How to Clean Your Dog's Eyes Safely (and When It's a Warning Sign)

You know how clean your dog's eyes safely, without causing discomfort or worsening the condition?

Anyone who lives with a dog knows how much their gaze communicates—and how easy it is to spot when something is wrong. A little bit of eye discharge, redness, or discharge are signs that often raise questions: is it normal or should we be concerned?

The eyes are sensitive and vulnerable structures. Any dirt, foreign body, or accumulation of secretions can cause irritation, inflammation, and, in more severe cases, damage to vision.

Therefore, learning how to properly clean your eyes is essential for pet lovers.

But be careful: not all discharge is normal — and knowing when to seek veterinary advice is also part of the responsibility of a conscientious pet owner.

Are you taking care of your dog's eyes in the safest way possible?

Why is it important to clean dogs' eyes?

Dogs' eyes are constantly exposed to dust, hair, wind, pollution and microorganisms in the environment.

Additionally, some breeds are more prone to the accumulation of secretions due to the shape of their snout or the position of their eyes — such as shih-tzus, pugs, lhasa apsos, and bulldogs.

Keeping the eye area clean prevents:

• Irritations and itching
• Crusting and bad odor
• Proliferation of bacteria and fungi
• Conjunctivitis and more serious inflammations
• Obstruction of the tear ducts

Regular cleaning does not replace veterinary care, but it helps maintain eye health and prevents minor problems from worsening.

How often should I clean my dog's eyes?

The frequency varies depending on the animal's profile. Dogs with short snouts, long hair around their eyes, or those prone to watering easily may require daily cleaning.

Dogs with more protected eyes, without visible secretions, can be cleaned once or twice a week, just to remove light dirt or prevent buildup.

The important thing is to observe your dog's pattern and adapt the care routine according to their individual needs.

How to Clean Your Dog's Eyes Safely

1. Choose the right materials

Always use veterinary-grade products or gentle solutions, such as saline solution. Never use alcohol wipes, regular soaps, or human products—they can irritate or cause serious harm.

You will need:

• Sterile gauze or soft cotton (not frayed)
• Saline solution (at room temperature)
• A clean, dry towel
• Clean hands or gloves if preferred

Avoid toilet paper or tissues, which can leave residue in your pet's eyes.

Read also: How to choose the best shampoo for your pet

2. Create a calm and safe environment

Choose a quiet, well-lit location. If your dog is agitated, ask for help holding him gently to avoid startling him or sudden movements.

Speak softly, pet the animal, and show it's safe. Many dogs associate this moment with something negative—so the calmer the better.

3. Clean with gentle movements

Soak the gauze with saline and gently wipe around the eye, starting at the inner corner and working your way out. If there's any dried secretion, press gently for a few seconds to soften it before removing.

Use a separate gauze pad for each eye, even if both appear clean. This prevents cross-contamination if an infection develops.

4. Dry well after cleaning

After removing the dirt, dry the area with a clean towel, without rubbing. Constant moisture can encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria—especially in breeds with facial folds.

5. Praise and reward

Offer a treat or pet at the end of the process. This helps the dog associate the grooming process with a positive experience and makes future grooming easier.

When is eye discharge a warning sign?

Not all eye discharge or tears are normal. Some signs indicate that something may be wrong—and that it's time to see a veterinarian.

Be alert if you notice:

• Yellow, green, or pus-containing discharge
• Very red or swollen eyes
• Excessive scratching or rubbing your face on the floor
• Sensitivity to light
• Constant and unusual tearing
• Bad smell in the eye area

These symptoms may indicate conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, inflammation, blocked tear ducts, or even more serious diseases, such as glaucoma.

A real example: when cleaning made all the difference

Rafael always cleaned his golden retriever, Max's, eyes with a damp washcloth. One day, he noticed the discharge was thicker and greenish. Instead of insisting on cleaning it, he went to the vet.

Max had early-stage bacterial conjunctivitis. He was treated with eye drops and compresses, and within a few days he was fine. Routine care allowed him to detect the problem early and avoid further complications.

This example shows how paying attention to small details can save your pet's eye health.

A simple analogy: a dog's eyes are like clean windows.

Think of your dog's eyes as the windows of a house. When they're clean, they let in light, show the world clearly, and protect the internal environment.

But when they're foggy, dirty, or broken, everything inside suffers. Taking care of your eyes means keeping these windows open, safe, and bright.

A statistic that draws attention

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, eye diseases are among the five most common complaints in veterinary emergency care — and most cases could have been prevented with preventative hygiene and daily observation.

This data reinforces the importance of incorporating eye cleaning into your pet's care routine.

Dogs with more exposed eyes require more attention

Breeds like Shih Tzu, Pug, Lhasa Apso, French Bulldog, and Pekingese have more prominent eyes and are more susceptible to injuries, dryness, and accumulation of secretions. For these breeds, daily cleaning isn't overkill—it's essential care.

Additionally, it is important to keep the hair around the eyes trimmed to avoid irritation and make cleaning easier.

Products for dogs' eyes: are they worth it?

There are specific eye hygiene solutions available on the market for pets. They may contain soothing ingredients, such as chamomile, and have a pH level that won't cause irritation.

If your dog has frequent discharge or eye sensitivity, it's worth talking to your veterinarian about which product is best. In some cases, saline solution is sufficient. In others, specific products offer greater protection.

Conclusion

Learn to clean your dog's eyes safely It's more than a matter of hygiene: it's an act of care, prevention and love.

With patience, the right materials, and careful observation, you can keep your pet's eyes healthy, comfortable, and protected from major problems.

But remember: even with all the care you take at home, signs of abnormal discharge, redness, or discomfort should always be evaluated by a professional. Taking care of yourself also means knowing when to ask for help.

Your dog sees the world through his eyes—and he depends on you to see him clearly and comfortably. Have you looked into your dog's eyes with this same care today?

Common Questions About Safely Cleaning Your Dog's Eyes

1. Can I use regular pharmacy saline solution?
Yes. 0.9% saline solution sold in pharmacies is safe for cleaning dogs' eyes, as long as it is at room temperature.

2. How many times a week should I clean my dog's eyes?
It depends on the dog's profile. Breeds more prone to tearing may require daily cleaning. Others, only a few times a week.

3. Can I use baby wipes?
No. Even alcohol-free eye drops can contain fragrances or substances that irritate the eyes. Use only gauze and saline solution or products specifically designed for pets.

4. Is it normal for my dog to produce a lot of eye booger?
A small amount of discharge may be normal. However, excessive discharge, a change in color, or a strong odor indicate the need for veterinary evaluation.

5. Do older dogs need more eye care?
Yes. As we age, tear production may decrease and eye sensitivity may increase. Cleaning should be more frequent and thorough.