Okay, real talk: No one wants to see a dog looking like they just rolled out of bed after a 72-hour bender. Crusty eyes? Watery gunk? Yeah, not the cute look we’re going for.

If you’re wondering how to clean your dog’s eyes without turning it into a full-blown WWE wrestling match… good news, you’re in the right place.

Let’s get into it. 🐾

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Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Crusty Anyway?

Short answer? Because dogs are gross sometimes.
Longer answer? It’s pretty normal for dogs to get a little eye gunk—especially when they wake up.

Tears dry out overnight, leaving behind that charming little crust.
But if you’re seeing:

Excessive crust
Yellow or green discharge
Squinting or pawing at the eyes

👀 FYI: It could be a sign of an infection or allergy, and you should probably hit up your vet.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Eyes Like a Pro (Or At Least Fake It)

1. Grab the Right Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have:

Soft cotton balls or pads (nothing scratchy, please)
Dog-safe saline solution (or just plain old warm water)
A clean towel

IMO, this is not the time to go full DIY chemist with homemade potions unless you enjoy vet bills.

2. Calm Your Dog Down

Trying to clean a hyped-up dog’s eyes = basically a horror movie.
Get your dog comfy first.
Maybe a belly rub. Maybe some sweet talk. Maybe bribery with treats. No judgment here.

Because if you charge at them holding a cotton ball like a crazed raccoon, it’s not gonna end well. Trust me.

3. Wipe Gently (Like, Really Gently)

Dampen your cotton ball or pad.
Wipe away from the eye, not toward it.
Use a fresh pad for each eye. (Cross-contamination? Yeah, let’s not.)

Important:
If you have to wrestle your dog into a headlock, you’re doing it wrong.
Gentle is the name of the game.

4. Clean Regularly

Consistency matters, people.

You don’t brush your own teeth once a week and call it good (I hope?), so don’t let your dog’s eye gunk build up like some weird crusty wall art.

Daily wipe-downs if needed
Weekly cleanings for dogs prone to mild buildup

Your future self will thank you when your dog doesn’t look like they’ve been living under a bridge.

Bonus Tip: Watch for Bigger Problems

Not to freak you out, but gross eyes can sometimes mean bigger issues.

If you notice:

Thick, smelly discharge
Bloodshot eyes
Major swelling or redness

🚨 Call the vet.
This isn’t a “wait and see” moment unless you’re cool with your dog wearing a pirate patch forever. (Which, to be fair, would look kinda badass… but still. Better safe than sorry.)

How to Keep Dog Eyes Clean Long-Term

Want to be lazy and have a clean-eyed dog?
(Same, bestie.)
Here’s how to make life easier:

Trim the hair around their eyes to avoid irritation.
Use a vet-approved eye wipe for regular maintenance.
Feed a quality diet (because yes, nutrition affects everything… annoyingly.)
Keep their bedding clean, because rolling around in filth doesn’t exactly scream “hygienic.”

And hey, keeping your dog’s eyes healthy might even save you from disgusting crust surprises on your couch. Or your pillow. (Been there, hated that.)

Clean Eyes, Happy Dog

At the end of the day, cleaning your dog’s eyes isn’t that deep.
Stay gentle, stay consistent, and don’t wait until it looks like a horror movie prop to do something about it.

Your dog might not say “thank you” out loud (although that would be amazing, right?), but those bright, healthy eyes will say it for them. 🐶✨

And hey, if you manage not to get drooled on in the process? Bonus points for you, champ.

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉

How to Clean Your Dog’s Eyes

Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Crusty Anyway?