VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center

How to give a dog eye drops

Published: Mar 12, 2012

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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.

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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:

 

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Emergency Care

VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital & Referral Center

9901 Montgomery NE

Albuquerque, NM  87111

505 296-2982

In Case of Emergency......

1.  Remain Calm.

2.  Call Your Family Veterinarian First.  If they are unavailable, call us at 505 296-2982.

3.  Tell us the nature of the problem.  We will give you instructions on how to handle your pet while enroute and give you directions to our hospital.

What is an Emergency?

Difficulty breathing

Unstoppable bleeding

Major trauma or injury

Shock

Inability to urinate or defecate

Heatstroke

Bloated or distended abdomen

Allergic reactions

Loss of balance, unconsciousness, or seizure

Eye injuries

Inability to deliver puppies or kittens

Poisoning

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