How To Clean Dog Eye Crust
It’s a common sight for every dog owner to see their furry friend with some crusty gunk around their eyes. This residue is called dog eye crust, and it is a natural occurrence in dogs. However, if left unattended, it can lead to severe eye problems such as infections and inflammation.
Cleaning your dog’s eyes regularly is an essential part of dog grooming, and this article will provide you with all the necessary information on how to clean dog eye crust effectively.
1. Understand What Causes Dog Eye Crust
Before delving into the cleaning process, it’s crucial to understand the causes of dog eye crust. The most common causes are allergies, environmental irritants like dust or pollen, infections caused by bacteria or viruses, and blocked tear ducts.
Allergies can cause your dog’s eyes to produce more tears than usual leading to crust formation. Environmental irritants can also cause excessive tearing and a buildup of debris around the eyes that eventually hardens into crust.
Bacterial or viral infections can cause discharge from your dog’s eyes that dries up and forms crust. Blocked tear ducts prevent proper drainage of tears from the eyes leading to tear overflow and subsequent crust formation.
2. Prepare for Cleaning
Gathering everything you need beforehand makes the cleaning process smoother and less stressful for both you and your furry friend. You’ll need a clean cloth or cotton ball, warm water (not hot), saline solution or plain water, and treats for positive reinforcement.
3. Position Your Dog Comfortably
Choosing a comfortable spot where your dog can relax during the cleaning process is crucial. You may want to use a non-slip surface like a mat or towel to prevent them from slipping or sliding around.
4. Use Warm Water or Saline Solution
Dampen your clean cloth or cotton ball with warm water or saline solution (a mixture of saltwater) and gently wipe away any loose debris around your dog’s eyes. Be careful not to put too much pressure on your dog’s eyes or use any cleaning solutions that can cause irritation.
5. Tackle the Crust
For more stubborn crust, you may need to soak the cloth or cotton ball in warm water for a few minutes before wiping away the debris gently. If there is an excessive amount of crust, you may want to use a saline solution to help soften and break it up.
6. Don’t Forget Positive Reinforcement
Rewarding your furry friend with treats after each successful cleaning session can go a long way in making them more comfortable with the process. You can also praise them verbally or with a pat on the head to let them know they’ve done well.
7. Know When to Call Your Vet
If you notice any symptoms such as redness, swelling, excessive discharge, or your dog seems to be in pain during the cleaning process, it’s time to call your veterinarian. These symptoms could indicate an underlying eye condition that requires medical attention.
In conclusion, understanding what causes dog eye crust and knowing how to clean it effectively can prevent eye problems and keep your furry friend healthy. By following these simple steps and using positive reinforcement, you can make the cleaning process less stressful for both you and your dog. Remember to contact your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms during the cleaning process.
