While a dog’s eyes must be lubricated like a human’s eyes, excess liquid usually results from one of four main causes. Epiphora (watery eye), KCS (dry eye), eye injuries, and Conjunctivitis (pink eye) are the main causes of gunk under your dog's eyes.
Thankfully, it is easy to clean under your dog’s eyes when the proper cleaning methods are used. Once you get your dog's eyes cleaned, you can keep clean by following the preventative methods discussed below.
Supplies For Cleaning Under Your Dog’s Eyes
Messing with your dog’s face can make him or her nervous. This task is completed in a few simple steps, but you want to be patient with your pooch.
Four possible cleaning methods can be used to clean your dog's eyes. We have included detailed instructions on each method, along with the supplies needed. With time, you will discover the method that works best for your dog.
Cleaning Cloth
A damp cleaning cloth is an effective way to clean your dog's eyes and remove the gunk under its eyes.
- Microfiber 16 x 12-inch cleaning cloth (24-pack); ideal for cleaning cars, trucks, boats, and more
- Ultra-soft and non-abrasive; will not scratch paints, vinyl, glass, finishes, or other surfaces
- Effectively cleans either dry or with liquid cleaners for streak-free results and a lint-free shine
- Durable and absorbent; soak up 8 times their own weight
- Can be reused hundreds of times
Pet Eye Comb
A pet eye comb can be used to remove gunk from under your dog’s eyes. Be sure that you buy a comb specifically designed for this purpose.
- GOODBYE GUNK: This dog eye comb from SmallDog Official spells the end of eye gunk. Our dog eye booger remover effortlessly glides through short and long fur to remove buildup. For people who care about their pets, this tear stain comb for small dogs is the obvious choice
- NO PULLING: It’s time to say goodbye to your old painful eye comb for small dogs that rips out hair. SmallDog Official’s tear stain remover comb for dogs features 62 ultra fine stainless steel teeth with rounded ends that won’t pull fur. Place your dog’s comfort front and center with our fine tooth metal dog comb
- FIGHT TEAR STAINS: People love how our tear stain remover comb helps prevent ugly discolorations before they even occur. With regular use, this tear stain remover for dogs extracts excess liquids that form into crusty gunk. Combat stains at the source with SmallDog Official’s dog tear stain remover clever solution
- DURABLE MATERIALS: This dog tear stain remover features rock solid design crafted from durable materials; This eye booger remover for dogs is designed by by real animals owners who are passionate about pet health; When you need a fine tooth comb for dogs that will hold up under any conditions, choose SmallDog Official
- SAFE: Each elephant activity table has undergone stringent quality inspection and hundreds of hours of development; The wooden baby blocks are crafted to the highest standards. The Top Bright promise is this, if we wouldn’t use the activity center for baby ourselves, we won’t sell it
Dog Tear Stain Remover
Dog tear stain remover wipes are designed to remove eye gunk; however, they can also be used intermittently to prevent buildup.
- REMOVE EYE DISCHARGE: Helps keep eyes clear by removing dried mucus secretions and discharge to help reduce the risk of eye irritations and itching caused by foreign matter.
- SAFE & GENTLE: Chamomile Extract and Aloe Vera help soothe irritated areas. Requires no rinsing. Recommended for all breeds.
- HOLISTIC TEAR STAIN SUPPORT: Combine with Angels’ Eyes Chews or Powders as part of a daily regimen to treat tear stains both externally and internally.
Pet Eye Wash
Pet eyewash is used to both clean and disinfect your dog’s eyes. Not only can it help to eliminate gunk buildup under your dog’s eyes, but it also works to flush out irritants and helps lubricate your dog’s eyes.
- ✅CLEANS SKIN AROUND EYES & CONTROLS INFECTION: Cliny provides gentle care for dogs and cats, prevents eyes, eliminates clogging, and relieves puffiness and irritation around eyelids..
- ✅ DOG EYE TEAR STAIN REMOVER: gentle yet powerful solution, effectively tackles unsightly eye stains in dogs. It is suitable as an allergy-friendly eye drop. Infused with the brilliance of diamond like clarity, it flushes away goop and gunk, leaving your dog's eyes looking spotless. The formula gently whips away tear stains, promoting a clean and enviable appearance. It also is ideal for kittens and Persian breeds.
- ✅ HEALS AND SOFTENS THE SKIN: This cleaner helps heal wounds and soften skin, keeping it bright and healthy. Contains boric acid, which can reduce inflammation of eyelids. It also contains taurine, which activates the process of pet eye restoration. It is always a reliable choice for maintaining clear and healthy eyes. Your dog can see the world clearly, just like a feline with a miracle in its eyes. It nourishes and supports optimal eye health.
- ✅ SAFE AND EFFECTIVE FOR PETS: A new formula developed by veterinarians in Germany allows us to gently clean dogs, cats, puppies, kitten, puppy, rabbits, ferrets eyes and take good care of them. Best for eye health. Along with regular cleaning, consider providing your pet with proper nutrition, supplements, and a moisturizer for optimal eye health. Can be used with pads, and wipes, soft brush. Eye Drops for Dogs and Cats to Flush and Soothe Eye Irritations
- ✅ JUST NEEDS TO BE APPLIED ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK: For thorough care and healthy eyes, provide treatment once or twice a week. Rinse the area around the eyes with Beloved Pets cleaner to ensure clear and white eyes. Please note, this isn't an artificial tears eyewash or eyedrops, but rather a care product. Use it around your pet's eyes to help ward off potential issues.
