How to Keep the Eyes of a Yorkie Clean

As the proud owner of a Yorkie, you want to keep it happy and healthy. Because a Yorkshire terrier is prone to certain eye problems, keeping its eyes clean is important. Starting a good eye-cleaning regimen now can prevent health problems later. By learning a few simple steps, you can care for your Yorkie with confidence.

Things You'll Need

  • Cotton balls
  • Blunt-nosed scissors
  • Eyewash solution (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use cotton balls to wash your Yorkie's eyes. Use a separate cotton ball for each eye. Dampen the cotton balls with warm water. Starting from the inner corner of the eye, gently wipe outward, being careful not to press down too firmly. You should never touch your dog's eyes; clean only the area around them. Repeat until both eyes are clean. Use dry cotton balls to dry the areas afterward. Washing the eye area can be done as often as necessary.

    • 2

      Trim the long fur around your Yorkie's eyes with blunt-nosed scissors. Protruding hairs can brush against its eyes and cause infection by allowing dust and dirt to enter. Keeping facial hair trimmed will help to keep your Yorkie's eyes clean and germ-free.

    • 3

      Wash and vacuum your Yorkie's bedding regularly. While your dog sleeps, lint and dust particles can enter its eyes. Keeping bedding clean will alleviate this problem. Avoid using perfumed detergents that may be unpleasant to your pet.

    • 4

      Bathe and groom your Yorkie regularly. Proper care of its coat will cut down on dander (dry flakes of skin), which can irritate your pet's eyes. You should brush your Yorkie's fur daily; bathing is recommended weekly. Your veterinarian may recommend special shampoo if your Yorkie has excessively dry skin.

    • 5

      Keep your Yorkie's eyes free of chemical irritants. Your veterinarian can recommend a protective eye ointment, which will form a protective layer over its eyes. This helps to keep pet-care products (shampoo and flea spray, for example) from getting directly into its eyes.

    • 6

      Clean tear stains from the fur under your Yorkie's eyes. Some Yorkies have watery eyes, which can lead to moisture and staining on the fur beneath them. This delicate area should be kept clean and dry. You can buy special cleaning solutions at your local pet supply store. Follow the manufacturer's directions; they will vary.