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My dog scratched her eye. What's safe to clean it? Does she need a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Catahoula Leopard Dog | Female | spayed | 70 lbs

My dog has just scratched under her eye. She's not really bleeding but I'd like to know what's safe to use to clean it. Should she go to the vet for antibiotics?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2019

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

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on August 12th, 2017
Aww poor guy! I think you have done a very good job so far to keep it clean. If he is otherwise doing fine, it would likely be just fine to wait until tomorrow. That area can be sampled to check for an underlying infection. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications will likely be prescribed and he will most likely be just fine! Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on May 6th, 2017
I would leave this alone and monitor for healing (reduced redness, narrowing etc) - bathe twice daily with sterile saline eye wash to prevent any buildup of discharge and the risk of any infection. I would expect a simple scratch to heal over 3-5days, if persisting longer than that you should have her checked to rule out blocked ducts or a growth underneath
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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