What to do if a dog is hit in the eye at home? - briefly
If your dog is hit in the eye at home, immediately keep them calm and still to prevent further injury. Gently cover the affected eye with a clean cloth and promptly seek veterinary care.
What to do if a dog is hit in the eye at home? - in detail
If your dog experiences an eye injury at home, it's crucial to act promptly and calmly to prevent further damage. Here’s a detailed guide on what you should do:
Firstly, ensure that you are safe and calm before attending to your pet. Dogs can be distressed and may react unpredictably when injured. Gently approach your dog, speaking soothingly to reassure it. If necessary, use a muzzle to prevent any accidental bites during the examination or treatment process.
Next, carefully examine the eye injury. Look for signs of trauma such as swelling, redness, discharge, or any foreign objects. Be cautious not to touch or apply pressure directly onto the eyeball unless you are absolutely certain there is no risk of further damage.
If there is a foreign object in the eye, do not attempt to remove it with your fingers or tweezers as this could cause additional injury. Instead, flush the eye gently with saline solution or clean water. If you don’t have saline solution at home, you can use an eyewash bottle filled with sterile water or contact lens solution. Hold the dog's head steady and aim the stream of liquid towards the inner corner of the eye, allowing it to flush out any debris.
For chemical burns, immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of clean water for at least 15 minutes. This will help dilute and remove the irritant. After flushing, contact your veterinarian right away as chemical burns require professional treatment.
If you observe bleeding or a deep cut around the eye, apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. Be careful not to put direct pressure on the eyeball itself. If possible, keep the dog calm and still until you can get it to the vet.
In cases where the eye appears to be severely injured or if your dog is in obvious pain, wrap it gently in a towel or blanket to prevent further injury and transport it to the veterinarian as quickly as possible. Use a pet carrier or secure your dog in the back seat of your car with a seatbelt or harness to prevent movement during transit.
Once at the vet’s office, provide a detailed description of what happened, including any symptoms you noticed and any actions you took before arriving. The veterinarian will perform a thorough examination and may use specialized equipment such as a slit lamp or an ophthalmoscope to assess the extent of the injury.
Treatment options can vary depending on the nature and severity of the injury. This might include applying topical medications, using special contact lenses for protective purposes, or in more serious cases, surgery may be required. Your veterinarian will provide instructions on aftercare and any necessary follow-up appointments.
Remember that prompt action and professional care are essential for ensuring the best possible outcome for your dog’s eye injury. If you have any concerns or questions about the injury, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian for advice tailored to your specific situation.