Apply Eye Medications
How to Apply Eye Medications to Your Pet at Home
Giving your pet eye medications can be a challenging task, but it’s an important part of keeping your pet healthy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to give your pet eye medications:
- Prepare the Medication
- Make sure you have the correct medication and dosage for your pet’s eye condition. Shake the medication well if needed and ensure the tip of the medication applicator is clean.
- Get Your Pet in a Comfortable Position
- Get your pet into a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down. You may need to ask a friend or family member to help hold your pet still during the medication administration.
- Clean the Eye Area
- Gently clean the area around your pet’s eye with a damp cloth or a clean cotton ball. Make sure to remove any discharge or debris that may have accumulated around the eye.
- Open the Eye
- Hold your pet’s head steady with one hand, and gently pull down their lower eyelid with the other hand to expose the eye.
- Apply the Medication
- Hold the medication applicator tip near the corner of your pet’s eye, being careful not to touch the eye directly. Squeeze out the prescribed amount of medication, allowing it to fall onto the exposed eye or the conjunctiva (the pink tissue inside the lower eyelid) as directed by your veterinarian.
- Close the Eye and Rub Gently
- Close your pet’s eye and gently rub the area around the eye to help distribute the medication.
- Multiple Medications
- If your pet is on multiple eye medications. Please wait at least 5 minutes before applying the second medication.
- Reward Your Pet
- Reward your pet with a treat or praise to help them associate the experience with positive feelings.
It’s important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully when administering eye medications to your pet. If your pet’s condition worsens or if you’re having difficulty administering the medication, contact your veterinarian immediately. By following these steps, you can help keep your pet’s eyes healthy and happy.