Learn the art of applying eyed drops to your pet

Applying eye drops to your pet can feel like an epic battle of wills, complete with a squirming furry friend and your own two left hands. It’s a challenge that many pet owners face, often leading to hilariously futile attempts and a newfound appreciation for the patience of vet teams.

Whether it’s your cat’s uncanny ability to vanish at the mere sight of the bottle or your dog’s unyielding determination to keep those eyes shut tight, administering eye drops is rarely straightforward.

But fear not, with a bit of strategy (and maybe a treat too), you can turn this daunting task into a manageable routine.

First things first – eye drops should not be applied to a dirty eye. Ocryl® can be used to gently clean in and around the eye and remove any stickiness or debris. Once cleaned, the eye will be ready for the drops to be applied. 

• Cradle the head in your non-dominant hand and use the thumb of this hand to gentle pull down the lower eyelid, this will create a little pouch 

• Holding the bottle close to the eye (but not touching the eye) gently squeeze 1-2 drops into the pouch. 

• Let go of the lower lid and head, your pet should then blink which will disperse the drops across the eye 
• It is very important that you do not touch the bottle tip to the eyeball or the skin surrounding the eye as this can contaminate the nozzle and introduce bacteria. 

• Find a position against a wall so your pet can’t back away from you. 

• Sometimes less is more … try not to be too heavy handed with your restraint. Sometimes just a gentle (but secure) hold can make your pet feel less anxious. 

• Use treats to reward your pet after application. There are those that say this type of positive reinforcement can actually result in your pet reminding you to do the drops because they want the treat! 

• Rest the hand giving the drops on your pet’s head this can give you more control and will help with accuracy. 

• Some unruly pets act this way because they are painful or uncomfortable. Please talk to your vet who may be able to help.