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My dog's eye is swollen after a nail poke. Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 10 years and 9 months old | 60 lbs

hello Dog got poke by another dog's nail just above his eye. He is not squinting, and there is no discharge 12 hours later. but the part above his eye is rather swollen. We have been doing a warm saline compress every few hours.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 16th, 2018

I am sorry to hear about Chance! the tricky part here is that the wound is close to his eye, so we can't recommend putting normal antibiotic ointment on the wound or cleaning with an antibacterial soap because of the location, if it got into the eye it could cause problems. For this reason, if the area is swollen I would recommend a visit to Chance's vet. They can ensure the eye itself is not damaged and can prescribe antibiotic ointment safe for the eye or oral antibiotics if they feel it is indicated, and may prescribe some pain medication if needed. Until then, I would try a cool compress or ice pack (wrapped in cloth so not directly on the skin) if the area is now clean, to perhaps reduce the swelling and discomfort.

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