How to Give Eye Drops

Applying Eye Drops to Your Dog or Cat

Eye drops are an important part of treating many eye conditions and helping your pet heal comfortably. While giving eye drops may seem a little intimidating at first, most dogs and cats adjust well with a calm, gentle approach and a little practice. Remember, every treatment you give is helping your pet feel better.

Before You Begin

• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Have the eye drops and a few favorite treats within easy reach.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit area where your pet feels safe and comfortable.
• Check the medication label to be sure you have the correct eye drops and know which eye(s) to treat.
• If your pet has more than one eye medication, follow your veterinarian’s instructions for the order and timing of each medication.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Help Your Pet Get Comfortable

Have your pet sit or lie in a comfortable position. Smaller pets may feel more secure on your lap or on a non-slip surface. If needed, ask another person to gently support your pet while offering calm reassurance.

2. Position the Eye

Using one hand, gently lift the upper eyelid or pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Try to keep your pet’s head steady without squeezing or holding too tightly.

3. Apply the Eye Drops

Hold the bottle just above the eye, taking care not to let the tip touch the eye, eyelids, eyelashes, fur, or your fingers, as this can contaminate the medication.

Gently squeeze one  drop into the eye or lower eyelid pocket. If more than one drops comes out of the bottle onto the eye, it is not of concern. 

4. Let Your Pet Blink

Release the eyelids and allow your pet to blink naturally. Blinking helps spread the medication evenly across the surface of the eye.

If a small amount of the drop runs onto the fur, don’t worry—this is common. If you’re unsure whether the drop reached the eye, wait a moment and try again if needed.

5. Reward Your Pet

Offer plenty of praise, gentle affection, and a favorite treat after each treatment. Positive reinforcement helps your pet build confidence and makes future treatments easier.

Helpful Tips

• Keep the medication bottle close to the eye without touching it.
• Aim for the eye rather than trying to “drop from a distance.”
• Stay calm and work efficiently—most treatments take less than a minute.
• If both eyes require treatment, repeat the process for the other eye.
• If you’re using more than one type of eye drop, wait the amount of time recommended by your veterinarian before applying the next medication.
• If using both eye drops and an eye ointment or eye gel, apply the eye drops first, wait 5–10 minutes (or as directed by your veterinarian), and then apply the ointment or gel.
• Replace the cap immediately after use and store the medication according to the label instructions.

If Your Pet Is Nervous

Many pets need time to become comfortable with eye treatments.

You can help by:

• Speaking softly and moving slowly.
• Keeping treatments brief.
• Rewarding calm behavior with treats and praise.
• Taking a short break if your pet becomes anxious.
• Remaining patient and consistent.

Avoid forcing the medication if your pet is struggling or becoming fearful, as this can increase stress and make future treatments more difficult.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

Please contact your veterinary team if:

• You are unable to administer the eye drops after several attempts.
• Your pet appears unusually painful when the eye is touched.
• The eye becomes more red, swollen, or cloudy.
• You notice thick yellow or green discharge.
• Your pet continues to rub the eye or keep it tightly closed.
• The tip of the medication bottle accidentally touches the eye or another surface and you are concerned it may have become contaminated.
• You have any questions about your pet’s treatment or progress.

A Gentle Reminder

Learning to give eye drops takes practice, and it’s perfectly normal if it doesn’t go smoothly the first few times. Be patient with yourself and your pet, celebrate the small successes, and know that your care is an important part of your companion’s recovery. With a calm routine, gentle handling, and plenty of encouragement, most pets learn to accept their eye drops with little fuss.