Eye Care for Dogs

Dogs eyes are very sensitive just like people's, and eye cleaning is an important factor affecting the overall health of dogs. Extreme conditions such as discharge, burrs, redness, loss of brightness and watering can be seen in the eyes, especially due to their fur. Such eye conditions should not be considered normal and should be treated immediately.

Eye cleaning and care in dogs also differ according to the breed of the dog. Long, thick-haired dogs need more frequent eye checks, such as Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and Shih Tzus.

Things to Consider Before Eye Cleaning in Dogs

• Before cleaning your dog's eyes, you should inspect his eyes. However, it is useful to do this without disturbing your dog, if possible, by bringing it to rest time. Your dog may not let you look him in the eye. In such a case, do not force him, wait for a more suitable time.

• You can start eye control as soon as you are sure that you are not frightening your dog. You can start by checking the white part of your eye by pulling your eyes down slightly in an environment with enough light.

• Repeat the same process by pulling the eyes upwards. If your dog has redness, inflammation, yellowing or discharge from the whites of his eyes, start monitoring this and see the vet if these symptoms persist for more than two days.

How Should Eye Cleaning Be?

1. It is actually not right to interfere with the eyes, one of the most sensitive organs of dogs. Still, eye cleaning is a necessary habit. When eye cleaning is done correctly in dogs, it can prevent many diseases.

2. Contrary to popular belief, wiping our dogs' eyes with cotton is not a correct method. The fluffy nature of cotton can irritate the eyes and leave residue. This will lead to inflammation in the long run.

3. Apart from cotton, wet wipes, dry napkins, towels or pieces of fabric should not be touched. The most ideal method for eye cleaning is to choose sterile cloths or eye care products specially produced for dogs.

4. Approach your dog slowly and gently wipe the eye area to remove any dirt or mucus. Do not interfere with the eye.

5. Make sure that the water you use to clean the eye is not too hot or too cold. Take care to use boiled and cooled water as much as possible.

6. Be sure to be slow but with the necessary amount of firmness when wiping your dog's eyes. Only apply as much force as you need. If the burrs you are trying to remove are stubborn, try again with a slightly wet cleaning cloth.

7. Use eye solutions specially produced for dogs to clean the tear marks around the eyes.

It is also essential that you take care to clean your dog's eyes in one go. It is inconvenient to apply the same gauze to the eye more than once, as it will spread inflammation or germs to the eye. When cleaning the eyes, you should be careful not to put pressure on the eye. You should clean your dog's eye as if gently stroking it. Doing this process once a week will be positive in terms of protecting your dog's eye health.