If you’ve lived with a dog for long enough, chances are you’ll eventually need to give them eye drops—whether it’s for an infection, irritation, or part of a recovery plan from the vet.

Some dogs are happy to sit still for their treatment and for vet handling (especially when there’s a treat involved). Others act like you’ve just announced the worst thing ever and disappear the moment they see the bottle. Sound familiar? If your dog hates eye drops, then read on!

In an ideal world, we’d all put a lot of efforts into cooperative care training for handling by the vet, so that our dogs feel comfortable with it long before they actually need it. But in real life, we often end up making it up as we go along. The good news is, there is a way to make it easier - for both of you.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your dog feel more at ease with eye drops(or ear drops - the process is the same).

These steps work for both eye drops and ear drops, helping your dog feel more comfortable with routine care, even if you’re starting in the middle of treatment.

Step 1: Make the Bottle Less Scary

Dogs are brilliant at spotting patterns. If the bottle only appears when it’s time for drops, it’s no surprise they want nothing to do with it.

Start turning the bottle into a “good thing.” Pop it on the table and toss a few tasty treats near your dog. Move it to different locations around the house, and randomly reward your dog when they’re nearby. Keep it low-key, no big fuss.

If your drops need to be kept in the fridge, set yourself a reminder to do this a few times a day.

Once your dog is more relaxed, hold the bottle in your hand and offer a treat. If they know a “touch” cue, ask them to nose-target the bottle to earn a reward.

Step 2: Break Down the Handling

Eye drop application involves reaching towards your dog’s face, gently supporting their head, opening the eyelid, and aiming the drops. That’s a lot for a dog to process all at once!

Break it into small steps:

Reach towards your dog’s face and reward calm behaviour.
Gently touch around the eye, and reward again.
Practice opening the eyelid slightly—always reward!
If your dog pulls away, just take a step back. The aim is to keep it low-pressure and positive.

Step 3: Add the Bottle to the Mix

Now start repeating the handling steps while holding the (closed) eye drop bottle.

Touch near the eye, support your dog’s head, and so on—just like before—but now with the bottle present. Keep marking and rewarding calm behaviour.

Step 4: Practise the Motions Without the Drops

Before using the drops, practise the whole routine with the bottle still closed. Go through the motions of applying the drops—just don’t actually do it yet.

This helps your dog get used to the routine without the surprise of the liquid, and helps you build confidence in your handling too.

Step 5: Time for the Real Thing

By now, your dog should be thinking, “Hey, this isn’t so bad.” When you’re ready, gently apply the drops, mark the moment, and follow up with a jackpot of small treats.

💡 If your dog seems to hate the cold feeling, ask your vet if it is safe to bring the drops to room temperature before use.

If needed, you can try letting the drops trickle from a soaked cotton pad rather than squirting straight from the bottle.

Step 6: Finish on a High

After the drops go in, don’t just stop there. Quickly go back through a couple of easier steps—like touching their head or showing the bottle—and reward again. Then do something fun your dog loves: a walk, a game, dinner, or a cuddle session.

This helps your dog build a positive association with the whole process.

Step 7: Practise Little and Often

Even if your dog doesn’t need treatment right now, this is a great skill to practise. It’s a brilliant way to help them feel comfortable with handling—and future treatments will be much easier.

Try this: keep the bottle and some treats near the sofa and practise during ad breaks on telly. A few minutes here and there really adds up! Make sure not to interrupt your dog’s favourite programme though …

Final Thoughts

Giving eye drops might not be your dog’s favourite activity—but with patience, positive reinforcement, and a bit of practice, it can become just another normal part of their routine. It’s not about getting it perfect—it’s about building trust and working together.

If your dog struggles with being handled or vet visits are stressful for them, get in touch and see how I can help

www.charleysangelsdogs.co.uk

07501 284159⁩

Info@charleysangelsdogs.co.uk

Helping Your Dog Accept Eye Drops: Easy, Positive Steps That Work