First aid for dogs and cats
Eye injuries
A scratched, swollen, bulging or chemical-splashed eye, or something stuck in the eye.
When to go to a vet
Eye injuries can get worse quickly. Call a vet today, and go now if the eye is bulging, bleeding or has something stuck in it.
What to do
- For chemicals, shampoo or cleaning products: rinse the eye with plenty of lukewarm tap water or saline for 10 minutes.
- Stop them rubbing or pawing at the eye. A cone, if you have one, helps.
- If the eye is bulging out, keep it moist with a clean, damp cloth and go to a vet now.
Don't
- Don't try to remove anything stuck in the eye.
- Don't use human eye drops.
Other first aid guides
First aid is not a substitute for a vet. If you're worried about your pet, call your vet.