How to Administer Eye Drops in a Shih Tzu That Bites

It is common for a Shih Tzu to have eye problems. The most common eye issue found in the Shih Tzu breed are cataracts, corneal ulcers, infection and distichia. They also can develop dog conjunctivitis. It is important to clean your Shih Tzu's eyes at least once a week and look for symptoms, such as sensitivity to light, swelling and pink around the eye, cloudiness and excessive discharge. The dog's eyes may become infected. This is painful to the dog just as it would be for you. Your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic eye drop to treat the infection. Administering the eye drops is usually easy, but sometimes the dog may resist or even attempt to bite you.

Things You'll Need

Towel
Muzzle

Instructions

- 1
  Wrap the Shih Tzu in a towel, leaving only the head sticking out to prevent the Shih Tzu from moving. Wrap the towel tight enough so the dog cannot move, but not to tight to hurt your pet.
- 2
  Slide a muzzle over the Shih Tzu's mouth and fasten the straps around its head, depending on the style of the muzzle. Only use one if you feel your dog will bite.
- 3
  Hold the Shih Tzu with one arm wrapped around the body. If the Shih Tzu is struggling, have a helper hold the Shih Tzu for you.
- 4
  Wipe the Shih Tzu's eye to remove any discharge with a cotton ball and sterile water. Use a clean cotton ball for each eye. Assess each eye for any abnormalities mention above.
- 5
  Place one hand under the Shih Tzu's jaw and lift up. Remove the cover to the eye drops and hold the dropper between your thumb and pointer finger. Use your pinky and ring finger to hold the Shih Tzu's eye open and squeeze the eye dropper to administer the recommended amount of drops to the Shih Tzu's eye. Gently massage the Shih Tzu's eye to distribute the eye drops evenly throughout the Shih Tzu's eye. Wipe away excess drops with a clean cotton ball. Repeat for the other eye.
- 6
  Remove the muzzle and unwrap the Shih Tzu from the towel. Give the Shih Tzu a treat.