Dog Eye Care: Keeping Your Pup's Eyes Healthy and Clean

Your dog’s eyes are delicate and important. Regular eye care helps prevent infections, discomfort, and vision problems.

Normal vs. Abnormal Discharge

Normal

• Small amount of clear or slightly grayish discharge
• Crusting in corners after sleep
• Occasional watery eyes

Abnormal (See Your Vet)

• Yellow or green discharge
• Excessive tearing
• Swelling or redness
• Squinting or pawing at eyes
• Cloudiness or color changes
• Visible third eyelid

Daily Eye Care Routine

What You’ll Need

• Soft, clean cloth or cotton balls
• Warm water or eye wipes
• Tear stain remover (if needed)

How to Clean

1. Moisten cloth with warm water
2. Gently wipe from inner corner outward
3. Use different cloth/cotton ball for each eye
4. Dry the area gently
5. Check for any abnormalities

Common Eye Issues

Tear Staining

• Brown/red streaks below eyes
• More visible on light-colored dogs
• Caused by porphyrin in tears
• Keep area clean and dry

Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

• Inadequate tear production
• Thick discharge
• Red, irritated eyes
• Requires veterinary treatment

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

• Red, swollen conjunctiva
• Discharge
• Squinting
• Contagious forms exist

Cherry Eye

• Prolapsed third eyelid gland
• Pink/red mass in corner of eye
• Common in certain breeds
• Usually requires surgery

Entropion/Ectropion

• Eyelids rolling inward or outward
• Causes irritation
• Breed predisposition
• May need surgical correction

Breeds Prone to Eye Issues

Flat-Faced (Brachycephalic)

• Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus
• Eyes prone to injury and dryness
• Need extra monitoring

Droopy-Eyed

• Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds
• Prone to ectropion
• Collect debris easily

Long-Haired

• Sheepdogs, Maltese, Yorkies
• Hair can irritate eyes
• Keep hair trimmed around eyes

Prevention Tips

1. Keep hair trimmed around eyes
2. Clean eyes daily for prone breeds
3. Avoid irritants (smoke, dust, chemicals)
4. Protect during car rides (don’t let them stick head out window)
5. Regular vet eye exams
6. Good nutrition supports eye health

When to See the Vet Immediately

• Sudden vision changes
• Trauma to the eye
• Foreign object in eye
• Severe redness or swelling
• Eye protruding from socket
• Sudden cloudiness

Eye Care During Grooming

Professional groomers:

• Clean around eyes safely
• Trim hair that could irritate
• Check for abnormalities
• Use appropriate products near eyes

Keep those eyes bright and healthy! Book a grooming appointment for complete care.