VCA Berwyn Animal Hospital

How to give a dog eye drops

Published: Mar 12, 2012

Back to News

If your dog develops an eye infection or problem of any kind, your veterinarian may prescribe eye drops to help treat the issue. Applying eye drops to dogs correctly is important, but may be difficult if the animal doesn't cooperate.

VCA Animal Hospitals recommends that all pet owners wash their hands thoroughly before and after administering the eye drops. Failure to do so could result in spreading the infection or getting harmful particles in the dog's eye. It's also a good idea to gently wash the dogs eye area with a damp cloth before administering the drops.

It's likely that you'll need a friend to hold the dog while you apply the eye drops, as the dog will not know what you're doing and may try to get free. A muzzle may also be necessary if your dog is frightened and attempts to bite.

Hold the bottle upside down using one hand, being careful not to let the applicator touch the dog's eye. Rest this hand on top of the dog's head for stability, then use your other thumb to pull down on the dog's lower eyelid. Slowly and evenly administer the prescribed amount of drops. It is common for the dog to blink or try to paw at the eye after this is done, however, you should prevent your dog from rubbing their eye with their paw to prevent further injury.  If it seems like the drops are very bothersome, you should contact your vet.

CLOSE CLOSE

General Practice

We have over 540 animal hospitals in 41 states that are staffed by more than 2,000 fully qualified, dedicated and compassionate veterinarians, with more than 200 being board-certified specialists. The nationwide VCA family of general practice hospitals give your pet the very best in medical care, providing a full range of general medical and surgical services as well as specialized treatments*: Wellness, Spay/neuter, Advanced diagnostic services (MRI/CT Scan), Internal medicine, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Cardiology, Neurology, Boarding, Grooming

*services may vary by location.

Our family of pet hospitals stands out by delivering the greatest resources in order provide the highest quality care available for your pets. By maintaining the highest standards of pet health care available anywhere, we emphasize prevention as well as healing. We provide continuing education programs to our doctors and staff and promote the open exchange of professional knowledge and expertise. And finally, we have established a consistent program of procedures and techniques, proven to be the most effective in keeping pets healthy.

Find a VCA General Care Animal Hospital near you:

 

See all VCA Animal Hospitals >

CLOSE CLOSE

Emergency Care

Call 708-749-4200 if you have any questions or concern regarding your pet.

We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for any emergency , including all holidays.  Veterinarians are on the premises around the clock.

Some symptoms that may indicate your pet may need to be seen on an emergency basis include:

  • Difficulty Breathing and/or pale or blue gums or tongue
  • Heavy Bleeding - apply direct pressure to the wound
  •  Major Trauma - if your pet has fallen, been hit by a car or has multiple wounds
  • Gaping Wounds
  • Collapse/Loss of Consciousness
  • Paralysis
  • Lacerations and Bite Wounds
  • Poisoning
  • Infections - or if your pet suddenly gets worse while on medication for an infection
  • Difficulty Urinating - Frequent attempts to urinate that don't produce a normal urine flow could indicate infection or obstruction - especially in male cats!
  • Eye Problems - redness, tearing, pain, squinting or eyelid spasms
  • Prolonged or multiple episodes of vomiting or Diarrhea

 

 

  

CLOSE CLOSE