Pet Trimmer
Question: We just got a 3 and a half month old energetic Lhasa Apso and are wondering about the safest way to clip the hair that is below and above his eyes. Right now it seems impossible to do without injury to the eyes.
Clipping the hair around your puppy's eyes is really not necessary at this age, but I realize the awkward length of the headfall makes putting it in topknots or otherwise holding it back in barrettes or bands not the easiest thing to do. And I also realize that owners like to see their puppies' pretty, expressive eyes!
The FIRST thing you need to do is get the puppy used to having his face "messed with" and to sitting still to allow you to do it. Without that, you risk serious injury to the eyes if you even try to get close with a scissors. Purchase a face comb, sometimes called a finishing comb. These metal combs are about 4.5 inches long and have teeth quite close together at one end and a little further apart at the other. Most wholesale pet supply companies carry them for about $10.
Using the face comb, get your puppy used to having his moustache and the hair above his eyes combed daily. Once he gets used to the small comb on his face, near his eyes, and once you trust that he will be still during the process, then if you really think it is necessary, you might consider trimming hair by his eyes. Most people do not cut hair above or below the eye. Trimming is generally done between the eyes, either all or part way across the nose. Use a small scissors (4 - 4.5") with ball tips. You also might consider a battery-operated Wahl Stylique Trimmer. It is only 6" long with a 1/4" narrow, fine-cutting blade. It costs less than $10 and is also handy for trimming between the pads of the feet. Again, because it buzzes and the buzzing might alarm the puppy, you need to get him used to the sound - especially near his face.
Another option (if you have a pet and not a show puppy) is to trim his eyefall shorter, in effect creating "bangs" so you are able to see his eyes. You still need to trust him to sit quietly, but you can protect his eyes from the scissors somewhat by putting your left forefinger on the right side of his head, your left thumb on the left side of his head, combing his eyefall over your hand and then using the scissors to trim the hair. Get someone to help you hold the puppy still. You do not want to poke him in the eye with the scissors!
Recommended grooming tools:
4.5 inch face/finishing comb
Wahl battery-operated trimmer
Small (4") scissors with a ball tipÂ
Please note: Permission to reproduce and/or circulate information in this article is granted. However, the article must be disseminated in its entirety and credit must be given to Joyce Johanson, Joyslyn's Lhasa Apsos. Thanks!
 |
 Grooming Pet Nail Clipper Dog Cat Clippers Trimmer new  US $.99
|
 Electric Pet Dog Cat Hair Clipper trimmer Cutter Care US $5.99
|
 NEW OSTER mini TRIMMER clipper DOG pet KIT SIMPLY PINK US $24.77
|
 Pet CatDog Nail Grooming Care Grinder Trimmer Clipper US $.99
|
 Quick Finder® Safety Nail Clipper For Small Animals US $27.49
|
 The Incredible Pet Nail Trimmer Pedi Paws As Seen On TV US $.99
|
 Pet Dog Cat Nail Clippers Scissors Grooming Trimmer New US $.01
|
 NEW BLACK DOG PET GROOMING NAIL CLEAN TRIMMER CLIPPER US $.99
|
 Pet Dog Cat Nail Clipper Scissors Grooming Trimmer NEW US $.99
|
 2 TDQ Oster A5 Cryogen X Agion Clipper Blade 10 WIDE US $61.99
|
 NEW PEDI PAWS PET NAIL TRIMMER US $.99
|
 Pets Pedipaws Pet Nail Trimmer clipper Dog Cat Animal US $.01
|
 PEDI PAWS PET NAIL TRIMMER US $10.00
|
 Pet Dog Cat Nail Clippers Scissors Grooming Trimmer US $.99
|
 NEW IN BOX PEDI PAWS PET NAIL TRIMMER US $7.00
