
Eye Care
'Eye' spy a page all about how to care for one of your pet's greatest senses. While often overlooked, eye care is critical for many breeds.
The Basics
What you'll need prior to removing debris/build-up
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​Eye wash solution: Since we are going to be working near a sensitive organ (the eye), using solutions that are safe when in the eye is a necessity. Tap water can be used on the hair around the eye or in the eye for emergencies. However, if we know we are planning to complete a cleaning, it is best to use approved solutions specifically for the eye.
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Eye cleansing wipes: This could function as an alternative, or in addition to, the solution depending on your pet's tolerance of liquid being squeezed near/in their eyes. Some pets will need a liquid rinse, but others may simply benefit from a cleaning of the debris around there eyes, which is where these would be extremely useful.
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Wash cloth/Tissue/Gauze: There are options here as the main function we are looking for is a material to manipulate and wipe away debris. We commonly use both wash clothes and gauze in clinic.​​​​
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*Optional* Gloves: Depending on how significant the debris is around the eye, gloves may be appropriate to prevent excess debris accumulating on the cleaner's hands.
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*Optional* Fine tooth comb: For thicker material around the eye this tool can be helpful in breaking up and working out the debris next to or embedded in the hair around the eyes. TO NOTE: This tool can be used, with CAUTION, however be mindful to protect your pets' eyes when using it.
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Additionally, it is may be beneficial to have 2 people present (one to manage the pet and the other to complete the cleaning) depending on the pet's temperament.
How To
The Process
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Pick a location: Depending on the supplies used, this could be complete in a bathroom, on a couch, in the field after a run through the brush or really any place preferable and accessible for you and your pet. If using a solution that will drain from the eye or significant discharge present, somewhere easy to wipe up is recommended.
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Complete the cleaning: See 'The Cleaning' for full instructions. Be aware that some pets do not prefer to have your hands up by their face/eyes, especially when squeezing solution and working at pesky debris stuck in their hair. If this is going to be a difficulty, please complete this procedure with 2 people to keep yourself and your pet calm and safe. TO NOTE: The eye is a sensitive organ. A small abrasion or scratch can be a significant concern. For your pet's eye health, if this is not possible to complete safely at home, please schedule an appointment with our clinic or grooming staff to accomplish without injury.
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Positive one-on-one time after the cleaning: Creating a positive environment for any task you would like to complete regularly with your pet is important. Taking them for a walk, playing with a toy, or providing an exciting puzzle toy or treat afterwards will help to re-enforce the all around upbeat and comforting environment we hope to create. ​
​​Keep us in the loop! We want to know what is working for your pets (as well as what isn't). Every pet is different and we would be happy to talk through additional options, or even schedule a demonstration in clinic if you would be interested.
The Cleaning
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Find a friend and acquire materials: Depending on your pet's behavior, two people may be necessary for this process. If your pet will not be able to sit still or allow you to hold their head steady, a second set of hands can be extremely helpful. If attempting on your own, find a space the your pet can be seated and not back away or maneuver away during the cleaning. For small dogs or cats this could be sitting in your lap or next to you on a couch/chair. For larger dogs, this could be seated in front of you between your legs with a chair that has a solid front (example: a couch or recliner). In any situation they should have their back facing you so that you are able to tip their head back towards you for access to clean their eyes. See the above section ('The Basics') for recommended materials for the job.​
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Squeeze eye solution into the eye: Using your non-dominant hand, tip the pet's head back toward you to have the eyes looking up towards the ceiling/sky. Using the thumb of your non-dominant hand, open the eye wide enough to allow the solution to drop into the eye. Squeeze 5-10 drops or a steady stream for approximately 3 seconds into the eye. Repeat with the other eye During this step it can be helpful to have a towel under the pet or nearby for easy clean-up as the solution will likely drip out of the eyes and onto the ground.
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Remove any debris from the edges/corner of the eye: It is important to wipe away any excess material from around they eye that could build up further or cause infection around the eye. When wiping it is crucial to ALWAYS wipe AWAY from the eye. Wiping towards the eye will increase the chance of bringing the debris or foreign material onto the cornea where it can cause a scratch or infection to occur. Some debris may be tougher to remove, this is where a fine toothed comb (such as a flea comb) can be used to help break up the material. First, massage the debris with an eye wipe or solution soaked gauze to break up the thick ball of material. The comb can then be used to GENTLY work the debris apart and AWAY from the eye(s). Be mindful to not poke your pet in the eye with the comb or pull on too much debris at one time to inflict any trauma to the hair around the eye.
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Wipe discharge/excess material from around the eyes: Once the cleaning is completed, use a non-abrasive material (tissue/gauze/wash cloth) to wipe up any solution or debris that is still stuck to/dripping from the hair by the eyes.
Interested in having a cleaning completed but not comfortable doing it at home?
Reach out to our groomers to see what they can do for your pet!
Grooming: 608-767-1404