The proper administration of eye medications is essential for your pet’s prompt recovery. Make sure you have carefully read the medication label and understand the prescription instructions. If you have any questions, contact your veterinarian before administering any medication.
Wash your hands before and after administering the medication to prevent contamination and/or potential spread of infection.
Be sure to keep the eye medication’s applicator tip clean and do not allow it to contact the dog, the surface of the eye or eyelids, or any other surface. If this occurs, clean the tip by wiping it off with a clean cloth and ask your veterinarian for specific cleaning instructions.
If your dog’s eye is painful, you may require someone assist you with restraint or you may need to place a muzzle on your dog. Usually, as the medication begins to control the problem, the pain lessens, and assistance becomes less necessary.
Here are some helpful tips and step-by-step instructions for administering eye drops:
1. Shake the bottle, if indicated on the label instructions.
2. Gently clean any debris from the dog’s eyes with warm water and a washcloth. This process can be soothing and can help prepare your dog for the administration of eye drops. Reward your dog with head rubs or treats.
3. Get your dog into position.
- If you have a small dog, it may help to hold him in your lap.
- It may help to wrap your dog in a blanket or towel with only the head exposed.
- It may help if another person gently holds your dog while you apply the drops.
4. Hold the bottle between the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand, with the bottle tip pointed downwards. Rest this hand on top of the dog’s head for stability.
5. With your other (non-dominant) hand, gently pull down the lower eyelid with your thumb, creating a pouch to receive the drops. Place the remaining fingers under the dog’s jaw to support the head.
6. Lift the eyelid using one of the following methods:
- Use the forefinger of your non-dominant hand.
- Use the last two fingers of your dominant hand. Have another person gently tip your dog’s head back and nose up, while you use the index finger and thumb of your non-dominant hand to open your dog’s eye.
7. Hold the bottle close to the eye but do not touch the eye’s surface with the applicator.
8. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops directly onto the eyeball, aiming for the center of the eye, and then release the dog’s head.
9. Release the dog. Your dog will blink, spreading the medication over the surface of the eye.
10. Reward your dog with massage or treats.
It is common for dogs to blink or paw at the eye after administering the drops. Some drops have a bitter taste, which drains to the back of the mouth via the tear ducts and can cause your dog to gag or salivate. If the eye appears more inflamed or red after administration of the medication, consult with your veterinarian.
Make sure you give your dog plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a treat when you are finished. This will make the experience more positive and make it easier to give the medication the next time. Consult your veterinarian if you are not able to apply the medication as directed.
