Touch-Ups Between Grooms

When you can't get into the groomer right away

Angela Dinsmoor
October 12, 2025

In this week’s issue, here’s what we are sniffing out

DIY Tips In Between Grooms

If your senior pup isn’t getting to the groomer as often, or if your groomer is suddenly unable to see clients, you may need to improvise. A few quick trims to face, feet, and under the tail can keep them more comfortable. Let’s jump into the how-to.

And BTW, please say a huge thank you to Uma, who had to be my model. She has never had to deal with this sort of thing before - she was cooperative as always, but understandably appalled!

TOOLS NEEDED

Scissors or clippers (recommendations below)

EYE TRIMS

WHY: Clearer vision helps seniors get around safely and prevents corner-of-the-eye mats that can cause skin issues. Focus on two spots: the bangs and the inner eye corners.

PRO TIPS:

Tiny manicure length scissors by the eyes = big risk! Use longer blades so the tips stay safely out of eyeball 👀 range.
Dull scissors = more snips - and more stress. Invest in sharper scissors, or have yours professionally sharpened.

How to Hold and Use Scissors Safely

Ring finger: Place in the hole closest to the pinky rest (if there is one) up to your outer knuckle. Rest your pinky lightly on the rest.
Thumb: Slip into the other hole up to the outer knuckle.
Movement: Open and close using only your thumb, keeping ring finger still so the other blade doesn’t move.
Practice: Repeat often to build smooth, steady control.
Safety: Always be aware of where the entire scissor blade is touching. You should never trim anything with your scissors pointing at the body. They should always be parallel to the body or facing away.

Example: OMG, could this be any cuter!!!

You’re welcome! Now back to business….

INNER CORNERS OF EYES

Pick a calm, quiet moment.
Hold your dog’s muzzle gently with your non-dominant hand.
Place the middle of the scissor blade on the spot where the nose meets the corner of the eye, your ring finger closest to the eye, tips facing up!
Tips should be facing at an angle almost like an X toward the other eyebrow.
Curves of scissors should be inward: points are angled away from brows; middle of blade is bowed toward eye corner.

Trim carefully.
For the other side, keep the same muzzle hold but point the scissors down this time.

Or: set clippers to longest length. Hold muzzle. Place clipper flush against eye corner facing on an angle down way from eye. Gently scoop from the inner corner of the eye away from the dog.

Clean your dog’s eye corners a few times a week if needed. For details, see the In-Between Grooming Appointments newsletter.

ABOVE EYES (scissors only)

Brush/comb hair above the eyes forward like a visor or bangs.
Hold scissors parallel to the eyes, points facing right or left.
Open and close the scissors up and down (sky to ground vs side to side).
Trim to preferred shortness, but know where eyes are at all times.
Proceed slowly, brushing forward and repeat as much as needed.

PAW TRIMS

WHY: Excess hair on paw pads can cause slipping, falls, and poor traction. Sometimes this small change makes all the difference. For more on mobility, see this newsletter.

PAW PADS

Scissors: Keep blades flat against pads; trim only hair sticking up. Never cut sideways between pads (too easy to nick the webbing).
Clippers: Set adjustable clipper to shortest length. Place flush on the pad, trimming what sticks up. Move in all four directions (front-back, back-front, side–side both ways).

Between pads (clippers only): Feel with fingers for hair in the “V” between large and small pads. Lift it out (don’t brush or comb). Gently scoop clippers down into the V and curve back out. If matted, repeat, changing direction as needed.

PAW EDGES

This type of trimming is necessary for any dog whose coat continues to grow long or full over time: cocker spaniel, poodle, yorkie, etc.
The length of the scissors should be parallel to the foot. Never trim with the points facing into the foot. Trim around your dog’s paw while he’s standing with feet on the floor. Lightly brush the hair so it stretches out to the sides of the foot, and trim with scissors what hangs past the shape of the foot. Follow the line of his foot around with your scissors, being cautious of where the foot itself is.

TOP OF PAWS

This one is for dogs who grow tufts of hair from between their toes, such as Bernese mountain dogs, golden retrievers, and Australian shepherds.
Fluff the fur between the toes up so that it stands high. You can do this with fingers or lightly with a brush.
Place scissors in front of the leg so the points are parallel to the top of the foot and facing away from the leg.
Trim what sticks up above the foot, being mindful of where the tops of toes are.
Repeat the fluffing, lightly, and trim again if needed.

UNDER TAIL

WHY: Prevents poop or urine from clumping, which can cause infections or discomfort.

Set an adjustable clipper to one of the longer 3 lengths.
With gentle touch, trim flush with anus, never point the clipper at the skin. Clip left to right, then up and down. Go slightly up the tail if needed.
Use a gentle touch and Never point the blade directly at the rear.
Large dogs can be clipped while lying on a side. A helper is best for small dogs. If alone, place your non-dominant arm under waist and lift the tail with the same hand.

That’s the essentials! Small, safe touch-ups that will make life easier for your senior dog.