Cleaning and Checking Your Dog’s Eyes Safely

Whether or not you need to clean your dog’s eyes regularly often depends on the breed you keep; for owners of long-muzzled dogs this is usually unnecessary unless your dog becomes ill or has an eye infection. However, owners of dogs with very short muzzles and brachycephalic faces, such as a Pug puppies, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, or Pekingese dogs, may find daily eye cleaning essential.

These breeds have protruding eyes that are more exposed and less protected within the skull structure, making them more sensitive to external damage, infections, and hereditary health concerns.

Read on to learn how to clean and check your dog’s eyes safely and effectively.

Should I Be Cleaning My Dog’s Eyes?

Many dog breeds do not require assistance with eye care. However, some dogs benefit from routine care due to various reasons including:

• Brachycephalic dogs with protruding eyes.
• Dogs with light-coloured fur prone to tear staining.
• Dogs with excessive tear production.
• Dogs affected by dry eye conditions needing artificial lubrication.
• Dogs with medical conditions such as entropion of the eyelid.

Daily Cleaning and Maintenance

If your dog needs daily eye cleaning, a simple routine can be established that won’t take long and will help keep their eyes comfortable and healthy.

Use only clean, soft cloths kept specifically for your dog, washing these regularly to avoid spreading bacteria or infections. Avoid cotton wool or cotton buds as they can shed fibres and irritate the eyes.

First, remove any obvious debris from around the eye. Then gently wipe around the open eye with a cloth dampened with warm water; avoid pressing or scratching the eye, and do not make the eye too wet.

Dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs with facial skin folds also need those folds cleaned carefully to prevent bacteria and fungal infections. Always dry these folds thoroughly afterwards to prevent irritation or rubbing.

If your vet has prescribed or recommended moisturising eye drops, apply these only after cleaning and drying the eyes.

Throughout the process, watch for signs of irritation, redness, scratching, or any unusual discharge, and consult your vet if you notice changes.

Monthly Thorough Eye Cleaning

Once a month, incorporate a more thorough eye cleaning as part of your dog’s grooming routine. Using pet-safe eyewashes or rinses recommended by your vet can help flush out debris and soothe the eyes.

Introduce your dog gradually to eyewash use so it becomes a calm and comfortable experience. After rinsing, dry your dog’s face carefully and remove excess moisture from the eye corners.

Tear staining can be gently washed during this monthly routine as well. While unsightly, tear stains usually aren’t a health concern unless paired with inflammation or infection, so avoid excessive worry about stains alone.

This monthly care time is also perfect for a thorough eye examination, checking for early signs of cataracts, cloudiness, or other developing issues.

Annual Veterinary Eye Checkups

Your vet plays a crucial role in your dog’s eye health. Consult them about which products are safe to use around your dog’s eyes and whether your dog needs routine eye care.

During annual checkups, vets will perform full eye examinations and may provide or recommend appropriate care products such as eye creams or lotions. In some cases, certain human eye drops are suitable for dogs, but always use these under vet guidance.

Do not hesitate to contact your vet during the year if you notice concerning symptoms like persistent redness, discharge, squinting, or pawing at the eyes.

Some eye conditions, like entropion, can sometimes be corrected surgically, so early veterinary advice is invaluable to managing your dog’s quality of life.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Dog’s Eyes Safely and Effectively

Step 1: Gather Supplies

• Clean, soft cloths reserved for eye cleaning
• Warm water (never use soaps or chemicals)
• Pet-safe eyewash or isotonic buffered saline (if recommended)
• Moisturising eye drops or ointments (vet recommended)
• Optional: gloves to prevent contamination

Step 2: Prepare Your Dog

Approach your dog calmly and speak gently to avoid startling. You may choose to perform eye cleaning during bath time or after a calm period to make it part of a comforting routine.

Step 3: Initial Cleaning

Remove loose debris gently from around the eyes with the dry part of your cloth. Then dampen the cloth with warm water and gently wipe around the eyes, avoiding pressing or rubbing the eyeball directly.

Step 4: Using Eyewash (if necessary)

If debris or irritation inside the eye requires flushing, use only vet-recommended eyewash. Apply a few drops in the corner of the eye, then use a gentle stream to flush debris away from the cornea, aiming between the eye and lower eyelid or white eye part. Avoid direct spraying on the sensitive eyeball.

Step 5: Dry and Apply Treatments

Carefully dry around the eyes and facial folds. Apply any prescribed lubricating drops or ointments only after the cleaning is complete and the eyes are dry.

Step 6: Monitor and Observe

Watch for any signs of redness, swelling, discharge, squinting, or pawing at the eyes after cleaning. If these signs persist, consult your vet promptly.

Signs Your Dog’s Eyes Need Veterinary Attention

Some signs to be vigilant for include:

• Thick or pus-like eye discharge
• Redness or swelling around the eye
• Excessive squinting or blinking
• Pawing or rubbing at the eye
• Cloudiness or changes in the eye surface

If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible to prevent worsening conditions.

Responsible Eye Care and Your Dog’s Wellbeing

Regular and gentle eye care can greatly improve your dog’s comfort and quality of life, especially for brachycephalic breeds prone to eye sensitivity. Establishing a calm routine helps your dog tolerate care better and supports early detection of health issues.

Always use products recommended by your vet and avoid self-medicating with human products unless directed by a professional.

Effective eye care is part of responsible pet ownership, ensuring your beloved companion stays healthy and happy.