What to Do When a Dog’s Eyes Are Inflamed

1 Overview

I. Causes of Dog Eye Inflammation

Some dogs are born with developed tear glands, such as Pekingese and Poodles, and will tear and secrete eye discharge often, so the eyes need frequent cleaning; the best way to remove secretions is eye drops or a 2% boric acid solution.

II. Tips for Giving a Dog Eye Drops

Giving a dog eye drops also requires skill; choose a gentle eye drop such as chloramphenicol, which is mild and less irritating to the eyes, so the dog accepts it more. Be quick and accurate: hold the dog’s nose and mouth up with one hand, hold the eye drop bottle between thumb and index finger with the other, use the little finger to lift the dog’s eyelid, then instill the drops. Never let the bottle tip touch the dog’s eye; move gently and quickly.

Be mentally prepared when giving eye drops; most dogs resist. If the resistance is too strong, stop first.

III. How to Clean a Dog’s Eyeball?

Dry eye crust often accumulates near the dog’s eye corners. Eye crust can be wiped with a damp cotton ball, but never a dry one, because dry cotton can leave fibers in the dog’s eye corners. Besides damp cotton, you can use a wet cloth or cotton ball with 2% borax water to remove the crust. Basically wash the eyes once a day; timely removal of dust and discharge is most important.

Excess eye secretions can be rinsed clean with boric acid solution. But be careful when cleaning not to leave marks on the dog’s fur.