A Cat Scratched My Dog’s Eye: What Should I Do? Vet-Approved Tips

Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to provide general information only, it is not designed to replace veterinary advice tailored to your pet. Dog owners should consult their veterinarian if they have health concerns about their pet. Although considered enemies, many cats and dogs form strong bonds, especially when raised together. However, until they learn to get along, dogs and cats can cause each other serious injuries. If a cat scratches your dog’s eye, for example, it requires a trip to the vet to evaluate the extent of the injury. In this article, we’ll tell you what to expect if your dog gets scratched in the eye, plus why it’s vital to see a vet as soon as you can. We’ll also provide tips to help you properly introduce and supervise dogs and cats to prevent injuries.

Help! A Cat Scratched My Dog’s Eye: What to Do Next

You won’t always witness the altercation between your dog and the cat, but there are some common signs to look for if your pup gets scratched in the eye. They may include:

• Squinting
• Visible blood or wounds around the eye
• Eye discharge
• Sensitivity to light
• Pawing at the eye

If you notice these signs, take your dog to the vet. If you have an E-collar or dog cone on hand at home, it’s a good idea to put it on your dog to prevent further injuries to the eye. Eye injuries can be painful, and your dog may not want you to touch or examine the eye at home.

What to Expect at the Vet’s Office

At the vet’s office, your veterinarian may perform several tests to evaluate your dog’s eye and confirm the presence of a cat scratch. For example, they may place a special stain in your dog’s eyes that helps reveal scratches in the cornea or surface of your pup’s eye.

They may also place numbing drops in your dog’s eyes to help with the pain and allow them to examine the area more easily. Your vet will also check the area around your dog’s eye for wounds, including the eyelid and third eyelid. Wounds in this area may require cleaning or stitches if they’re deep enough.

If the eye is scratched, you’ll need to treat it with antibiotic drops and sometimes pain medication by mouth. You can expect your dog to wear an E-collar while the eye heals to keep them from pawing at it. If the cat’s claws tore your dog’s skin or eyelid, they may also need to take antibiotic pills to prevent infection.

Can My Dog’s Scratched Eye Heal on Its Own?

Generally, an eye injury is considered an emergency and should be treated by a vet as soon as possible. These injuries are painful and can quickly develop complications that could lead to your dog losing the eye.

If the scratch only impacts the area around the dog’s eye, there’s a chance it could heal on its own. However, there’s no way to confirm that your dog’s cornea wasn’t injured without seeing a vet. Regarding cat scratches and your dog’s eyes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Tips to Prevent a Cat from Scratching Your Dog’s Eye

While there’s no way to prevent every injury to your dog, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of them suffering a cat scratch to the eye.

Often, puppies are the victim of cat scratches, especially right after they’ve been introduced to the family. Young dogs may not be able to help their curiosity about the resident feline nor recognize the signals the angry cat is sending to back off.

To help prevent these encounters, take the time to introduce your new dog and cat slowly. Keep the pets separate first and allow them to get used to each other’s sound and scent before meeting in person. Give them rewards for positive interactions, even if it's not face-to-face.

When you allow the pets to meet, make sure the cat can escape and the dog is restrained on a leash or in a crate. Monitor their interactions carefully and offer both pets treats. Keep the first meeting short and slowly increase the time the dog and cat spend together as they get to know each other.

Don’t allow the dog and cat to play together until they seem very comfortable, and continue to supervise them closely. Be prepared to return to the previous step if necessary and watch the animals closely. Some dogs and cats may never be able to interact safely without supervision.

Conclusion

Dogs that live with friendly cats can suffer scratches if they encounter an unfamiliar feline who views them as a threat and reacts accordingly. You can prevent this by keeping your dog on a leash and keeping them away from outdoor cats. If your dog does get scratched in the eye, they’ll need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment. Without proper care, your dog could suffer serious complications, including blindness.

Featured Image Credit: fantom_rd, Shutterstock