Eye Problems In Dogs: Instilling Eye Medications

Using treats You’re asking your pet to accept medication in its eye. This may be difficult for your pet, so prepare a great treat such as the Beef Liver Treats, a lick of peanut butter from a spoon, a shrimp, or cheese. Preparation for treating eye problems in dogs Ask your vet if the medication stings. If it does, ask if you can put artificial tears in the eye first to decrease the stinging sensation. For example, Pilocarpine, a medication used for glaucoma, is initially irritating, especially to a dry eyeball. It’s more comfortable for your pet if you put artificial tears in its eye about 5 minutes before instilling pilocarpine.

Positioning yourself

Begin by sitting at your dog’s shoulder with both of you facing the same direction. Then, have your dog lie down on its side with its spine against your right leg. Have the medication in your right hand. Reach over your pet’s back and position your right hand on your dog’s muzzle, just below the eye. The pressure of your right hand should slightly pull down the lower right eyelid. Have your left hand gently controlling the top of your dog’s head.

Instilling the medication

Keep the right hand, which is holding the medication, resting against the head so that if the head moves, your hand moves with it. As the lid is pulled down, instill the medication in the pocket made by the lower lid.

• Your goal is to put liquids or ointments into the corner of the eye or in the pocket created by gently pulling on the eyelid
• Do not aim for the center of the eye
• Use the least restraint possible
• Relax your breathing; if you’re calm, your pet will be calm
• Give great treat rewards

Positioning Options

Once you’ve mastered the sitting technique, assume any position in which you can maintain your medication hand in contact with your pet’s head. With this approach, your hand always moves as the head moves, and it is safe to instill medication under either eyelid.

For eye ointments

Instill the medication as described above, and gently close the lids after to disperse the medication across the eyeball. Do not press or squeeze.

Safety

Use these instructions for guidance. We assume no liability for injury to you or your pet incurred by following these instructions. We recommend that you work with your veterinary technician to use this information and develop a technique that is safe for you and your pet. We want you both healthy.