rooming dogs with fuzzy faces is fun, but it comes with some challenges. One of the biggest is what to do about the fur that curls under the lip line. These clumps of hair get wet, stained and smelly, and can even irritate the dog’s gums, leading to dental problems.

Working on a clean, dry face, brush or comb the fur on the face back towards the ears. Look for hair that is obviously discolored from exposure to the mouth and saliva and keep it separate. Holding the fur you want to keep with one hand, gently comb the damp bits that you want to remove forward. Next, use your trimmer, clipping from the corner of the mouth towards the nose (Fig. 1).

On many dogs, the hairs that grow under the nose are prone to growing under the lip and rubbing against the gums. Depending on the dog, I often clip this area very closely, about the width of the nostrils, leaving a smooth space between the nose pad and the upper lip. Some groomers call this look “kissy lips,” and it is tidy and quite cute on most dogs (Fig. 2).

Lip trimming can be particularly tricky on dogs that are missing teeth or have overly long tongues. Groomer Tina Patrick recently shared an absolutely brilliant tip in a groomer group on Facebook: Place a small section of paper towel under the gum, comb the wet hairs down, and then trim them. You can even place the paper towel right on the tongue if necessary. The paper towel protects the delicate tongue and gums and provides a clear view of the hair we want to cut (Fig. 3).

Here is another dandy tip that your skin will thank you for knowing: For those dogs that use their front legs to grab around your hands while you are grooming their heads, get out your Elizabethan collar (also known as a cone collar) and put it on the dog upside down. The collar will reduce the pet’s ability to use their front legs to scratch at your hands and arms while you are working, allowing you to finish the parts the dog dislikes more quickly (Fig. 4).

Lastly, let’s talk about drooly dogs—specifically the ones with fluffy faces you are trying to dry, brush and trim. Hold a folded-up paper towel or a small microfiber cloth in the hand you use to hold the face. It will absorb a lot of the saliva, leaving the fur dryer and easier to work on, and preventing saliva from getting all over you and the table.

Making furry faces adorable is a big part of our job. Incorporating handy tips like these will make your work easier and help you achieve great results.