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Dealing with eye boogers might not be the most pleasant part of pet ownership. However, learning when and how to clean your dog’s eyes, especially if they’re a breed prone to tear staining or discharge, can help keep them comfortable and prevent problems like eye infections from developing.
The guidance below will give you the confidence to clean your dog’s eyes safely, keep your pet stress-free, and know when to seek veterinary assistance.
When Is Cleaning a Dog’s Eyes Necessary?
Eye cleaning might not be a daily or even weekly part of every dog owner’s routine. However, there are times when it’s a necessity.
To Remove Regular Eye Gunk
Most dogs experience eye boogers at some point, and they’re usually harmless. The brown-colored gunk (rheum) is a natural mix of tears, skin cells and other debris. It’s similar to the crusty “sleep” that gathers at the corners of human eyes, which can be more pronounced first thing in the morning.
Dr. Gabre Denton is a Fear-Free Certified Veterinarian with West Village Veterinary Hospital and TeachMe.To. He explains that regular cleaning can be necessary if you have a breed more prone to gunky eyes, like a Poodle or a Shih Tzu.
While rheum isn’t typically a cause for concern, leaving it to build up can be painful for your dog and could cause eye damage or lead to bacterial infection.
To Manage Tear Staining
If your dog’s fur turns a pink-brown shade around the eyes, it often relates to tear staining. This occurs when a buildup of high-iron porphyrins (pigments associated with the breakdown of red blood cells) are excreted in the tears. Some breeds, including Bichon Frises, Bulldogs, Maltese, Pekingese, and Poodles, are more predisposed to tear staining. It’s also more noticeable on dogs with white or light-colored coats. While it’s not typically something to worry about, tear staining can be unsightly. Regular cleaning around the eye can help keep the discoloration at bay.
While Managing an Eye Condition
If your dog is receiving treatment for an eye condition or has had eye surgery, your veterinarian may recommend cleaning to promote healing and reduce the risk of secondary infections.
To Control Irritation
Cleaning your dog’s eyes can help relieve mild irritation. This might occur if your dog suffers from pollen or other environmental allergies or, as Dr Denton suggests, they have a bit of dust or other small particles in their eye.
How to Clean a Dog’s Eyes
If minor discharge or tear staining is normal, or if your veterinarian has directed you to do so, try following the steps below to clean your dog’s eyes.
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Dr. Denton suggests using vet-recommended eye wipes or a sterile saline solution to clean away discharge. You can also use warm water (held at a rolling boil for at least one minute to sterilize).
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Dampen a clean cloth or cotton ball with the sterile solution or cooled boiled water.
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Wipe away the discharge, moving along the eyelid’s surface toward the ear. Don’t try to hold the eye open during this process.
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Use a new cotton ball, wipe or section of cloth for each eye.
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For any hard-crusted gunk, hold the damp cloth over the eye for a moment to allow it to soften before gently wiping it away.
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Repeat the process until all the discharge is gone.
Dr. Denton suggests flushing with a sterile saline solution if your dog has minor eye irritation from dust or other small particles.
Keep the Hair Around Your Dog’s Eyes Short
Trimming long hair around your dog’s eyes with blunt-nose scissors can help minimize irritation, tear staining, or booger buildup and ensures an unobstructed view.
What Not to Do When Cleaning a Dog’s Eyes?
Dr Denton says that human eye-cleaning solutions made solely of sterile saline are safe, but he cautions against using other human products, as the additives could be harmful to dogs. “Also avoid alcohol-based products, hydrogen peroxide and harsh materials like rough cloth or cotton swabs,” he says. Avoid essential oils, soaps, and homemade remedies as these could be irritating, damaging to the eye or even toxic.
How to Help Your Dog Feel Comfortable During Eye Cleaning
Nicole Ellis is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and American Kennel Club CGC evaluator.. She recommends getting your dog comfortable with eye cleaning even if they don’t suffer from a regular buildup of gunk. If they develop a problem in the future that requires eye drops or daily cleaning, then the process will be safer, smoother and less stressful for you both.
Ellis suggests getting your dog used to you holding their head still first in a calm and familiar environment. “I start with quick sessions and reward every step with a tasty treat,” she says. “Positive reinforcement will make the process more pleasant for them.” She recommends working up to a longer duration hold over several sessions using one hand to gently hold their head while being careful not to squeeze hard or hold them in position forcefully.
Next, introduce the cleaning cloth or wipes, letting your dog sniff and investigate them first, before gradually building up to touching the face and then the eyes. “Consistency is key,” Ellis says. “Regularly clean their eyes, so they become accustomed to it. If your dog becomes too stressed, take a break and try again later.”
When to See a Veterinarian About Your Dog’s Gunky Eyes
If your dog has excessive gunk or the boogers are accompanied by new or concerning symptoms, don’t delay seeking advice from your veterinarian. “Handling minor stuff at home is fine, but serious issues need professional care to avoid complications or permanent damage,” Dr. Denton says.
He lists excessive, thick, malodorous, or discolored discharge, redness, swelling, squinting, excessive blinking or frequent rubbing of the eyes as causes for concern. “These could be signs of an infection or other eye issues,” he says. He also recommends seeking assistance if a minor eye irritation persists or worsens. This could relate to an eye injury or a foreign object stuck in the eye.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.