Dog eye irritation after grooming can be a real bummer for both you and your furry friend.
Some common causes of dog eye irritation after grooming include the use of harsh chemicals in shampoos and conditioners, as well as the physical irritation caused by clippers and brushes.
If you notice your dog's eyes getting red and itchy after a grooming session, try applying a cold compress to help reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
In severe cases, dog eye irritation can even lead to infections or corneal ulcers, so it's essential to monitor your dog's eye health closely after grooming.
#1 Something Has Gotten In
Something has gotten into your dog's eyes, and now they're irritated. This is a common reason for eye irritation after grooming. Soap or shampoo not being rinsed properly can get directly into your dog's eyes, causing stinging and pain.
Your dog might be experiencing this if the groomer didn't rinse their eyes thoroughly. I've seen it happen before, and it's not a pleasant experience for the dog.
A topical medical solution, like a flea solution, can also be an irritant if it gets into the eye area. This can cause great pain and discomfort for your dog.
Here are some common culprits that might have gotten into your dog's eyes:
- Soap or shampoo not being rinsed properly
- Topical medical solutions, like flea solutions
- Hair clippings from your dog's cut becoming caught in their eye
Symptoms and Signs
If your dog is experiencing eye irritation after grooming, it's essential to identify the symptoms. Redness around the eyes, red eyes, and swelling are all signs that something is amiss.
Look out for discharge or tearing, especially if it smells. This could be a sign of conjunctivitis, a common eye infection that causes irritation and redness. Fast blinking and squinting, keeping the eye closed, and sensitivity to bright lights are also indicators of eye irritation.
Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Redness around the eyes
- Red eyes
- Swelling
- Having discharge or tearing (especially if they smell)
- Fast blinking and squinting
- Keeping the eye closed
- Sensitive to bright lights
- Pawing or stroking its eyes excessively
Dog Symptoms
Dogs can exhibit a range of symptoms that indicate something is amiss with their eyes. Redness around the eyes is a common sign of eye pain or issues.
If your dog is rubbing its eyes, it may be an indication that he's having issues with his eyes. This can be a sign of conjunctivitis—a common eye infection that causes irritation and redness in the eye area.
Dogs with eye pain or issues may exhibit certain behaviors, such as fast blinking and squinting, or keeping the eye closed. They may also be sensitive to bright lights or paw at their eyes excessively.
Here are some key symptoms to look out for:
- Redness around the eyes
- Red eyes
- Swelling
- Having discharge or tearing (especially if they smell)
- Fast blinking and squinting
- Keeping the eye closed
- Sensitive to bright lights
- Pawing or stroking its eyes excessively
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to get your dog to the vet right away. Discharge or swelling around the eyelids can be a sign of an infection or inflammation that needs immediate attention.
Corneal Abrasion
A corneal abrasion or injury can cause swelling around the eye due to trauma such as forceful rubbing or possibly from a cut.
This can lead to the eyelids swelling shut, making it difficult for your dog to open its eyes.
Trimming the area around the eyes can result in an accidental injury, either from the scissors used or the groomer's fingernails.
A corneal abrasion is a wound or abrasion on the corneal surface, which can be caused by the groomer's fingernails or the scissors used during grooming.
Removing a build-up of eye discharge can cause the eye area to become sore and itchy, leading to your dog scratching its eyes.
Scratching can further cause a corneal abrasion or injury, making it essential to handle your dog's eyes with care during grooming.
Grooming products can also cause an allergic response or infection, leading to ulcers, burns, and abrasions on the corneal surface.
If your dog has a corneal abrasion or injury, it may experience swelling around the eye, and the eyelids may swell shut, making it difficult for your dog to open its eyes.
Related reading: Dog Grooming with Scissors
Home Remedies
If your pup is experiencing eye irritation after grooming, there are several home remedies you can try to help soothe their discomfort. One of the most important things you can do is give your pup some saline solution to help relieve any discomfort they might have from their eyes drying out.
To make a saline solution, add a level ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to 1 cup of pure water and stir. You can also add 5 drops of tincture (or alcohol extract) of Euphrasia officinalis or eyebright to the solution for more serious irritation.
For a more gentle approach, you can try bathing your pup's eyes with one of the following herbal eye wash options: Calendula tea, Chamomile tea, Eyebright tea, Salt water (1 teaspoon in 1 cup of water), or Rosemary tea.
Related reading: Spanish Water Dog Grooming
Something Has Gotten Stuck
If you suspect something has gotten into your dog's eyes, try using a warm compress on each eye for about 10 minutes. This should help loosen up any foreign particles trapped inside so you can remove them more easily next time.
Dogs' eyes can get irritated and swollen after grooming for a variety of reasons. I freaked out the first time I noticed my dog's eyes were swollen shut after grooming.
Using a warm compress is a simple and effective way to help your dog feel more comfortable. Dogs will often act like they're in pain, but then refuse to open their eyes or let you get close enough to look at them.
A warm compress can be made by soaking a cloth in warm water, wringing it out, and applying it to your dog's eye for 10 minutes.
At-Home Wash Solution
If you suspect something has gotten into your dog's eyes, try using a warm compress on each eye for about 10 minutes to loosen up any foreign particles trapped inside.
You can also use a saline solution to help relieve any discomfort your dog might have from their eyes drying out after grooming. One of the most important things you can do is to give your pup some saline solution to help relieve any discomfort they might have from their eyes drying out.
If you have access to a saline solution at home, such as the one used to clean contact lenses, this is an excellent way to try and flush your dog's eye and rinse out any irritants. You can do this by directly squeezing the saline solution into your dog's eye, starting in the corner of the eye near the tear duct.
