Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies, are sprightly and affectionate dogs in a small package. To keep them looking their best, be sure to clean the eye gunk from their eyes using a cotton ball or washcloth soaked in warm water. Then, be sure to address any eye problems and wipe your Yorkie's face every day to prevent eye gunk from building up again.
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Causes of eye gunk
Some discharge from the eyes is completely normal, but if you aren't cleaning your pup's eyes regularly, the gunk can build up in the fur around her eyes. You may notice more discharge if you have been to the park or if it is a windy day and dust gets in your pup's eyes.
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However, there are also some more serious conditions that cause eye discharge as well. Some examples include conjunctivitis, glaucoma, epiphora, an ingrown eyelash, or a foreign body that scratches the eye. If your dog has excessive tearing or if the eye discharge is yellow or green, be sure to contact your veterinarian. You can clean the eye gunk and hard hair, but your dog may need additional treatment to prevent the problem from returning.
Clean your Yorkie's eyes
The best way to remove the eye gunk from your Yorkie's eyes is to wet a cotton ball with warm water and use it to gently wipe away the gunk. If the hair is hardened from eye discharge, you may need to let the hair soak for a minute and gently rub to loosen the fur and clean the area. You can also use a washcloth for this purpose.
Make sure to use a clean cotton ball or a clean portion of the cloth for each eye. If your dog does have an infection in one eye, this will help to prevent it from spreading to the other eye. Also, don't rub too hard or directly over the eyeball, as you don't want to risk scratching or further irritating the eye. Finally, use a clean, soft cloth to dry the face and eyes when you are finished.
Alternative eye cleaning options
If there is still gunk remaining after you have washed the eyes, consider using a fine-tooth pet eye comb to brush the debris from the hair around the eyes. You can also use your fingers to help loosen the fur if it is hard and stuck close to the face. If your pup is wiggling too much, don't hesitate to ask for help holding him so that you can safely groom around his eyes.
If your dog is calm and will allow you to do so, you can trim the fur in the corner of his eyes to keep it short. While you will still need to clean his eyes regularly, you can avoid the hardened hair around the eyes.
If your Yorkie has tear stains on his face, consider using a dog tear stain solution or wipe. If he has an eye infection or other medical condition, check with your vet to make sure the product is safe to use.
Regular grooming for Yorkies
Yorkies need regular grooming to keep their coat and skin healthy. Don't wait for your appointment with the groomer. Make sure you are wiping the eyes daily and checking for any sign of infection or irritation that may need veterinary treatment. Make sure that your Yorkie's hair does not fall into her eyes, as this can cause irritation and discharge. Opt for a shorter cut or tie her hair back off her face with a bow.