How to Clean the Face of a Toy Poodle

A toy poodle weighs about 15 to 17 pounds and gets to be 11 to 15 inches in height. Relatively small for a dog, the toy poodle is groomed every six to 10 weeks. While the toy poodle does not shed, its fur needs to be clipped and cleaned regularly. There are specific ways to keep a toy poodle's face clean so that it remains pretty and infection-free.

Things You'll Need

  • Pin brush
  • Cotton swabs or balls
  • Warm water
  • Wash cloth
  • Treats, optional
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Instructions

    • 1

      Instruct your poodle to sit or lay down in front of you. Place your hand underneath its mouth.

    • 2

      Take the pin or wire brush, depending on how long your poodle's hair is, and carefully brush the fur. Begin underneath the eye and brush downward all the way around the mouth. Use slow, steady strokes. Repeat the process on the other side.

    • 3

      Give your dog plenty of praise for sitting still. Place your hand underneath its mouth again. Take a cotton swab or cotton ball and sweep it downward under the eye several times. This picks up dirt and debris that can stain and cause eye infections. Remove stubborn crust by applying a warm, wet wash cloth to the area for three seconds. Wipe the crust away or brush it out.

    • 4

      Wet a wash cloth with warm water and wring it out. Place the cloth over the left side of the dog's head. Apply moderate pressure while sweeping the cloth down over the eyes and off the side of the face. Repeat the process on the right side.

    • 5

      Place the wash cloth under warm water again and it wring out. Put the cloth over the bridge of the dog's nose. Apply moderate pressure and wipe downward three times. Pay special attention around the mouth area where food may accumulate. Wipe the mouth area and under the chin several times.

    • 6

      Examine the poodle. If you see any dirt or debris, re-wet the wash cloth and go over the face again. Give your dog plenty of praise afterward.