How to Clean My Pet’s Eyes

Why Routine Eye Cleaning Matters

With your veterinarian’s recommendation, regular eye cleaning helps remove tears, mucus, dust, pollen, and debris that can accumulate around your pet’s eyes. Keeping the eye area clean helps improve comfort and allows you to notice changes that may require veterinary attention. 

Important: Always use products recommended by your veterinarian. Never use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, contact lens cleaning solution, or human eye medications unless specifically directed.

Avoid touching the surface of the eye unless specifically instructed.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Sterile saline or eye wash (NOT contact lens cleaner)
• Soft cotton balls or gauze pads or a clean washcloth
• Clean tissues
• Small treats for positive reinforcement
• Clean hands

Routine Eye Cleaning

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your pet’s eyes.

Step 2: Help Your Pet Relax

Choose a quiet location and speak calmly. Have treats ready to reward good behavior.

Step 3: Moisten the Gauze

Moisten a sterile gauze pad or cotton ball with sterile saline or your veterinarian’s recommended eye rinse.

Step 4: Wipe Gently

Starting at the inner corner of the eye (near the nose), gently wipe down and away from the eye. For debris stuck on the upper eyelid, you should gently wipe up and away from the eye. For debris stuck on the lower eyelid, you should wipe down and away from the eye. You should never wipe across the eye or put pressure on the eye itself during cleaning.

Step 5: Use a Fresh Pad

Always use a clean gauze pad or cotton ball or wash cloth for each eye to avoid transferring bacteria.

Step 6: Reward Your Pet

Offer praise and a treat after the cleaning is finished.

Routine cleaning is usually only needed when discharge or tear staining is present. Some breeds may require more frequent care. When in doubt, please follow your veterinarian’s instructions.

Eye Care After Surgery

Always follow your veterinarian’s specific discharge instructions. If they differ from the recommendations below, follow your veterinarian’s instructions.

Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately If You Notice:

• Increasing redness
• Thick green or yellow discharge
• Bleeding
• Swelling that continues to worsen
• Cloudiness of the eye
• The eye stays tightly closed
• Your pet appears painful
• Sudden vision changes
• Your pet rubs the eye excessively despite wearing the cone

Quick Reference Checklist

Before Cleaning

☐ Wash your hands

☐ Gather supplies

☐ Prepare treats

☐ Keep your pet calm

During Cleaning

☐ Use sterile saline or veterinarian-approved eye rinse

☐ Wipe from the inner corner outward

☐ Use a fresh gauze pad for each eye

☐ Avoid touching the surface of the eye

☐ Reward your pet afterward

After Eye Surgery

☐ Give medications on schedule

☐ Keep the E-collar on

☐ Clean only as instructed

☐ Monitor for swelling or discharge

☐ Attend follow-up appointments

Call Your Veterinarian If

☐ Thick yellow or green discharge develops

☐ Swelling increases

☐ Bleeding occurs

☐ Your pet appears painful

☐ The eye becomes cloudy

☐ Vision seems worse

Helpful Tips

• Make eye care part of your pet’s regular routine.
• Keep sessions short and positive.
• Reward cooperation every time.
• Never share gauze or cotton between eyes.
• Never use human eye medications unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian.
• If you are unsure whether something looks normal, contact your veterinary team.

Remember

Routine eye care should be gentle, calm, and stress-free. After eye surgery, protecting the eye and following your veterinarian’s instructions are the most important factors in promoting proper healing. If anything about your pet’s eye looks or seems unusual, it is always safest to contact your veterinarian promptly.