Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog's eye is shut after bath. Could soap be the cause? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I gave my dog a bath and I’ve noticed one of her eyes won’t stay open. I believe soap must’ve gotten in it. I’m worried as this has never happened before.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 15th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding the your dog. You can rinse the eye with a saline eye drop or rinse. This may relive any irritation from soap in the eye. If she continues to squint (which indicates pain), she will need to see her veterinarian. She may require an eye test to rule out a scratch across the surface of her eye. In the meantime, do not allow her to paw at the eye as this can cause further trauma. I hope this information helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 4th, 2017

    I strongly recommend you get some eye wash from Petsmart or Petco like this one and rinse out the eye more thoroughly. https://www.chewy.com/burts-bees-dog-eye-wash-solution-4/dp/145358 Then get some eye lubricant and put that in the eye twice a day to help lubricate and reduce irritation. https://www.chewy.com/puralube-vet-ointment-sterile-ocular/dp/111399 If you do this for 3-4 days with no resolution then you will have to get him to a vet. I doubt the eye will be damaged from soap. It will just be irritated and painful for a few days. In the future you can use that eye ointment prior to bathing as a precaution. If you do that and soap happens to get into the eye it will just slide off the eye due to the lubricant (kind of like rain drops on a car that has just been waxed). Hope this helps. Best wishes!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 4th, 2019

    Unfortunately there may not be much you can do at home. Soap tends to burn the cornea and this is painful. You can try rinsing out her eyes with sterile saline but it’s likely that any damage is already done. I recommend to have Princess visit her veterinarian today for an eye stain to check for damage. The doctor will then prescribe appropriate medications and pain medication (do not give her a human pain medication as this can be toxic). I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 4th, 2017

    So sorry this happened. I think he will just be irritated for a day or so. I recommend you rinse it out again. It is best to use saline solution/eye wash: https://www.chewy.com/burts-bees-dog-eye-wash-solution-4/dp/145358 Get it in this squirt bottle so you can really rinse out the eye. You can likely buy a similar product at your local Petsmart or Petco. You need to try and pry the eyelids open so you are rinsing the inside of the eye and not just pouring the saline on the outer eyelids. That won't help. He won't like it but you must rinse it REALLY well. Rinse it twice a day. He doesn't need eye antibiotics but you can get some eye lube and apply that for a few days, twice a day after you rinse. That will just lubricate the eye and make it feel better. https://www.chewy.com/puralube-vet-ointment-sterile-ocular/dp/111399 If after 4 days or so and he is still squinting/painful then you need to get him to the vet for an exam. Hope this helps.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Can I use human contact lens solution as eye drops for my mouse?
Can you use contact lens saline for your mouse's eye drops? A certified vet discusses ingredients like boric acid and potassium chloride. Find safe solutions for your pet!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My guinea pig has a growing lump on its neck. Can it heal itself?
Guinea pig has a growing, hard neck lump? Worried about vet costs? A certified veterinarian advises on crucial steps for diagnosis and your pet's well-being.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's eye looks strange but doesn't seem to hurt. What's wrong?
Is your pet's eye issue painless? A DVM explains potential corneal trauma or scratch. Immediate vet care is crucial to save their eye. Get expert advice now!
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored