How to Clean Your Dog's Eyes Safely at Home
Dog eyes are sensitive and quickly show when something is wrong. Gentle cleaning around the eyes is a normal part of grooming, but it must be done with care and knowledge of when to stop and call the vet.
What is normal
Dogs produce tears that drain through ducts near the nose. Some tears and a small amount of dried discharge in the corners of the eye, often called eye boogers, are normal. A healthy eye is bright and clear, with white eyeballs and no redness, and the dog does not squint or paw at it.
What is not normal
Contact your vet promptly if you see:
- Yellow, green or bloody discharge
- Thick, sticky or heavy discharge
- Red or swollen eyelids or whites of the eye
- Cloudy or bluish eyes
- Squinting, pawing or rubbing
- Sudden changes in the size or shape of the pupil
- Visible injury
Eyes can deteriorate quickly, so do not wait. See why a dog's eye is red or discharging for common causes.
What you need
- Clean, soft cotton pads or lint-free cloth
- Warm water or a vet-approved eye wash or wipes
- Treats
Step by step
- Wash your hands.
- Moisten a pad with warm water.
- Wipe gently from the inner corner outward, using a fresh pad for each eye.
- Soften stubborn crust by holding the damp pad against it for a few seconds before wiping.
- Dry the area with a clean pad.
- Reward your dog.
Never touch the eyeball, and never use a dirty cloth or tissue that may leave fibres.
Hair around the eyes
Long facial hair can poke the eye and wick moisture. Keep it trimmed or tied up. See how to trim hair around a dog's eyes and Shih Tzu grooming.
Breeds prone to eye problems
Flat-faced breeds with prominent eyes, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, and small breeds with shallow tear ducts, such as Maltese and Poodles, often have tearing and staining. See how to remove tear stains from dogs.
Bath and grooming safety
Keep shampoo out of the eyes. Wash the face with a damp cloth. If soap gets in, rinse gently with lukewarm water and call your vet if irritation persists. See how to bathe a dog at home.
Products to avoid
- Human eye drops, unless prescribed
- Homemade salt or herbal rinses
- Essential oils and strong antiseptics
- Eye powders or home remedies for stains without your vet's advice
Routine checks
Look at your dog's eyes daily, especially in the morning. Know what is normal for your dog so you notice changes quickly.
Ask your vet
Ask for a demonstration on how to clean eyes, particularly if your dog has a medical eye condition. Follow instructions closely.
Cleaning puppy and senior eyes
Puppies' eyes should be bright and clear, and any discharge, crusting or swelling needs a vet check, since eye infections can progress quickly in young animals. Older dogs may develop cloudiness, dry eye or cataracts, which change how the eyes look and feel. See dry eye in dogs. Regular gentle cleaning helps you notice changes early.
Keeping a baseline
Take a clear photograph of your dog's eyes in good light once a month. If you are worried later, you can compare, and your vet can see how things have changed. Note the date and any treatments or changes in diet, home or season.
If something gets in the eye
If your dog gets dirt, sand or shampoo in the eye, flush gently with lukewarm saline or clean water and contact your vet if redness or squinting persists. Do not use tweezers or try to remove anything stuck in the eye yourself.
The takeaway
Wipe gently around the eyes, never touch the eye itself and call your vet quickly for any signs of discomfort or abnormal discharge.
Frequently asked questions
Is eye discharge normal?
A small amount of clear or light brown crust is normal, but heavy, colored or sticky discharge is not.
What can I use to clean the area?
Warm water on a clean cloth or cotton pad, or a dog-safe eye wipe.
Can I use human eye drops?
Not without veterinary advice.
Which breeds get tearing?
Flat-faced and small breeds such as Pugs, Shih Tzus and Maltese.