Applying ointment to a dog's eye is often a difficult task. If the dog is not held properly and moves around while trying to give the medication, not only will it prevent the ointment from being administered, but it also creates the potential for an eye injury. In addition, many dogs will start to catch on to what is happening and instead of complying, they will run the other way, making administration even more difficult. However, by following a few techniques, it is possible to apply ointment to your dog's eye without causing harm to it---or you.
Things You'll Need
- Eye ointment
- Treats
- Helper
Instructions
Stand or sit next to your dog so that you are facing its side. If you are right-handed, stand on your dog's left side and if you are left-handed, stand on your dog's right side.
Hold the ointment tube between your thumb and index finger in your dominant hand and hold your dog's head with your other. Either grab the dog's muzzle and raise its head up or wrap your arm around its head; however, avoid placing pressure on the dog's throat. Try to hold the head so that your arm touches the bones on the side of the dog's face under its ears, and tilt the head back.
Open your dog's eye more so that it is easier to apply the ointment. Using your dominant hand, either use your ring finger to open the lower eyelid, or use your wrist to stretch the skin above your dog's eye so that its upper eyelid is opened back.
Position the ointment tube so that it is about 1 inch away from the eye and is starting at one end of the eye. Squeeze the tube and move your hand to the other corner of the eye, so that the medication has been applied to the entire eye. Do not let the application tip or any part of the tube touch your dog's eye, as this may cause serious injury or infection.
Give your dog a treat for a job well-done. This will eventually entice it to allow you to apply the medication, as it knows something good will come in the end.