How do I clean my dog’s eyes?

2 April 2024

The eyes are sensitive organs, so they need special care. The generally recommended cleaning frequency is 1 to 2 times a week. This may vary depending on the length of your dog’s coat or the particularities of its breed. The aim of eye care is to remove the concretions formed by eye secretions. If not cleaned regularly, these secretions can cause irritation, infection and even permanent damage to your pet’s eye. Regular eye cleaning is therefore essential to maintain your pet’s eye health.

How do you clean your pet’s eyes?

Prepare yourself in advance: gather together all the necessary items, such as sterile compresses, saline solution or an eye solution recommended by your vet. You can also provide a few treats to reward your pet after the session.

Choose the right moment: opt for a time when your pet is calm and relaxed, preferably after a period of rest. Avoid cleaning his eyes when he is agitated or stressed, as this can make the task more difficult.

Approach your pet gently: reassure him throughout the treatment, using a soft, encouraging voice.

Gently clean: soak a sterile compress in saline solution or a solution specifically formulated for dogs and cats. Gently wipe the secretions from around your pet’s eyes, taking care not to rub too hard to avoid irritating the delicate skin.

Clean from the inside out: always remember to clean secretions from the inside out, avoiding touching the eye directly with the compress. Consult your vet if secretions persist or change colour.

Reward your pet: after cleaning, reward your pet with a pat and a few kind words. You can also give your pet a treat.

When should you see a vet?

Check your pet’s eyes regularly and consult a vet if you notice any redness, swelling, abnormal discharge, excessive blinking or signs of pain.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.