Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on what to do and what to expect.
Immediate Action: Rinse the Eye
Your first and most important step is to gently but thoroughly flush the eye.
- What to Use: Lukewarm water or a sterile saline solution (contact lens solution without additives is fine). Do not use any other chemicals, drops, or remedies.
- How to Do It:
- Hold your dog’s head steady, tilted so the affected eye is down. This prevents the rinse from flowing over to the other eye.
- Use a clean syringe (without a needle), a small squeeze bottle, or even a soaked clean cloth to gently stream the water or saline over the eye from the inner corner (near the nose) outward.
- Flush for a good 3-5 minutes to ensure all soap residue is washed out.
Will It Resolve Naturally?
Probably, but it depends on the severity.
In most cases, if the soap was quickly rinsed away and only caused mild irritation, the redness should subside significantly within a few hours and resolve completely over the next 24 hours. The eye’s natural tear film will help to flush out remaining irritants and heal the surface.
However, you need to monitor the situation closely. Natural resolution is not guaranteed if the soap was particularly harsh or exposure was prolonged.
What to Watch For: Signs You NEED a Vet
Do not wait and see if you observe any of the following “red flag” symptoms. These indicate a chemical burn or a developing ulcer (a scratch on the cornea) that requires immediate veterinary treatment:
- Squinting or Blinking Excessively: This is a sign of significant pain (blepharospasm).
- Pawing at the Eye or Rubbing Face on Furniture: This can cause further injury.
- Cloudiness or a Bluish-White Hue to the clear surface of the eye.
- Significant Swelling of the eyelids or around the eye.
- Thick Green or Yellow Discharge.
- The redness does not improve within a few hours or seems to be getting worse.
- Your dog seems lethargic or is avoiding bright light.
Corneal ulcers are a common and serious consequence of soap in the eye and can worsen rapidly without prescription medication.
What a Vet Will Do
If you need to visit the vet, they will perform a simple and painless test called a fluorescein stain. They place a drop of orange dye in the eye, which glows green under a blue light. This dye sticks to any damaged areas (ulcers), revealing their size and depth.
Treatment depends on the findings:
- Simple Irritation: They may prescribe a lubricating or anti-inflammatory eye drop.
- Corneal Ulcer: They will prescribe antibiotic eye drops/ointment to prevent infection and medication to manage pain and spasms. Severe ulcers may require more intensive care.
Prevention for Next Time
To prevent this from happening again:
- Use a canine-specific, tear-free shampoo.
- When lathering, be very careful to avoid the eye area. A good method is to create a “barrier” by applying a small bit of petroleum jelly or a dog-safe eye lubricant (like Artificial Tears) into each eye before the bath.
- Use a sprayer or a cup to rinse from the back of the head forward, keeping the flow away from the face. Gently wipe the face with a damp cloth instead of pouring water over it.
In summary: Flush the eye immediately with water or saline. Mild redness will likely resolve on its own within a day. However, if you see squinting, cloudiness, discharge, or if the redness persists, do not hesitate to see your veterinarian immediately, as this could indicate a painful and sight-threatening corneal injury.
Disclaimer: This advice is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian for any concerns about your pet’s health.