Dog Grooming Kit
Clippers in the dog grooming kit can be used to trim the longer hairs around your dog’s eyes.
- SAFE & SHARP PRECISION BLADES: Pet clippers adopt Titanium acute-angle blade and ceramic moving blade which can provide excellent cutting performance, more smooth and efficient; Dog clippers with R-type design, safer for your puppy and you; Detachable blade is easy to change and clean.
- LOW VIBRATION & NOISELESS DESIGN: The ultra-quiet technology keeps the dog grooming clippers vibration below a very tolerable 50 decibels. So your pet would feel at ease and not afraid cut hair anymore. Bonve Pet grooming clippers offer a smoothing, and comfortable grooming experience for you!
- 10 HOURS OPERATING & USB CHARGING: Dog grooming kit running time over 600miniutes after fully charge, perfect for long grooming sessions and will stay sharp for longer period. Dog trimmer with USB charging cable can conveniently connect to laptop, AC adapter, car charger and power bank to supply power whenever and wherever.
- UNIVERSAL TYPE & FIT ALL DOGS: Dog clippers with 6 attachments guide combs(3mm/6mm/10mm/13mm/16mm/19mm). The thinning-out, skin-friendly, contour guiding combs make home grooming safer, easier and more comfortable. Dog grooming kit can meet all of your needs.
- CORDLESS USING: Lightweight and cordless design, allowing you to freely move in any direction, easy to handle the hard-to-reach spots. With the dog clippers for thick coats, you would no longer be troubled with batteries or wires. But also available for cord.
Cleaning Gunk Under Your Dog’s Eyes
Cleaning the gunk under your dog’s eyes takes just a few minutes; however, it can make your dog feel so much better and prevent eye infections. Multiple methods can be employed to remove the gunk from your dog's eyes and keep it from building up in the future.
Step One: Trim Long Hairs with Clippers and Use Pet Eye Comb
Use your pet grooming kit to trim any long hairs around your dog’s eyes to help reduce the risk of eye irritation.
- Pro Tip: Regular trims are especially important for smaller toy dogs and dogs with flat faces.
Pet eye combs are designed to remove gunk under your dog’s eyes.
- Pro Tip: Use the trimmer and comb first as it provides you with an opportunity to avoid using chemicals. Pet eyewash and pet tear stain remover are non-toxic and effectively removes eye gunk from under your pet's eyes.
Step Two: Use Dog Tear Stain Remover
Wipe the area under your dog’s eyes gently and thoroughly using a dog tear stain remover wipe. These wipes are designed for routine grooming and can work wonders on stubborn stains.
- Pro Tip: Purchase wipes that are designed to both remove existing stains and prevent future stains.
Alternatively, you can use a damp cloth to gently wipe your dog’s eyes, removing the gunk buildup. While the wipes are preferred, a damp cloth still does the trick.
Step Three: Use Pet Eye Wash
Use the pet eyewash to lubricate your dog’s eyes now that you have removed most of the gunk. Pet eyewash also helps to soothe your pet's eye if they have allergies. The eyewash whisks away allergens and soothes irritated dry eyes.
Final Thoughts
Once you have removed the gunk from your pet's eyes, you must work to keep your pet's eyes clean. The products listed above can help.
Gunk under your pet's eyes builds up for a variety of reasons, including allergies, irritation, and dry eyes. Wiping your dog's eyes daily can help prevent build-up and soothe your dog's eyes.
FAQ: Cleaning Gunk Under Dog’s Eyes
Gunk under the eyes shows up more prevalently on dogs with lighter fur. It is a common problem, however, for all dogs, and is caused by a variety of things.
While it is important to stay on top of cleaning your dog’s eyes, it is equally important to identify the root cause of the problem.
Should you take your dog to the vet if the eye gunk buildup gets too bad?
While eye gunk buildup is common and happens for a variety of reasons, the underlying causes can spell out more serious issues. If the gunk buildup is overwhelming or you notice other signs or symptoms of eye problems in your dog, then it is time to take your pet to the vet. Be watchful for excessive blinking, excessively dry or watery eyes, and a change in eye discharge color and consistency.
What else can you do to keep gunk from building up under your dog’s eyes?
The cleaning methods mentioned work wonders in preventing the buildup of gunk. It should be noted that daily face grooming is key to prevention. The tear stain remover wipes are great for daily use, as is the damp cloth method.
What other natural prevention methods can be used to prevent gunk buildup under your dog’s eyes?
Experts also suggest taking the opportunity to switch your dog’s drinking water from tap water to distilled water. You might also speak with your vet about whether you need to supplement or change your dog’s diet. Additionally, your vet may suggest an oral antioxidant for your dog.
Aren’t there home remedies or homemade solutions that can be used to clean my dog’s eyes?
A dog’s eyes are extremely sensitive; therefore, it is best to use products specifically designed to be used around a pet's eyes. Home remedies involving household products and other homemade solutions should be avoided as they could be potentially harmful.
Can cotton balls be used in place of a damp cleaning cloth?
Cotton balls are mentioned on certain sites for use regarding this cleaning task, however, they should be avoided as they can shed material, further irritating your dog’s eyes. Never use a cotton ball to clean under your dog’s eyes.
