As dog owners, we often focus on grooming, bathing, and brushing, but one area of care that’s sometimes overlooked is eye hygiene. Just like us, dogs can experience eye problems, including irritation, discharge, and infections. Cleaning your dog’s eyes regularly is an important part of keeping them healthy and preventing infections that could lead to discomfort or more serious issues.
In this article, we’ll go over how to clean your dog’s eyes safely, how to spot signs of an eye infection, and tips to help prevent future problems. With a little attention, you can keep your dog’s eyes clear, healthy, and free from infections.
1. Why Clean Your Dog’s Eyes?
Just like humans, dogs’ eyes can collect dust, dirt, pollen, and other irritants. Some dogs are more prone to eye problems than others because of their breed or existing health conditions. Regularly cleaning your dog’s eyes can help prevent infections, irritation, and discomfort from things like debris or discharge. It’s also a good way to spot early signs of any health issues before they turn into bigger problems.
If you notice any excessive discharge, squinting, redness, or other signs of irritation, cleaning your dog’s eyes can provide some relief. However, if symptoms persist, it’s best to take them to the vet.
2. Signs That Your Dog Might Need Their Eyes Cleaned
There are a few signs that your dog’s eyes need attention or cleaning. Common signs of eye problems in dogs include:
- Excessive Discharge: If you notice watery, thick, or yellow discharge around your dog’s eyes, it’s important to clean it off quickly to avoid buildup and potential infection.
- Redness or Inflammation: Red, swollen eyes could be a sign of irritation, an allergy, or even an infection that needs attention.
- Squinting or Pawing at the Eyes: If your dog is squinting or trying to paw at their eyes, it could mean they’re experiencing discomfort, dryness, or something irritating their eyes.
- Cloudy or Watery Eyes: If your dog’s eyes look cloudy or are watering excessively, this could be a sign of something more serious, like cataracts, conjunctivitis, or glaucoma.
- Rubbing or Scratching: If your dog is rubbing their eyes against furniture or scratching at them, it’s usually a sign of irritation.
If you notice any of these symptoms, cleaning your dog’s eyes regularly is a good place to start. However, if the symptoms don’t go away, it’s best to see a vet to rule out any underlying issues.
3. How to Clean Your Dog’s Eyes Safely
Cleaning your dog’s eyes doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. With the right supplies and a gentle approach, you can do it safely and effectively at home. Here’s how:
a. Gather the Right Supplies
You’ll need a few basic items to clean your dog’s eyes:
- Sterile Saline Solution: This gentle solution is safe for cleaning eyes and is available at pet stores or pharmacies. Avoid using regular eye drops or solutions that aren’t designed for dogs.
- Cotton Balls or Pads: Soft cotton pads are perfect for wiping away discharge or debris.
- Tissues or Clean Cloth: A soft tissue or cloth can be helpful for wiping around the eyes.
- A Towel: Keep a towel nearby to handle any mess.
b. Calm Your Dog
Before you start, make sure your dog is calm and comfortable. Gently hold your dog’s head, either around their muzzle or by cradling their face. If your dog tends to get anxious or squirm, you may want someone else to help hold them still.
If your dog is especially fidgety, try placing them in a calm spot and distracting them with treats or a favorite toy. Some dogs do better when they’re on your lap or in a place where they feel secure.
c. Apply the Saline Solution
Once your dog is calm and secured, put a few drops of sterile saline solution into the corner of their eye or onto a cotton ball. Gently moisten the cotton ball with the solution and use it to wipe away any discharge or debris. Start at the inner corner of the eye and gently wipe outward, following the natural line of the eye. Avoid touching the eyeball directly with the cotton ball to prevent irritation.
If there’s a lot of discharge or crusty buildup around the eye, you may need to repeat this process a few times until the area is clean. Be gentle and avoid pulling on your dog’s fur or skin around their eyes.
d. Clean the Area Around the Eyes
Use a clean cloth or tissue to gently wipe the area around your dog’s eyes, especially if there’s discharge or tears on their fur. Always wipe in the direction of the fur growth to avoid tugging or causing discomfort. If your dog has a lot of eye discharge, regular cleaning may be necessary to prevent staining or irritation.
e. Dispose of Materials Properly
After you’ve finished cleaning, dispose of the cotton balls, tissues, or any other materials you’ve used. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent spreading bacteria or irritants.
4. Tips to Prevent Eye Infections in Dogs
Preventing eye infections is the best way to protect your dog’s eye health. Here are some tips to help keep their eyes clean and infection-free:
- Regular Grooming: Dogs with long hair around their eyes, like Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Bichon Frises, are more prone to irritation from hair touching their eyes. Regular grooming and trimming the hair around their eyes can help prevent debris from getting into their eyes.
- Avoid Irritants: If your dog is prone to allergies or sensitivities, try to reduce their exposure to irritants like smoke, strong perfumes, or cleaning chemicals. Pollen, dust, and pollution can also make eye problems worse, so consider keeping your dog indoors during allergy season.
- Use Pet-Safe Products: Always use products specifically designed for dogs when cleaning their eyes. Human eye drops or products with chemicals can irritate your dog’s sensitive eyes.
- Watch for Allergies: If your dog has allergies, consider using air purifiers in your home to reduce pollen and dust. Regularly cleaning and wiping your dog’s eyes during allergy season can help prevent discomfort.
- Regular Vet Checkups: Schedule regular vet visits to make sure your dog’s eyes stay healthy. Your vet can catch any potential issues early and offer advice on keeping their eyes in top shape.
5. When to See the Vet
Even with regular cleaning, some eye issues may need professional care. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet right away:
- Persistent redness or swelling
- Excessive tearing or changes in the type of discharge (green or yellow)
- Cloudy eyes or noticeable changes in appearance
- Your dog rubbing or pawing at their eyes constantly
- Sensitivity to light or squinting
Your vet can diagnose conditions like conjunctivitis, glaucoma, or cataracts and provide the right treatment.
Conclusion
Cleaning your dog’s eyes is an important part of their overall care routine. Regularly checking for signs of irritation, cleaning away discharge, and preventing exposure to irritants can help your dog keep their eyes clear and healthy. With the right techniques and regular attention, you can prevent infections and make sure your dog stays comfortable. Always consult your vet if you notice any concerning symptoms, and remember that taking care of your dog’s eyes is a simple but effective way to show your love and care.