|
 PediPaws Incredible Pet Nail Trimmer Limited Edition US $3.99
|
 Pet Dog Cat Nail Grooming Care Grinder Trimmer Clipper US $.01
|
 Nail Scissors Clippers Grooming Trimmer for Pet Dog Cat US $.01
|
 Dog Pet Big Size Grooming Toe Nail Trimmer Clipper File US $6.99
|
 Dog Cat Pet Toe Nail Trimmer Clipper Scissors Grooming US $.99
|
 Black Dog Pet Nail Clipper Toe Trimmer Grooming Lock US $1.25
|
 PEDI PAWS PET NAIL TRIMMER FOR CATS AND DOGS US $.99
|
 DOG CAT PEDI PAWS NAIL TRIMMER 8 EXTRA EMERY HEADS US $.98 |
 PediPaws The Incredible Pet Nail Trimmer US $.99
|
 PET DOG TRIMMERS OSTER CLIPPERS W COMBS PIVOT MOTOR US $11.00
|
 Pet Dog Cat Nail Clipper Grooming Cutter Toe Trimmer US $.55
|
 Oster Pet Groomer Trimmer Kit US $3.99
|
 Vintage WAHL CLIP PET Hair Trimmer Model 9797 3 combs US $4.99
|
 Pet Dog Cat Nail Grooming Care Grinder Trimmer Clipper US $.95
|
 PediPaws – The Incredible Pet Nail Trimmer US $4.99
|
 NEW PediPaws Pet Nail Trimmer Pedi Paws As Seen on TV US $4.25
|
 PEDI PAWS Pet Nail Trimmer AS SEEN ON TV US $.99
|
 Groomer STYLIST Barber Nylon Grooming PANTS Pant Med US $17.99
|
 Grooming PET Xylan Teflon ANTI STATICGreyhoundComb US $19.99
|
 Andis Universal CLIP Snap On GUIDE Combs 9 pcNR Oster US $37.99
|
 Peticure Power Pet Nail Trimmer Electric US $13.00
|
 Oster Animal Pet Dog Grooming Clippers Kit Model 123 US $11.45
|
 Grooming Oster A5 Cryogen X Agion Blade 7FNO RESERVE US $24.99
|
 TDQ Oster A5 Cryogen X Clipper Blade 10 WIDE A 5 NR US $33.99
|
 PediPaws Pet Nail Trimmer US $2.99
|
 |
Oster Gentle Paws Cordless Rotating Nail Trimmer, Blue List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $19.99 Average Rating:   |
|
Trim your pets nails the fast, gentle and stress free way. Rotating head gently files your pets nails quickly, easily and pain free. Safety guard holds the nail in place and prevents accidental hair winding... |
 |
Andis 21420 Pro-Animal Detachable Ceramic Blade Clipper Kit List Price: $83.99 Sale Price: $54.99 Used From: $39.95 Average Rating:  |
|
7pc Pro Animal Clipper Kit |
 |
Four Paws Ultimate Touch Super Nail Clipper For Large Breed Dogs Sale Price: $10.50 |
|
Four Paws Ultimate Touch Super Nail Clipper is designed specifically for large breeds. The blade is guaranteed for three years against dulling. |
 |
Four Paws Ultimate Touch Nail Trimmer for Large Breed Dogs Sale Price: $5.00 |
|
Four Paws Ultimate Touch Nail Trimmers are designed with a professional non-slip grip and are constructed of heavy duty surgical stainless steel to ensure long lasting perfect trimming |
 |
Four Paws Ultimate Touch Nail Trimmer for Small and Medium Breed Dogs Sale Price: $3.50 |
|
Four Paws Ultimate Touch Nail Trimmers are designed with a professional non-slip grip and are constructed of heavy duty surgical stainless steel to ensure long lasting perfect trimming |
 |
Panasonic ER430K Vacuum Nose/Ear Hair Trimmer, Gray List Price: $29.99 Sale Price: $15.05 Average Rating: |
|
Personal Groomer wand#47; Vacuum |
 |
Oster Professional 76023-510 Fast Feed Clipper with Adjustable Blade List Price: $81.99 Sale Price: $47.90 Average Rating:  |
|
Buy Oster Hair Trimmers - Oster O Fast Feed Clipper with Adjustable Blade Model No. 76023-510 |
 |
Fiskars 9921 Softouch Micro-Tip Pruning Snip List Price: $11.99 Sale Price: $8.98 Used From: $8.99 Average Rating: |
|
The Softouch microtip pruning snip from Fiskars is designed to snip away delicate tips of flowers and foliage while giving you a comfortable grip and fit. This floral snip is about 5 inches long, has a Softouch ergonomic handle with a comfortable black grip around plastic construction, and fits well in small- to medium-size hands... |
