Proper Eye Cleaning for Cats and Dogs: A Veterinarian’s Guide

It’s normal to have some dirt buildup in the corners of your cat’s or dog’s eyes. It is the body’s natural defense to gather all dust particles that the eye comes in contact with and push them toward the corners of the eyes. Animals remove these accumulated dust particles when they groom themselves. Watch out for continuous tearing, pus secretions, red eyes, inflamed eyelids, and scratching of the eyes. These are all signs of illness that require veterinary attention.

You can clean your pet’s face and eyes with a soft wet washcloth as you would your own. Do not put anything in your pet’s eyes for cleaning unless it is recommended by your veterinarian. Some breeds of cats and dogs (Shi- Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pugs, and Himalayan and Persians cats) have eyes that produce tears on a regular basis to lubricate and protect their protruding eyes. These tears contain acidic properties that can stain the fur around their eyes producing brown discoloration on a white fur, and bleached discoloration on dark fur. For these breeds you can clean the stained fur with a cotton ball and some peroxide (Make sure NOT to get it their eyes) You can also apply a safe homeopathic ointment (ie.Homeoplasmine from Boiron) around the eyes to help keep the eyes moist at all times.

Chantale Robinson AHT Bsc.
www.kilookas.com