Eye injury and chemicals in the eye: what should I do for my dog?

Use this when your dog is squinting, holding an eye shut, has a red or runny eye after an injury, or got a chemical in its eye. If a chemical got in the eye, flush it right away with lots of clean water or saline for at least 20 minutes.

First aid

Eye injury and chemicals in the eye: dog first aid

Use this when your dog is squinting, holding an eye shut, has a red or runny eye after an injury, or got a chemical in its eye.

Get your dog to a vet as soon as you can

Find an emergency vet

What to do

If a chemical got in the eye, flush it right away with lots of clean water or saline for at least 20 minutes.
Stop your dog rubbing or pawing at the eye. Use a cone if you have one.
Call your vet now, and bring the product label if a chemical was involved.
Take your dog to the vet even if the eye seems better.

Don't

Don't let your dog rub the eye.
Don't wait for the eye to look worse before calling the vet.

Signs

Holding the eye shut or squinting
Redness
Discharge or a watery eye
Swollen eyelids
Pawing at the eye

Why

Eye problems can get worse very quickly. Chemicals can burn the surface of the eye, so fast flushing and a vet check are important.

Sources

Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.

General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.