat removing brush to get as much of your dog’s coat out of his fur. Be gentle around the eyes, but try to brush as much around your dog’s face as possible.

To keep your dog safe, harness him to a grooming table or stronghold to keep his head still and the dog from leaping off the table. If you need, you can have a partner hold your dog in place. Small dogs can be held in someone’s arms while large dogs may need another person holding their heads or simply being nearby.

Comb the fur above your dog’s eyes upward. Comb the hair along the sides of the eyes outward. And comb the fur under your dog’s eyes downward but keep the fur up so it’s not lying against the skin. Bringing the fur out from around your dog’s eyes will help get it up and away from the eyes.

Clip each area by resting small thinning shears against your dog’s head or face. Be gentle and slow to avoid any injuries. Resting the scissors against the skin will help keep a steady hand. Do not point scissors directly toward your dog’s eyes.

Have patience with yourself as well as with your dog. Trimming around your dog’s eyes will take some practice.