Why and how often
Healthy eyes are clear and bright, the whites are white, and the dog keeps them wide open. A little dry discharge sometimes collects in the corners, especially in the morning: gently wiping it away is enough.
Flat-faced dogs with prominent eyes, and dogs with long hair around the eyes, need more attention: hair can irritate the eye, and tears can leave brown stains. Do not use any eye products, or anything made for people, without your vet's instructions.
What you need
- Cotton pads, a separate one for each eye
- Clean, lukewarm boiled water
- A fine comb for the hair around the eyes Grooming
- Treats as a reward Treats
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Step by step
- Look at the eyes In good light, look at both eyes and compare them: are both open the same, are they clear, are the whites free of redness?
- Moisten a cotton pad Moisten a pad with lukewarm boiled water and squeeze it so it does not drip.
- Wipe from the inner corner outwards Gently wipe away discharge from the inner corner of the eye towards the outer one, without touching the eyeball itself. Use a fresh pad for each eye.
- Tidy the hair around the eyes Comb away hair that pokes into the eyes with a fine comb. If it keeps touching the eye, a groomer can trim it safely.
- Dry tear stains For a dog whose eyes water all the time, dry the hair below the eyes every day so the skin does not stay damp.
When to stop and see a vet
See a vet the same day if your dog squints or rubs an eye, the eye is red, swollen, cloudy or bluish, there is yellow or green discharge, something is stuck in the eye, or one eye suddenly looks different from the other. Eye injuries get worse quickly, so do not wait.