Animal Eye Doctors here with helpful tips in administering eye drops to your pet. Applying eye drops can be a stressful experience for both owner and pet. With some helpful suggestions, we hope to make the process easier.
GET PREPARED:
- Wash your hands before and after application of eye drops. Use gloves if drug label recommends.
- Decide if you will apply the drops by yourself or with help from a second person.
- Find a comfortable location such as on the bed or chair, in your lap, or on the floor if the pet is larger.
- Have the dropper bottles or ointment tubes next to you and in order of application.
- Calmly call or bring your pet to the location.
GET IN POSITION:
- If someone is helping you, that person can hold the pet from behind.
- If you are on your own, seat your pet next to you, or cradle your pet in your lap while you are seated.
- Open each bottle or tube separately as you use them to avoid mixing caps. Do not touch the bottle tips to anything to maintain sterility.
- Hold the dropper bottle between the thumb and forefinger of your hand.
APPLY THE MEDICATION:
- With one hand, grasp under the chin or around the muzzle, point the nose up to the ceiling. This positions the surface of the eye flat (parallel to the ground) so that the drop can fall easily onto the eye surface. You may use a finger of this hand to gently pull down the lower lid.
- Rest the side of your hand holding the dropper bottle on the upper brow above the eye and pull the skin slightly back to open the eye. Note that by resting this hand on the head, you will not poke the eye with the bottle.
- Do not touch the eye with your hand or with the bottle. Maintain at least 1-2 inches between the bottle and eye.
- Making a kissy sound may cause the pet to open the eye wider.
- Squeeze the bottle allowing a drop to fall within the eyelid opening.
ADDITIONAL HELPFUL TIPS IN ADMINISTERING EYE DROPS TO YOUR PET:
- Also, pre-warming ointments in your hand or warm pocket will help with ease of application by making it more “liquidy”.
- Generally, it is ideal to wait 3-5 minutes between drops. However, a recent report showed that a minute between drops can be acceptable. This shorter time can be helpful if the pet is uncooperative or your time limited.
- Eye medications are given in order of thickness: drops first, then suspensions, then gels, then oils, and lastly ointments.
- Shake suspensions before application. Refrigerate medications if directed by label.
- A treat given to your pet before and after medications can make for a more positive experience.
- Always contact your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems.
With a little patience and practice, administering eye drops to your pet may not be as difficult as it may seem.
If your pet is experiencing eye problems, call Animal Eye Doctors for an appointment:https://animaleyedoctors.com/pet-owners/make-an-appointment/
Additional information: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/hospitals/pharmacy/consumer-clinical-care-guidelines-animals/administering-eye-medications-your-pet