To make an at-home dog-safe eye wash solution, you can add a level ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to 1 cup of pure water and stir. This solution can be applied by dripping from a saturated cotton ball into the eye or by using a glass or plastic dropper.
Here are some at-home eye wash solution options:
Remember to always use caution when applying any eye wash solution to your dog's eyes, and if you're unsure about what to do, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian.
Prevention and Care
To prevent dog eye irritation after grooming, it's essential to provide a well-lit area for your dog to rest in, shielding their eyes from excessive sunlight. This can cause damage to their eyes.
Make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water to keep their eyes moist and healthy. I've seen dogs with dry, irritated eyes, and it's not a pretty sight.
After grooming, always flush your dog's eyes with a sterile saline solution to ensure optimal eye comfort. This simple step can make a big difference in preventing irritation.
Why Won't My Dog Open Its Mouth?
Your dog's closed mouth during grooming is a common phenomenon, but why won't it open its mouth?
Dogs often close their mouths during grooming due to the sensation of the clippers or brush against their sensitive skin.
It's not just grooming that causes this reaction, as some dogs may also close their mouths in response to loud noises or unfamiliar environments.
Worth a look: How to Groom Your Dog during Quarantine?
A dog's mouth can remain closed due to anxiety or stress, which can be triggered by various stimuli.
If your dog's mouth remains closed for an extended period, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
In some cases, a dog's mouth may remain closed due to a medical condition, such as a dental problem or a neurological issue.
It's worth noting that some breeds are more prone to closing their mouths during grooming due to their sensitive nature.
Canine Care Tips
As a dog owner, it's essential to prioritize your furry friend's eye health. A well-lit area can help prevent sun damage to your dog's eyes, so make sure they have a shaded spot to relax.
Giving your dog enough water is also crucial for keeping their eyes moist and healthy. Dehydration can lead to dry, irritated eyes, so monitor their water intake closely.
If you notice any signs of an eye infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, take action promptly. Keep an eye out for these warning signs and consult a vet if you're unsure.
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To clean your dog's eyes, use a sterile saline solution and gently flush the area. This can help remove dirt and debris that may be causing irritation.
Here are some signs of an eye infection to watch out for:
- Redness or swelling around the eye
- Discharge from the eye
- Sensitivity to light
After grooming, it's a good idea to flush your dog's eyes with saline solution to ensure optimal eye comfort. This simple step can help prevent irritation and keep their eyes healthy.
Treatment and Relief
Immediate relief can be achieved by trying various methods to provide your dog with comfort between vet appointments. Soak a cotton ball in cold water or cold tea and apply it to your dog's eyes, or use an eye dropper to get as much liquid into their eyes as possible. Cold compression can also be helpful, where you take ice cubes or crushed ice, wrap them in a paper towel, and hold them up against your dog's closed eyes for about 20 minutes.
To reduce inflammation and promote healing, cold compression is essential. This method can be repeated as often as needed during the waiting period. For cases where a vet appointment is later or the next day, use the saline solution flush method and the cold chamomile tea compressions as often as you like.
Here are some eye wash solutions you can try:
- Calendula tea
- Chamomile tea
- Eyebright tea
- Salt water: 1 teaspoon in 1 cup of water
- Rosemary tea
If your dog is experiencing itchiness and scratching, you may also want to consider giving them an over-the-counter antihistamine to ease their discomfort.
Dog Infections
A dog can get an eye infection from a grooming session, which can be caused by an object causing injury or an adverse reaction to the products used.
Your dog can be infected or have an allergic response to a grooming product in its eyes, such as shampoo or coat spray.
Ulceration, burns, and abrasions may result from this.
If your dog is infected, it may scratch its eyes, leading to bacterial and fungal diseases.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, discharge, or squinting, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.
Suggestion: Dog Ear Infection after Grooming
Waiting for Vet Appointment
While waiting for your vet appointment, there are several things you can do to provide relief to your dog's eyes.
Try to provide as much relief as possible to your dog's eyes, while waiting for the appointment time to arrive. You can use the saline solution flush method and the cold chamomile tea compressions as often as you like during the waiting period.
Give your dog an over-the-counter antihistamine to ease itchiness and scratching, depending on their symptoms.
You can also try using a saline solution flush method and a cold chamomile tea compression to help reduce your dog's eye discomfort.
Here are some remedies you can use while waiting for your vet appointment:
- Saline solution flush method
- Cold chamomile tea compression
- Over-the-counter antihistamine (if necessary)
Remember, if your dog's symptoms worsen, you should contact your vet immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does dog eye irritation last?
Dog eye irritation typically lasts 5-7 days with bacterial causes and up to 3-4 weeks with viral causes. Treatment and underlying cause determine the duration of symptoms
Can a groomer cause cherry eye in dogs?
Yes, a groomer can cause cherry eye in dogs if they accidentally injure the third eyelid with grooming equipment, especially if the dog is prone to this condition. This risk is higher in breeds like Beagles and Bulldogs.
Sources
- dry eyes (petmd.com)
- Pink eye (petmd.com)
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) (vcahospitals.com)
- Dog Can't Open Its Eye After Grooming – What Should I Do? (cleverpetowners.com)
- How to Treat Canine Eye Irritation (thehonestkitchen.com)
- How To Prevent & Clean Dog Tear Stains (medi-vet.com)
- What to Do About Your Dog's Irritated Skin after Grooming (luckypuppygrooming.com)
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