Goldendoodles are loving, adorable dogs, and anyone would be lucky to own one. If you have one of these fur babies, then you’ve probably realized that they have very long eyelashes and need regular grooming sessions. Many people wonder if they need to groom these lovely lashes or get them trimmed.
You do need to groom your Goldendoodle eyelashes, and you can trim them from time to time if you’d like. Their long eyelashes do not bother them, and they will grow back fairly quickly after you have given them a trim. It all comes down to personal preference.
Barksinthepark is your “Goldendoodle Guru,” and this guide will tell you everything you need to know about your fur baby’s eyelashes:
Table of Contents
Do Goldendoodles Have Eyelashes?
Just like humans, Goldendoodles have eyelashes to guard their eyes against debris, dust, and other small particles. When dogs sniff the grass or play in the dirt, their eyelashes work hard to keep small specks of dirt and debris from entering their eyes.
However, unlike humans, Goldendoodles and other canines only have upper eyelashes, but no lower lashes.
Should You Trim Your Goldendoodle’s Eyelashes?
Some pet parents leave their Goldendoodle’s eyelashes just as they are because they are so long, unique, and beautiful! Many people feel that their eyelashes give Doodles their super adorable appearance – and we agree! The longest eyelashes can be 2-3 inches long and still not cause any problems – it all depends on the dog.
Some Goldendoodles have slightly shorter coats, so their eyelashes are short too and you can most likely leave them alone. Doodles with longer coats often have longer lashes. In this case, their eyelashes are concentrated on their eyes and grow in an outwards direction.
There are also Doodles with extremely long and thick coats, and then their eyelashes grow downwards. This starts hindering their vision as their eyelashes can grow as long as two inches! If this is the case, the Goldendoodle likely struggles to see and their lashes may need a trim.
Cutting eyelashes: The benefits
Trimming your Goldendoodle’s eyelashes is generally unnecessary, but it has some benefits. If you notice that their eyelashes have gotten too long, then it may be a good idea to give them a bit of a trim. These are some of the benefits:
- Lower risk of injury: If your Goldendoodle’s eyelashes obstruct its vision, your dog might be clumsy, making it more likely for them to injure themselves. Trimming their lashes makes them safer and more comfortable.
- Cleaner and neater appearance: Some pet parents want their dogs to look clean and well-groomed, which involves keeping the dog’s eye area neat and tidy!
- Lower risk of diseases: Goldendoodles can easily develop certain eye infections. Trichiasis is a common eyelash issue in which dogs get ingrown eyelashes. You may not pick up on some of these issues if the eyelashes are left untouched or uncut during their grooming sessions. Inspect your dog’s eyes regularly so any issues are picked up on quickly. It’s not always easy to see what’s going on under that long fur!
All in all, it is best to leave your Goldendoodle’s eyelashes at an appropriate length so that they still protect their eyes but don’t hinder their vision. Whether you choose to trim their lashes or not, just ensure that you clean and groom them regularly.
The Best Way To Trim Long Lashes
It is fairly easy to cut your Goldendoodle’s eyelashes, especially if you are used to tending to all their grooming needs. However, if your dog can get anxious or jumpy, it may be best to leave it up to a professional groomer. Then watch how they do it and try it at home once you have a better understanding.
If you feel that you are capable of trimming and grooming your Goldendoodle’s lashes at home, this is what you will need:
- Small comb: Use a dog-friendly eyelash comb or a very small human comb.
- Eyelash scissors: Small scissors specially designed for grooming around the dog’s eyes.
- A leash: It will be easier if your dog is secured and more controlled. This can prevent injury. Otherwise, you could ask a family member or friend to gently hold your dog, so they keep still.
- Soft cloth: To wipe your Goldendoodle’s eyes and long lashes.
When you start the trimming process, ensure that your dog is relaxed and calm. You also need to be calm and speak to your fur baby in a loving and soothing voice to make them feel comfortable and keep them from getting too excited. Follow these steps:
- Wet the cloth and wipe your pup’s eyes gently. This will remove any crustiness or dirt and helps separate their long eyelashes, making them easier to cut.
- Comb their long lashes forwards and downwards.
- Keep your pup’s head very still when using the scissors.
- Keep the small comb at the spot where you’d like to trim. Ensure that you aren’t too close to their skin or fur, and then start trimming. Begin at the outer corner of their eye and work your way to the inner corners. Be gentle and go slowly.
- After trimming those gorgeous eyelashes, run the small comb through them to make sure that they are neat and even.
- Praise your dog and give them a treat for being so good and calm. If your dog flinches at any point while trimming their lashes, stop trimming and calm them down again.
Grooming tips for your pup’s long eyelashes:
- Do it in a room where there are no distractions (other dogs, people, or children)
- Sit in a room that has great lighting – you want to see exactly what you are doing
- Get all the tools you need ready before you begin (scissors, comb)
- Have a leash for extra safety
- Praise your pup during the grooming process
- Get some treats ready so that you can give your pup some during the grooming process (we are all about positive reinforcement)
- Stay calm – you don’t want to have shaky hands
- Be patient. You can easily groom your Goldendoodles eyelashes with a bit of patience and practice.
Trimming Eyelashes At Home vs A Professional Groomer
Injuries are highly likely when you have scissors and a squirming fur baby involved. A lot of patience and a slow and steady hand are required for eyelash trimming, as well as an assistant and a lot of love and praise!
After some patience and time, home grooming will get a lot easier for you and your Goldendoodle. You can easily trim your pup’s long eyelashes on your own if you are confident in your cutting skills and you have a calm dog.
If you have a very nervous dog, it may be best to leave the job for your regular groomer. But there is no right or wrong choice; it is all up to you and what you prefer. Your dog’s eyelashes will grow back fairly quickly, just like the fur on your Goldendoodle’s tail and the whole body does after it has been cut (we’re sure you don’t need reminding!).
How long the regrowth takes depends on the individual pup and on their physical and health traits. However, your pup’s lashes will go back to their original length within five to six weeks. So don’t worry; your pup will have beautiful and long eyelashes again in no time!
Goldendoodle Eyelashes: What To Look Out For
Your Goldendoodles eyelashes can get infected or cause certain health issues. According to the Universities Federation of Animal Welfare, Poodles are very prone to a condition called distichiasis, where their lashes start growing in strange places. Golden Retrievers are also prone to this condition.
Abnormal eyelashes can easily irritate their eyes, cause pain, and even lead to corneal damage. Distichiasis is a genetic condition, and since the Goldendoodle is half Poodle and half Golden Retriever, it’s no wonder they are susceptible to this. If you notice anything abnormal in the way their eyelashes grow or in the way they look, contact your vet.
FAQs
Should you cut Goldendoodle eyelashes?
Trimming is not necessary unless your Goldendoodle’s eyelash length is obstructing their vision or causing other problems. Your Goldendoodles eyelashes serve a purpose and are there for a reason, but if you feel that they have gotten uncomfortably long, then a trim will do no harm. Just be sure that you don’t cut too close to their eyes or skin.
What happens if you cut off a dog’s eyelashes?
If you cut off your Goldendoodle’s eyelashes, they will grow back in a few weeks’ time. Just like the rest of the hair on their body, trimmed eyelashes will grow back.
What does distichiasis look like in dogs?
You may pick up on inflammation or redness of the conjunctiva. There may also be discharge or excessive tearing, squinting, or blinking. Distichiasis can be very painful, and you may notice that your dog wipes or rubs its eyes a lot.