Grooming and coat
How do I trim the hair around my dog's eyes safely?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Use blunt, rounded tipped scissors, hold the head very still, and always cut parallel to the face rather than pointing the tips toward the eye. If your dog will not hold still, a groomer or vet is a safer choice than risking an accidental injury near such a sensitive area.
Why this trim carries more risk
Breeds like Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Maltese often grow hair long enough around the eyes to cause irritation or obscure vision if left untrimmed, but the eye itself is only millimeters away from where the scissors need to work, which is why this particular trim deserves more caution than almost any other grooming task.
A safer technique
Using blunt, rounded tipped scissors specifically designed for facial trimming, holding the dog's head steady with one hand, and always keeping the scissor blades parallel to the face rather than pointing at the eye reduces risk significantly. Combing the hair down first and trimming small amounts at a time, checking the result before cutting more, avoids an irreversible mistake.
Knowing when to let a professional handle it
A dog that will not stay still, flinches at hands near its face, or is generally anxious about facial handling is genuinely safer with a professional groomer or vet doing this trim, since even a brief unexpected movement near the eye carries real risk that is not worth taking at home.
Key takeaways
- Blunt, rounded tipped scissors held parallel to the face, not pointed at the eye, reduce the risk of this trim.
- Trimming small amounts at a time and checking the result avoids an irreversible mistake near the eyes.
- A dog that will not hold still is safer left to a professional groomer or vet for this specific trim.