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Dog cut under eye: How to clean it and when should I see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Great Pyrenees | Male | neutered | 75 lbs

Hi there. My dogs were playing and one accidentally cut the other one under the eye. I'll attach a photo. How should I clean it and care for it? Does it look like it requires a vet visit right now? Thank you.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Keay, DVM

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 26th, 2019

I am sorry to hear about your dog's fighting! Due to the wound being so close to the eye it can be a tricky situation, because you don't want any soap to get into the eye which could cause ulceration/burning of the cornea (surface of the eye). I would also be concerned/worried if the injury was this close to the eye that there could be trauma to the eye itself. It also looks like the wound could be deep and if it extends a bit past where I can see in the photo (I can't tell because of the presence of fur) it could be long enough to warrant a stitch. If your dog is tolerant you can try using a q-tip with a small amount of soap on it to clean the area in order to clean it while avoiding the eye itself. A soap such as Hibiclens (generic = chlorhexidine) from the drug store is ideal but if not, just a mild soap at home. If your dog is wiggly/not cooperative and you may end up getting soap in his eye I would avoid using soap near it and just rinse with warm water. You can apply a small amount of topical antibiotic ointment with a q-tip as well if you think your dog will not rub it into his eye. Monitor for swelling, pain, and discharge and if these occur or the wound look larger then he should see a full service vet because it may require antibiotics or a suture.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 27th, 2017

    I am sorry to hear about your puppy. If the eyeball itself is bleeding that would be considered an emergency and you should seek urgent veterinary care. If the eyelid is bleeding but the wound is small, then you can try cleaning it with a mild soap (as long as the soap isn't going to get on the eyeball itself. Holding a clean cloth over the area and applying gentle pressure may help stop the bleeding. If the bleeding will not stop after applying gentle pressure then you should seek veterinary care. If the wound is deep/gaping it may require sutures or an antibiotic and you should bring Jessi to the vet as well.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 14th, 2019

    Hi ! Toby’s wound in itself is just superficial and could be cleaned with some sterile solution (saline) or very diluted betadine. I am not sure if his eye is not affected and I would recommend to have it checked over, as there is a little graze just under the lower eye lid too. Hope it is nothing to worry about !

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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