Eye & facial care

Normal appearance and changes

Know your dog’s usual eyes and facial folds. A small amount of dried discharge can differ from new watery, coloured or sticky discharge. Tear staining can have several causes and is not a diagnosis. Persistent staining or discharge deserves discussion, especially if new or worsening.

Gentle cleaning

For an otherwise comfortable eye, soften dried material around it with a clean damp soft pad and wipe gently away from the eye, using a separate pad for each side. Do not rub the eye surface, insert tools or use harsh stain-removal products. Keep facial folds clean and dry as advised for your dog; sore or smelling folds need assessment.

Important warning signs

Squinting, holding an eye closed, redness, cloudiness, swelling or rubbing can indicate pain. New discharge with discomfort needs prompt veterinary advice. Sudden sight loss or an eye injury is urgent. Do not use leftover or human eye drops without veterinary direction; the wrong medicine can worsen some conditions.

Avoid delaying care for appearance

Do not treat a painful eye as a grooming issue or wait for a groomer to trim hair before calling a vet. Long hair rubbing the eye may need professional management, but the eye itself should be assessed. If your dog repeatedly rubs the face, tell the practice and follow its advice on preventing further injury. Eye warning signs explains escalation, and sensory adaptations supports longer-term care.

Continue your care plan

Grooming & Body Care · Keeping my dog healthy · New symptoms: find the right next step

Evidence and review

General information, not diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. Sources include veterinary professional guidance, veterinary charities and relevant regional parasite organisations. Clinical recommendations need individual veterinary interpretation.

• PDSA: eye problems
• PDSA: eye discharge
• PDSA: tear staining

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