Can I flush with tap water?

For chemical splashes, clean water or sterile saline flush on the way to care can help. For penetrating trauma, minimize manipulation and go in.

For chemical splashes, clean water or sterile saline flush on the way to care can help. For penetrating trauma, minimize manipulation and go in.

Dog eye injury: what to do

Eyes worsen quickly. Prevent pawing and get veterinary care the same day for trauma or sudden squinting.

Scenario	Eye injury
Vet vs poison control vs ER	Eye trauma and chemical exposure are veterinary emergencies or same-day urgent cases. Poison control may advise on chemical ID, but the pet still needs ocular exam. Sudden blindness or a prolapsed eye is ER now.

Prevent pawing with an Elizabethan collar if you have one
Do not rub the eye or apply leftover medicated drops from another pet
If a chemical splashed the eye, flush with sterile saline or clean water for several minutes on the way to care
Keep the pet in dim light if light-sensitive
Seek veterinary care the same day for squinting, cloudiness, visible trauma, or discharge after injury

Do not use leftover steroid drops, human redness drops, or another pet’s ointment.

An E-collar prevents self-trauma on the way to the clinic.

Say whether a chemical, cat scratch, stick, or fight was involved.

Sudden cloudiness, bleeding, or a visibly displaced eye is ER-now language.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Contact your vet for anything urgent or unclear.

Can I flush with tap water?: For chemical splashes, clean water or sterile saline flush on the way to care can help. For penetrating trauma, minimize manipulation and go in.