Administering Eye Drops for Dogs

Eye drops for dogs are frequently prescribed by vets for different eye infections and irritations. A lot of dogs will react aggressively when owners try to administer eye drops or will not be cooperative. Knowing how to administer eye drops is important for all dog owners and will help relieving the dog’s discomfort and eye problems.

Prepare Your Dog

If your dog is not used to getting eye drops, it’s helpful to have someone assist you while you administer the medication.

The person assisting you should hold the dog in place by holding his front legs and back side. You should use treats and reassuring words; make sure you are calm, as the dog may sense if you are stressed.

You may also use a warm blanket or a towel to make your dog feel more secure.

Administer the Medication

Use your thumb and index finger to hold the dog’s eye open. Get a syringe or and eye dropper and fill it with the prescribed amount of medication; if the medication should be warmed up prior to administering it, warm it up and make sure that the liquid is lukewarm, so that the eye won’t get hurt.

With one hand, apply one drop and make sure it enters the eye. Make sure that the eye dropper or syringe doesn’t touch the surface of the eye. Apply as many drops as needed, making sure that you count each drop. Repeat this procedure for the other eye as well.

If the dog objects to getting the eye drops, you or the person assisting you should hold his head up high, so that the dog looks at the ceiling. If you hold your dog’s head, use your remaining hand.

If you cannot make your dog hold his eyes open, you will have to administer the eye drops precisely in the crease between the eyelids. Make sure the dog holds his head upwards, so that the solution enters the eye through the gap between the eyelids. If you use this method, a lot of the solution will go near the eye, so you should apply more eye drops.

Massaging the Eye Area

Massaging the eye area will ensure that the medication is spread over the surface of the eye and to ensure that the medication makes its effect. Gently close the eyelid of the dog and massage the area; extend the massage to the dog’s temples and ears, which will make the dog calm and will also act as a stress reliever.

After the massage you should wipe off the extra medication that may remain near the eyes.

After each administration of eye drops give your dog a treat or use some praising words, so that your pet feels rewarded. If the dog links a pleasant experience (getting a treat) with a not so pleasant experience (the administration of eye drops), he is more likely to be more cooperative the next time.

 

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