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My dog's eye is cut and bleeding. How do I treat it at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

How do I treat a small cut near my dog's eye? It's right below the right eyelid and it bled a little. There is a stray cat in the yard who might have done it.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura E. McRae

Veterinary Technician

Published on January 17th, 2015

Cleanse the wound with warm water or saline solution. You can either flush the wound (being careful to avoid the eye) or wipe the cut with a moistened gauze pad. Pat dry. Apply a thin film of a triple antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin) twice daily. Monitor the wound for swelling, redness, or discharge. If you notice these signs, then you will need to have the wound looked at by your veterinarian. Most importantly, make sure your dog's rabies vaccination is up-to-date. If you are unsure or close to the due date, contact your veterinarian. Place an e-collar (cone) on him or her to prevent pawing, rubbing or scratching.

153Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on August 5th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

You can gently clean the wound with water and a mild soap once daily, be sure NOT to get the soap in her eye. Then applying a topical triple antibiotic ointment (neosporin or other) in a thin layer on the wound after each cleaning until it has scabbed. Again the ointment can not get in the eye. Be sure she isn't rubbing the eye/wound. If she is then you should purchase an E-collar or donut to prevent that.

Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 10th, 2018
I am sorry to hear about Ash. I would recommend bringing her in to the vet to clean and possibly suture (stitch) the wound closed. Because it is close to the eye we need to be careful with cleaning products and topical medication as they could easily get into the eye and cause erosion of the cornea. For this reason, along with the possible need for sutures, I would recommend visiting the vet to get medications that are safe to use around the eye (over the counter topical antibiotics are not formulated for use in the eye). If your vet is not open I would consider the emergency vet, or bringing her to your vet first thing in the morning.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 2nd, 2017
That wound truly needs to be sutured closed by a veterinarian. If that truly isn't possible, prevent her from scratching it, keep clean and dry. Clean just with warm water on a cloth. Without appropriate medical care there is risk of infection or that the eyelid may scar and not heal correctly.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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