If your dog has a problem with their eye, your vet may prescribe eye drops to settle it down. It is important to apply these drops correctly to help your dog make a good recovery. Here are some tips on how to apply eye drops, and your vet will be able to provide more advice if you are struggling.
How does my dog's eye work?
The following animation shows the structure of the dog's eye. When the dog blinks, the eyelids come across to protect the delicate surface of the eye.
Animation showing the normal anatomy of the eye:
Eye drops are often prescribed to settle down problems with the front of your dog's eye. There are many different types of eye drops that can be used depending on the problem - some drops contain medication to treat eye infections or inflammation, while other drops can simply lubricate the eye which can be useful if your dog does not produce enough tears.
Before applying eye drops, your vet will probably advise that you make sure your dog's eye is nice and clean. If your dog has discharge built up around their eye, you can gently wipe this away with a damp piece of cotton wool.
How do I hold my dog?
To apply eye drops, it may help to put your dog on a table, with a towel underneath them if the surface is slippery. If you have an extra pair of hands this is ideal. Some dogs are very good at staying still for eye drops, but you may find it helps to cuddle your dog towards you.
When you are ready to apply the eye drops, steady your dog's head with a hand under their chin. If you have a dog with a very short nose, this may be a little harder as you cannot hold their muzzle so easily, but you can still gently steady their head. Tilt your pet's head slightly upwards so you can easily apply the drops.
How do I apply eye drops?
To apply eye drops, hold your dog as described above and squeeze a drop into the eye without touching the surface of the eye with the nozzle of the bottle. If somebody else is able to hold your dog, use your spare hand to gently hold your dog's eye open.
Animation on eye drop administration:
Follow your vet's directions as to how many drops to apply. Usually only one drop will be required.
How do I apply eye ointment or cream?
To apply an eye ointment or cream, hold your dog as described above and squeeze some ointment out of the tube so that it falls on your dog's eye. Still avoid touching the eye with the nozzle. Once you have applied the ointment, open and close your dog's eye a few times to make sure that it spreads over the surface of the eye.
Video on eye ointment administration:
Whatever medication you are giving, follow your vet's advice on how long the course of treatment should be. It is important to finish the course even if your dog's eye looks better, as sometimes eye problems can recur if they are not treated for long enough. Also remember to check the packet for storage instructions, as some drugs should be kept in the fridge.
How do I apply an eye cleaner?
Eye cleaning solutions are also available for dogs, and your vet may advise using one of these if your dog tends to develop a build-up of debris or mucus in their eyes. The technique for applying an eye cleaner is shown in the following video. Without touching your dog's eye with the nozzle of the bottle, gently squirt some of the eye cleaner into the corner of the eye, and then wipe away with clean cotton wool.
Video on eye cleaning in the dog:
What if my dog doesn't like eye drops?
Some dogs can be a bit sensitive about their eyes, particularly if they are sore. If you are struggling to apply eye drops for your pet, ask your vet for advice on the best technique to use. It helps to reassure your dog and give them praise for sitting still, and give them a treat afterwards to give them positive associations with the process.
If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (925) 744-6421, or you can email us at [email protected].