Does your Cocker Spaniel have overgrown eyelashes and you are asking yourself, should I cut my cocker spaniels eyelashes?
Well, the answer is “YES!” Although dogs that have long eyelashes appear beautiful, are they safe? Recently, a Cocker Spaniel’s lengthy eyelashes went viral on social networks. Long eyelashes may, however, occasionally endanger a dog’s eyes, necessitating their trimming. You can trim your Cocker Spaniel’s eyelashes yourself if they are noticeably long, and if you know what to do and how to go about it. However, it might be advisable to have a groomer or veterinarian to carefully trim them.
In this article, we will discuss Cocker Spaniel eyelashes, how to trim them, when to do it, and why you should.
Dog Breeds with Eyelashes
There are eyelashes on all dogs. However, some breeds have visible eyelashes that develop quickly and should be cut. Among them is the Goldendoodle breed.
Long eyelashes may also be seen on:
- Old English shepherd dogs
- Breeds of Yorkshire terriers
- The Lhasa apso
- Shih Tzu dogs
- Poodles
- Cocker Spaniels
- Maltese dogs
Long eyelashes may assist long-haired dogs in keeping their longer hair out of their eyes. Not all Goldendoodles have lengthy eyelashes. Dogs are like people, and some have lengthy lashes while others do not. Others do not require as much attention to pay anyone to care for their eyelashes, while some require specific grooming and pruning of their eyelash area. Poodle and golden retriever hybrids are known as Goldendoodles. Your doodle dog may or may not have long eyelashes due to inheritance or development, depending on which of them has dominant features.
Dog Eyelash Problems and Symptoms
Dogs with long eyelashes can develop several health problems. Below are a handful of the most typical diseases caused by dog eyelashes.
Trichiasis
When hairs from typical follicle placements are accidentally directed to the eye and are rubbing against the inner lining of the eyelid, this disease is known as Trichiasis. It can happen if a dog has long eyelashes, facial hair, or has already had ocular injuries. Breeds with short noses, like the Pekingese, Pugs, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, and Bulldogs, and those with long hair around their eyes, like the American Cocker Spaniel, are all prone to Trichiasis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Trichiasis include excessive tears (epiphora), pain, itching, blinking, or squinting, darkening of the eye’s pigment, blood vessels around the cornea area, and a potential eye infection. Tear streaks on dogs’ fur beneath their eyes are a common symptom of Trichiasis. Your veterinarian might recommend surgery to address the problem.
Distichiasis
Distichiasis, or aberrant eyelashes that grow in an unexpected area along the eyelid, is occasionally found in dogs. The meibomian glands, which produce lubricating fluids for the eye, are one location where the Pistachio may develop. Even though dogs lack eyelashes around the lower eyelids, these aberrant hairs can be found on either the upper or lower eyelid. The ailment is referred to as Distichiasis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Distichiasis in dogs can range from redness and irritation to discharge from the eyes, discomfort, excessive tears (Epiphora), and frequent blinking. The dog’s cornea may get ulcerated, appear bluish, and lose its shine if neglected. The dog might paw at the afflicted eye if it is painful.
Ectopic cilia
A short, stiff eyelash known as an ectopic cilia develops from the inner surface of the lower or upper eyelid. With every blink, this aberrant eyelash creeps closer to the eye and may be painful.
Symptoms
Excessive tearing, redness, potential discharge process, and corneal ulcerations are common in dogs with ectopic cilia. Since these hairs are frequently invisible to the unaided eye, it is crucial to have your veterinarian examine your dog using a handheld microscope. If your dog is suffering from ectopic cilia, it is typically removed surgically or might be treated with cryotherapy (freezing therapy) while you are under anesthetic.
Should I Cut My Cocker Spaniels Eyelashes?
There are several causes and illnesses for which you might want to trim your dog’s eyelashes. Some of these motives include:
Natural causes
They are too much
As was already indicated, if your dog’s eyelashes are growing too quickly and irritating their eyes, you must trim them. Failure to do so may result in discharge or muck. In addition, some dog breeds, like Cockapoos, Shih Tzus, Cocker Spaniels, and Scottish Terriers, have eyelashes that develop quickly and require regular maintenance.
Health conditions
Trichiasis
Trichiasis happens when the sensitive lining of your dog’s eyelids or the cornea is rubbed by the dog’s hair from normal hair follicles, which disturbs the eye. Cocker Spaniel long eyelashes, hair on the face, or other eye issues may be the cause. Excessive itchiness, soreness, blinking, or squinting may be brought on by this issue. It occurs more frequently in Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Pugs, and other breeds.
Ectopic Cilia
Ectopic cilia is also another reason to trim your dog’s eyelashes. It can also develop because of an eyelash. In this disease, the bottom of the lower or upper lid begins to develop a stiff eyelash close to the eye. This eyelash can be bothersome and needs to be attended to because it can lead to itching, redness, and tears.
