How To Properly Clean Your Dog’s Eyes:
To clean your dog’s eyes, moisten sterile gauze with a sterile saline solution. (Note: Some preparations recommend use of cotton balls for this purpose, but we are not fans of cotton balls, since they can shred, leaving tiny filaments of cotton attached to your dog’s eyelashes that can lead to further problems). Use a good saline solution recommended by your vet, or purchase a pet eye wash. Make sure your own hands are clean when you begin cleaning.
Wipe each eye gently with moistened sterile gauze or eye wipe. Start on the inner corner of the eye and move outward toward the other side of the eye, using soft strokes. Wipe away discharge, making sure not to rub the gauze directly over the eye-ball. Use a separate gauze for the other eye.
If your dog has a lot of hair around his eyes, either comb it so the eyes are not obstructed, or trim it slightly to prevent irritation. ONLY use blunt-tipped scissors (that you can buy at your pet supply store), and wipe away the cut hair with a damp washcloth to prevent it from finding its way into the eyes.
What to Look Out for When Cleaning Your Dog’s Eyes
- Is your dog blinking excessively or pawing at his eyes? This could indicate an infection or other problem.
- Is the eye red or swollen? Do your dog’s eyes look different than normal?
- Do you notice pus or mucus around the eye? This could be from a cold, allergies or pinkeye. Or it could be a blocked tear duct or problem with the oil glands.
- Is the nictitating membrane (third eyelid) visible? Is the cornea colored? Does your dog act like it’s painful when you touch his eyes?
Any of the scenarios painted above make the case for a precautionary visit to your veterinarian. When it involves irregularities with your dog’s eyes, hesitation is not your friend!
Causes of Dog Eye Stains
Following are some of the possible causes for these tear stains, according to AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein:
Genetics
Certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to tear stains, and some individual dogs may be predisposed to getting tear stains. Dogs that have shallow eye sockets and protruding eyes, such as the Pekingese, Maltese, pug and other short-nosed dogs, can suffer from excessive tearing. Poodles and cocker spaniels often are more likely to have blocked tear ducts. And these conditions can lead to chronic tearing that produces stains.
Porphyrin
This is a pigment that is excreted in tears, saliva and urine. The stain comes from some of the iron released from the breakdown of red blood cells that goes into porphyrin. It can leave a reddish-brown stain as it courses down the muzzle.
Problems with Lashes and Tear Ducts
If a dog’s eyelashes fold inward (entropion), it causes more tears than normal. And if a tear duct doesn’t properly drain into the nasal cavity, it gets clogged and may be the cause of tear stains.
Environment
It’s possible that some factors in your dog’s environment, such as high iron content in the water or reaction to plastic food bowls, can be the source of tear stains (sometimes actually being signs of allergic reactions).
Infection
Skin infections around the eyes can cause symptoms that look like tear stains. If your dog is tearing constantly, an infection may develop in the chronically damp area – you’ll get a hint if it smells bad, itches or looks irritated.
If you’re concerned about the cause(s) of your dog’s tear stains, make sure you ask your vet to weigh in – you may be able to remove the source of the irritation and eventually be stain-free.
How To Clean Dog Eyes Stains
Banixx is proven safe to use around the eyes, and your dog will not react negatively, as it has no sting or scent to alarm him. Banixx is also very effective at healing skin infections that might develop as a result of the moist tears; it is very gentle and soothing on tissue but deadly to the yeast, bacteria and fungus that cause these infections.
Banixx is available in most pet stores and available online. Find Banixx Near You.
Conclusion
Whether your dog has an irritating eye condition or is just a normal pup with no major problems, take your dog to a vet for regular eye check-ups, and get into a regular routine for keeping their eyes clean.