How To Clean The Dog’s Eyes
If you are especially concerned about cleaning the dog’s eyes, it is likely because you have observed a large amount of secretions in or around the eyes. The first thing to do is make sure that this ‘dirt’ inside is not caused by a medical problem.
Regardless of the dog’s eyes, they must always remain very clean. Some dogs tend to be dirtier than others. These, especially, are the ones to pay attention to, but dogs whose eyes do not seem to get so dirty should not be neglected for this reason.
In any case, while it is true that many dogs simply have excessive eye discharge, it can also be a sign of something more serious. If along with the secretions you observe redness, an abundance of clouds and / or inflammation, you should go to the vet, especially if there is bleeding, as this could be a sign of an eye infection or another serious disorder.
Keys to cleaning the dog’s eyes
In case there are no medical problems, cleaning the dog’s eyes can be done at home without any problems. To remove general dirt in the eyes, it must be done by gently wiping the edge of the eye with a clean gauze soaked in physiological saline.
Eye wipes made specifically for dogs can also be used, but are generally not necessary. In any case, it is important to clean the entire eye, but never directly on the surface of the eye, that is, on the eyeball.
If there is dirt or debris directly inside the dog’s eye, what to do is rinse with an eyewash. There are specific solutions for dogs, but you can also use saline solution.
To wash the dog’s eyes, place the container with the eyewash or saline near the eye, but never inside, and gently squeeze the container to release the liquid. The container should be tilted downwards, as this will make it easier for the liquid to come out and wash the dirt out of the eye.
Since this can be stressful for your dog, be sure to keep him calm and give him a treat when you’re done. If this eye cleaning task is difficult to do, you can go to a dog groomer, even your vet, to take care of it.
The ideal time to wash the dog’s face and eyes is at bath time, but it is not always possible to wait. Cleaning the eyes is a fairly simple process and how often it should be done has not been established. Just keep an eye on your dog and clean his eyes whenever necessary.
Tear stains on fair skin
If the dog’s coat is white or very light blond, the animal may be susceptible to tear stains. These spots occur when the accumulation of water in the eyes discolors the fur underneath them to a brown or red tint.
Breeds with Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, or Shih Tzus are susceptible to excess moisture in the eyes because their thick hair often irritates their eyes. It is important to remove these spots as soon as possible, as they can be a breeding ground for bacteria if they remain wet for too long.
If routine cleaning with a wet wipe doesn’t remove stains, there are solutions specially designed for this condition. You can also make a homemade cleanser to remove tear stains. Mix equal parts of cornstarch and hydrogen peroxide, and apply the solution to the dog’s skin without direct contact with his eyes.
If this solution does not convince you, mix boric acid and cornstarch and also avoid contact with the dog’s eyes. Let the mixture dry for a couple of hours and then rinse well with lukewarm water.
The best way to avoid these tear stains, and the risk involved, is prevention. There are many products on the market to prevent future tear stains from forming. Consult your vet about specific products based on your dog’s needs.
