How To Give Your Dog Eye Drops

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: Hold your dog securely

If possible, ask someone to hold your dog while you apply the medication.

If this is not possible, position your dog in front of a wall or your body and get him to sit or lie down, or hold him gently between your knees. See VideoJug's 'How to train your dog to sit and lie down' for tips on how to do this.
You may need to muzzle your dog if you can't hold him in a relaxed position.

Step 3: Clean the eye area

Before applying the medication, make sure the eye area is clean. Place one hand on the side of your dog's jaw to support his head, and tilt his head upwards. Gently wipe away any discharge with a damp cotton wool ball.

Step 4: Ointment

If you are applying ointment, put your hand on top of your dog's head and use it to gently lift the upper eyelid open. Hold the tube of ointment about half a centimetre above the eye. Keep it at an angle so it is not pointing directly down onto the eyeball. Be careful not to touch the eye with the nozzle. Squeeze a small amount of ointment into the eye.

Allow your dog to shut his eye and gently massage the eyelids to disperse the treatment.

Step 5: Eye Drops

If you are applying eye drops, hold your dog's eye open in the same way. Hold the bottle about 2 centimetres above the eye, and squeeze out one drop so that it falls onto the eye.

Allow your dog to close his eye, and repeat the process if you need to apply more than one drop.

Try not to let your dog rub his eye. Give him a treat once you have finished.