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My dog's eyes are closed shut and crusted. What's the next step?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My dogs eyes are closed shut

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on December 10th, 2014

If they are crusted over with some kind of dried discharge, a warm moist washcloth will help soften it and dissolve. Don't force the eyes to open and don't pick at the eyes or lashes, let the warm water do the work. To determine the cause and get it treated, you should get your dog in to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. There could be damage to the corneas that will need aggressive treatment, at the very least your dog needs ointment or drops to soothe his/her eyes and help them heal.

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24Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Catherine Stecyk

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 23rd, 2019

    Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that your pet may have gotten into something. Since she is keeping her eyes shut, I am worried that she has injuries to her corneas, or the front part of the eye. Cleaning solutions can be toxic to the cells of the cornea and cause ulceration, which is very painful. I recommend bringing her to your veterinarian as soon as you can have her seen to have her eyes examined. Your vet may prescribe pain medications as well as topical eye antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection and permanent damage to the eyes. In the meantime, you can try to keep rinsing her eyes with eye wash that you can purchase over the counter from a human pharmacy. I hope this is helpful!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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