Dog eye scratch from play: When to see a vet and what to do?

Eyes are very delicate organs. If there is an injury it is always best to have your vet check it. Eye injuries can go from bad to worse quickly and then you risk losing vision and/or the eye itself. I have not seen the eye so it's hard to give advice. It is up to you though what you want to do. If you want to try something at home you can try this eye gel. If no improvement after a couple days of treatment then he needs to see the vet. I would use it 3-4 times per day. ( https://www.amazon.com/Vetericyn-Animal-Ophthalmic-Limited-Version/dp/B07V344K6M/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=B07V344K6M&qid=1564494168&s=gateway&sr=8-1 )

Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths 2 times daily. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching (if any). If the wound seems deeper than shown on the picture or it is not healing in the next 4 days, a check up would be needed to evaluate a stitch up and possibly antibiotics.

Hello, yes you definitely need to take him to your vet to get it checked, it's most likely a corneal ulcer, this can happen due to an injury or eye infection, often it can get worse and even cause blindness in that eye, it needs to be treated with special eye drops

Hi, it depends on the scratch, what caused it and how deep it is.In general a vet check up is the best way forward as if the scratched was caused by another dog or cat, might need antibiotics. If the scratch is superficial, will not necessarily need antibiotics. We normally would clean with some saline ( sterile saline fluid ). Hope this makes sense ! All the best

Monitor for scratching or pawing, excess weeping or tearing, redness, swelling or squinting. If any of these symptoms are noted, he needs to see a vet as soon as possible to diagnose and treat a potential eye injury. Put an e-collar on him until he goes to the doctor.

Hello, sorry to hear about Lincoln. Protecting the eye from further trauma by placing an e-collar on would be something you can do without seeing a vet. However, eye injuries can be very dangerous and if youre at all able to have him evaluated, sooner would be better than waiting until tomorrow. Keep your puppy away from playing with your other dog until you can get him evaluation. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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.