Owning a dog is a major responsibility. It requires a lot of help and attention, be it regular care or minor health issues. Administering eye drops forms part of those important tasks that may come up, especially if your veterinarian prescribes them for treatment of an eye infection, irritation, or dryness.
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No matter how minor the health issue may be, whether it's eye care or an infection or just hydration, you would need to learn how to put eye drops in a dog when your vet prescribes a course of eye drops for your pet.
With a gentle approach and proper technique, you can make this operation smooth and stress-free for both you and your pet. Here are three simple, step-by-step procedures that guide you through the process of giving an eye drop to your dog.
Step 1: Preparation Stage
First of all, always read what is on the prescription instructions for your dog's eye medication. Be sure to follow to the letter what your vet prescribes or what is on the package when you apply the medication.
If you find discharge or debris around your dog's eye, clean the area with a soft, damp cloth before giving the medication. This will allow you to administer the eye drops on that spot without any obstructions.
Step 2: Safe Restraining of Your Dog
Your dog must be still throughout the process in order to make the experience smooth. Here are some helpful methods for safe restraining your dog:
- Get a helping hand: If you can, find somebody that could hold your dog so they won't move. That way you'll have both hands free to work on getting those drops in the right eye.
- Holding Alone: Sit your dog in-between your knees, with his back towards you. That way he can't back up and get away from you.
- Table Method: Put your dog on a table. Stand over the side of the table away from the eye you are treating. Hang your right arm over the dog's shoulders (this assumes you are right-handed-if you are left-handed, simply reverse these instructions). Your left hand will be used to restrain their head. Use your right hand to hold the medication vial. If the dog tries to move or stand, lying over his shoulders will prevent him from lifting himself into a sitting position.
Remember that proper restraint techniques are safe and stress-reducing. You want to get in and out quickly so your dog doesn't get anxious or uncomfortable.
Step 3: Put Eye Drops to your Dog
If you are a right-handed person, use your left hand to place it under the chin and support it slightly. Using fingers or a thumb, pull the lower eyelid, creating a small pouch-this is where you would hold the drops.
Hold your other hand across the top of your dog's head to steady it and present the medication. The bottom of the bottle tip should be pointing away from your dog's eye until ready for administration, so nothing happens if your dog were to move suddenly and jab at your hand.
You should gently squeeze the recommended amount of drops in the dog's eyelid pouch without letting the tip of the bottle touch the dog's eye. After doing that, leave the dog and let him blink and move around. The blinking will help spread the drops evenly in the eyes.
Tips to Actually Get the Eye Drops Done Successfully
- Remain Calm: Dogs will pick up on your stress, and you will be quite intimidating to them. Relax as much as possible and be assured.
- Use Rewards: You might need to prepare some treats to be ready to give after the process. This helps associate the practice with a positive experience.
- Be Patient: This process will likely take some time; you and your dog should become comfortable with giving drops in the eyes.
Essential Eye Care Products for Dogs
Maintaining your pet's eyes healthy often depends on having the right products ready. Here are a few of the top-recommended eye care items:
Optixcare Eye Lubricant
- Keeps eyes hydrated
- Fantastic for post-anesthetic recovery
- Easy to use and soothing
Lubrithal Eye Gel
- Soothes and moisturizes
- Includes carbomer for long-term hydration
- For both dogs and cats
Remend Eye Lubricating Drops
- 0.4% Hyasent-S with modified hyaluronic acid gives superior hydration
- Can be given two to three times daily as needed
- No antibiotics, steroids, or preservatives
Petkin Jumbo Eye Wipes
- Syringe all gone: gentle to the eye and removes dirt and tear staining
- Soothing natural formula
- Simply easy to use frequently
- Contains 80 wipes in every pack
Learning how to put the drop on a dog is not strictly about following the steps, but more about patience, love, and care for a pet. Consult a veterinarian for advice specific to your dog's needs and don't be afraid to ask for advice on how to make the process less complicated.
Proper care for the eyes, accompanied by the right products available through your veterinarian, is what is going to make all the difference and keep your pet healthy. After a little practice, it all becomes second nature to you, and putting eye drops is just another addition to the ways you look after your pet's needs.
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