How to Clean the Eyes of a Flat-Coated Retriever

Hailing from Britain, the Flat-Coated Retriever is known for it's natural hunting ability and warm disposition. This working dog is also quite successful as a show dog with a gorgeous coat, typically liver or black. Flat-Coated Retrievers have striking, almond-shaped eyes. Medium in size, the eye rims are tight and the breed is susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, as well as glaucoma. With eye diseases prominent in Flat-Coated Retrievers, keeping the eyes clean is a must.

Things You'll Need

  • Moist cloth
  • Eye drops or eye wash for dogs
  • Blunt-nosed scissors
  • Protective ophthalmic ointment
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Use a moist cloth. Dampen a cloth with water and gently remove any excess fluids or mucus from your Flat-Coated Retriever's eyes. Make sure the cloth is soft so you do not irritate the eye.

    • 2

      Use eye drops. When your Flat-Coated Retriever has dry or swollen eyes, use eye drops made specifically for dogs. These are sold over the counter at pet supply stores. Eye washes are also available for the same purpose.

    • 3

      Use protective ophthalmic ointment. Apply ointment on your Flat-Coated Retriever's eyes prior to bath time or anytime you are giving your dog a flea dip. This provides a protective thin layer over your dog's eyes to help keep out irritants that could lead to infection. The ointment is sold over the counter at pet supply stores.

    • 4

      Trim hairs around eyes. Even though your retriever has a flat coat, as the name suggests, wild hairs can grow around his eyes. Trim these as needed to prevent infection. Use blunt-nosed scissors.