How to Clean Your Dog's Eyes

Written and verified by the lawyer Francisco María García

Last update: 18 November, 2023

There are a number of things to consider, like doing it in a relaxed atmosphere, making your dog feel comfortable, and trimming any fur surrounding the eye.

Cleaning your dog’s eyes is one of the most important things you as a dog owner need to do to keep your dog healthy and infection-free. Below, we’ll describe how to clean your dog’s eyes as effectively and painlessly as possible.

The importance of cleaning your dog’s eyes

Hygiene and cleanliness are paramount if you want your dog to have a happy, healthy life. And cleaning your dog’s eyes is doubtless one of the most important things to take into consideration.

It’s important to clean your dog’s eyes daily in order to prevent infections. Infections can end in more serious problems, such as conjunctivitis. Therefore, removing residue and gently cleaning his eyes should be part of your daily routine.

You should also be able to recognize the different types of eye residue. You’ll need to tell if it’s normal, or if it’s green and creamy, the latter two being indicative of eye problems.

You should also pay attention if your dog has red eyes. In that case, take him to the veterinarian, who will decide on the most appropriate treatment based on the type of infection in question.

How to clean your dog’s eyes

The steps for cleaning your dog’s eyes are very quick and simple. You can do it in just a few minutes per day. Although it’s advisable to clean his eyes every morning, some breeds require more attention. For example, dogs with skin folds need more care, as residue can easily be trapped between folds.

Keep the fur around the eyes short

It’s important for the dog’s eye area to be completely free. For some breeds you will need to trim the fur that grows around their eyes — very carefully.

A calm environment

One of the biggest tips we have for cleaning your dog’s eyes is to do it in the same place every time. The process should be carried out in a quiet, clean and well-lit room.

The eye cleaning process

The first thing to consider are eyedrops that a veterinarian may prescribe. In most cases it’s a saline solution. The next step is to wet a gauze with the solution and clean the area surrounding the eye. In this step, you should also clean the eyelids and corners of the eye. Be gentle.

If there is still some dirt left after the cleaning process, clean with a bit more pressure on the area. In this case, it’s vital that your dog’s eyes be completely closed to prevent injury.

Use the eye drops

The next step is the most complicated one, and when both you and your dog might get a little nervous. Before putting the drops in his eyes, try to make him relax. If you do the previous step as you pet him and speak gently, then this part will go much more smoothly.

Once your dog is calm, proceed to put the drops in. You should hold the dog’s head with one hand, and with the other, proceed to open his eyelid by using your index finger and thumb. Then, squeeze out one or two drops of the solution. Do the same with the other eye.

Additional Recommendations

• It’s advisable to brush your dog daily to keep loose hairs from entering the eye area.
• Dogs with eyes that “bulge” out more will need careful attention, since they’re more prone to infection. It’s recommended to clean their face several times a day with a clean towel reserved just for them.
• Always use gauze and never cotton balls for eye cleaning, since cotton balls can leave fibers stuck in or around the eyes.

Cleaning your dog’s eyes is a fairly simple and quick process. Of course, the first few times will require a little more patience, until he gets used to the routine and accepts it.