How to Apply Eye Drops to Dogs with Low Stress Handling — Vet Tips 2025 🐶💧

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

At some point, most dogs will need eye drops—whether for a routine eye exam or chronic eye conditions like dry eye or infections. Applying medication around the eyes can be tricky, especially if your dog is nervous. But with the right approach, it can become a low-stress routine for both of you. 🐕‍🦺💖

Here’s my vet-approved guide to using Low Stress Handling™ techniques to confidently apply eye drops at home. 🌟

🧰 What You’ll Need

Preparation is key! Before beginning, gather these essentials:

• 🪑 A comfortable, secure space for you and your dog (e.g., floor for large dogs; lap or chair for smaller pets)
• 🍗 High-value food rewards (treats or a spoon with peanut butter/yogurt)
• 🎾 An optional distraction toy (some dogs respond better to toys than food)
• 💧 The prescribed eye drops or ointment

🪑 Positioning for Comfort & Control

How you set up matters. Good posture and calm handling will reassure your dog:

• Avoid looming—crouch beside or slightly behind your dog instead of leaning over them
• Maintain an upright posture to stay comfortable and relaxed (dogs sense stress!)
• Have your dog sitting or standing, with their chin resting on your leg, couch edge, or low stool
• If they’re unfamiliar with “chin rest” behavior, lure them with food for now

👐 Hand Placement — Low Stress Style

The most comfortable way to approach your dog’s eyes is from underneath and behind the ear—like a calming pet.

• Place the outside (pinky side) of your hand gently on your dog’s head, just above and behind the eyebrow
• This position keeps your hand outside their peripheral vision and offers wrist stability
• If your dog is sensitive to this, start with gradual conditioning—move your hand closer in small steps and reward each success 🦴

🎯 Eye Drop Application Step-by-Step

1. Uncap the eye drop bottle or ointment tube and hold it horizontally or slightly angled up (not dripping)
2. Use a kissy sound or happy voice to get your dog to look up, opening their eyes wider
3. Stabilize your hand on their head, aim the dropper just above the eye (avoid touching the eye or lids)
4. Let gravity help—drop in the medication quickly and calmly 🧼
5. Reward immediately with food or praise, or offer a lickable treat during the process

💡 Some dogs prefer treats after each drop, while others benefit from continuous licking during application to stay engaged.

👁️ Treating Both Eyes

If both eyes need medication, you have two options:

• 🌟 For cooperative dogs: move straight to the second eye
• ⏸️ For nervous dogs: pause briefly and reset with treats, then repeat the steps on the second eye

🔁 Building a Positive Routine

Many dogs resist medical handling out of fear—not stubbornness. Low Stress Handling™ teaches them that “good things happen” during care:

• ✅ Practice hand positioning and treat without applying drops first
• ✅ Associate the setup (towel, location, voice tone) with rewards
• ✅ End every session on a positive note—even if a drop wasn’t successfully given

🧠 Troubleshooting & Tips

• 🐕 If your dog resists, stop, calm them, and try again later
• 🧣 A towel “hug” wrap may help anxious small dogs feel secure
• 🩺 Consider asking your vet team to demonstrate the technique in person or via telehealth

❤️ Ask A Vet Is Here to Help

Still struggling with eye drop application? We’re just a tap away. Ask A Vet professionals can guide you with video tips, behavior reinforcement techniques, and even recommend alternative formats like oral meds (when available) if your dog remains distressed.

📲 Download the Ask A Vet app to get real-time veterinary guidance and one-on-one coaching for tricky treatments like eye drops, ear meds, and beyond.

📝 Final Checklist

• ✔ Comfortable setup for dog and handler
• ✔ Use calm posture and positioning
• ✔ Hand comes from under & behind
• ✔ Use gravity, not force
• ✔ Reward immediately!

With patience, treats, and practice, applying eye drops doesn’t have to be a battle. Instead, it can be a quick moment of trust and care between you and your dog. 🐾💖

Need help personalizing this routine? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for customized veterinary support from wherever you are. 🐶📱