Distichiasis
Distichiasis is typically brought on by an eyelash that grows unusually close to or parallel to the eyelid. Either the upper or lower lid may have these eyelashes. It typically affects species such as Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and Cocker Spaniel, and can be uncomfortable. To have the eyelashes removed, see a veterinarian immediately if you notice anything like that. For aesthetic reasons, you might also think of trimming your dog’s eyelashes yourself, although we strongly advise against it. Your dog’s eyes are naturally shielded by their eyelashes. Let them be as lengthy as they do not bother your dog.
How To Trim the Eyelashes on A Cocker Spaniel
- Step 1 – Leash your dog. Before beginning, secure your dog and his head if he is tiny enough to be held firmly in one arm. If you are unable to safely restrain your dog inside your arm, then use a companion or a head harness to keep him from moving.
- Step 2 – Use a soft wet towel to wipe any crusty dirt from your dog’s eyelashes. To separate the lashes, you will need to do this.
- Step 3 – Comb the hair around the eye to gently bring forward your dog’s eyelashes and separate them, using an eyebrow comb. To avoid tearing out the eyelashes, try to move slowly.
- Step 4 – Trim the eyelashes starting with a pair of short scissors, clip the eyelashes on one eye’s outer corner while aiming the blades at your dog’s nose.
- Step 5 – To prevent harm to your dog’s eyes, take away the scissors from your dog’s eyes if he makes any motions. Before trying again, keep your dog steady.
- Step 6 – Go to the outside corner of the other eye and repeat this trimming.
- Step 7 – Again, comb and re-comb the eyelashes with the eyebrow brush. Make sure the length and evenness of the eyelashes are as desired, or at the very least, short enough to prevent them from turning into the dog’s eyes.
If you can carefully follow the steps above, I believe the worry of should I cut my cocker Spaniels eyelashes? will be an issue of the past.
Care & Factors to Consider
As you maintain the hygienic conditions around your dog’s eyes, it is important to keep the lashes trimmed and clean as well. Shih Tzus are one breed that can have lengthy eyelashes that do not hurt the eyes. Watch them closely as they develop to prevent them from turning inward toward the eye. If your Cocker has longer eyelashes and you desire to keep them if they are, make sure to always brush them out when you groom your dog. This will help to keep any dirt, mucus, or other debris out of their eyes. Also, visit your veterinarian to perform a checkup on your dog if your dog eyelashes grow inward, and administer the appropriate care before it gets out of hand.
Can Dog Eyelashes Regrow?
Your dog’s eyelashes will grow back regardless of whether you choose to completely trim them or only shorten them. There is no explanation why eyelashes would not regrow, as eyelash growth is like that of other body hair. It might take longer for eyelashes to regrow to their original length, though. According to the trim you had done, it can take a month or even more.
How Long Do Dog’s Eyelashes Grow?
Typically, it takes between five and six weeks for a dog’s eyelashes to reach their previous length. In general, it is preferable to avoid trimming a dog’s eyelashes because they have a crucial job to accomplish. However, if they are too long or have begun to curve back toward the eye, which could be problematic, it may be advisable to cut them.
How Long Is a Dog’s Longest Eyelashes?
According to the dog’s breed and its traits, a dog’s longest eyelashes might range in length. Usually, dogs with thick, lengthy fur over their eyes have longer eyelashes. The Pekingese named Bibi, however, holds the record for having a cocker with the longest documented eyelashes, according to Guinness World Records. The length of her eyelashes, measured from the bottom to the top, was 8.8 cm (3.5 in).
Conclusion
I believe you can now answer the question should I cut my cocker spaniels eyelash? But whatever you choose to do with your dog’s eyelashes should be carefully thought out. However, note it is best to trim your dog’s eyelash only when you notice how uncomfortable it makes your dog. Take necessary precautions and actions to guarantee a safe clipping.
FAQs
How do you trim a Cocker Spaniel’s eyelash?
If you do not know how to trim or cut your dog’s eyelashes, follow these simple steps.
- Hold your dog still
- Separate the dog’s eyelashes so you can see clearly
- Position yourself correctly
- Start trimming the dog’s eyelashes
- Remove the clipper from the dog’s eyes if he/she makes a move
Repeat the same procedure with the other eye and complete the process.
Why do cocker spaniels have such long lashes?
Cocker Spaniels, along with other breeds including poodles, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Yorkshire terriers, and Lhasa Apsos, are genetically prone to long lashes.
Should a dog’s eye lashes be trimmed?
You still need to take care of them and make sure you carefully trim cocker spaniel eyelashes, even if you may let them grow as long as possible and they do not annoy your dog. However, certain breeds have eyelashes that develop continuously but present issues. They are the dogs whose eyelashes should be clipped.
Why do cocker spaniels stare at you?
Cocker Spaniels, like every other dog, have the habit of staring at their owner as a symbol of affection, just like what lovers have the habit of doing.
Is it good to clean dogs’ eye boogers?
Around the eye, a little crust or booger is typical. To remove them, simply use a soft cloth and a dog eye crust or booger wipe. The non-toxic plant-based surfactants in the paw safe eye wipes are used to clean up eye discharge.
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