Routine eye care is an essential part of taking care of your pet that requires very little time or money. Your cat or dog cannot safely or effectively clean his own eyes, which means you must do the work for him. Ideally, you should examine and clean your pet’s eyes weekly, or more often if needed.
If you’ve never checked or cleaned your pet’s eyes, there is no need to panic. The process is simple and requires little more than common sense and a few over-the-counter supplies.
Step 1: Find a comfortable place to work with sufficient light and minimal distractions. Allow your cat or dog to get comfortable, and then check the hair near your pet’s eyes to determine whether it needs trimming. Hair hanging into your pet’s eyes can obstruct his vision or cause irritation. If necessary, trim the hair with blunt-nosed scissors, parallel to the top edge of your pet’s eyes.
Step 2: Clean your pet’s eyes with sterile eyewash to remove mucus, dirt, and debris. The eyewash should not bother your pet’s eyes. If your pet resists, wait a few minutes before applying more eyewash. Catch drips with a clean, soft towel.
Step 3: Examine your pet’s eyes for signs of infection or other problems. Check for redness, discharge, visible scratches on or around the eyes, discoloration, and other signs of a problem. Report any concerns to your veterinarian immediately. Stains under your pet’s eyes may be caused by his tears. Mention these to your veterinarian at your next appointment.
Step 4: Protect your pet’s eyes before baths or flea treatments by applying a petroleum-based product to the top eyelid. These products prevent irritation from detergents and chemicals and make bath time a more pleasant experience for your pet.
Step 5: Take care of your pet’s eyes between cleanings. Never let your animal hang his head out of the car window, as doing so can cause serious eye damage. Also, keep your pet’s eyes moist to prevent irritation and pain, and teach your cat or dog not to run his eyes on the corners of furniture or other surfaces.
Keeping your pet’s eyes clean and checking them regularly helps prevent infections and irritation that can cause significant pain, reduce quality of life, and lead to permanent loss of eyesight. A weekly check and cleaning takes only 10 minutes and may save your pet’s vision. Plus, it offers you a great opportunity to spend quality time with your pet.