A dog most often needs an eye patch as a temporary measure after an eye injury or during a medical condition. Sometimes there are other reasons a dog may need an eye patch. A medical-grade prefabricated eye patch for dogs is occasionally hard to find. As a pet parent it’s important to understand the different types of eye injuries and know what to do ahead of time.
This dog eye patch review for the best eye patches for dogs in 2021 will help you choose an appropriate eye mask for your dog that will suit your dog’s medical needs.
Many vets make their eye patches or order them for humans and package and sell them for dogs. The best dog eye patches are soft and safe eye patches with no sharp corners or staples as fastenings.
Keep in mind that dog goggles should not be used post-surgery because they are fitted very close to the eye and eyelid. It’s best to find the most comfortable dog eye patch that can be removed easily when you need to apply eye meds.
This review on the best dog eye patches will provide a shortlist of possible eye patches to help you with whatever your furry friend is going through.
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
- Pros
- It can be used for one eye care and as an eye shield
- Crafted with a soft cotton filling
- Provides extra cushioning and helps to protect the eye against additional injury
- Strong barrier against sunlight
- Cons
- Will need to adjust it to your dog's head
The FCarolyn silk eye patch for dogs is available in several sizes. It’s crafted with 100% top-quality natural silk on both sides, allowing the eye mask for dogs to feel comfortable and relaxed.
It features a fully adjustable strap from 13 inches to 25 inches and can be used for one eye care or as a pet eye shield. This is a suitable sized dog eye patch for smaller dog breeds: 2.3-inches x 3.1-inches (right eye patch)
Features
- Affordable
- Washable
- Comfortable
- Crafted with an adjustable band
- Lightproof
- Pros
- Soft & breathable
- Good fit
- Soft and adjustable stretchy rope for easy use
- Secure fit
- It does not dig into a dog's skin.
- Cons
- Not specifically designed for dogs
The Akoak soft black eye patch for dogs features high-quality, breathable cotton. It won’t hurt your dog’s delicate skin and will keep your dog as comfortable as possible. This is another brand with a fully adjustable eye mask for dogs that is fully breathable.
It allows air to get to the wound for healing and stops moisture and warmth from building up around the eye. This is a cupped eye patch and not a flat eye patch, making for a better fit around the eye area.
Features
- Affordable
- Comfortable on dogs
- Adjustable strap
- Crafted with high-quality breathable cotton
- Pros
- Breathable material
- The light protection layer keeps light out
- The gentle adhesive keeps the patch on while allowing easy removal
- Hypoallergenic
- Latex-free
- Each box contains 48 individually wrapped patches.
- Cons
- Slightly higher price point
See Worthy Adventure Pack eye patches are sterile eye pads made from highly breathable materials that allow the skin to breathe. Not only are these fun to use with their fun designs, but they are ultra-gentle, safe, and effective. The adhesive ensures that no sticky residue is left once you remove the patch. They have patented adhesive technology.
Features
- Latex free & hypoallergenic
- Breathable & comfortable
- Patented shape
- Gluten-free, paraben-free, and use no animal testing.
- Pros
- Measuring chart provided with all breed sizes
- Comfortable
- Protect a dog's eyes post-surgery
- Cons
- Only fits certain dogs
The Optivizor eye protection for medium and small dogs features eye protection for dogs post-surgery, eye infections, or debris. It is crafted from clear soft PVC to aid visibility and creates a contoured shape to fit your dog’s features when assembled.
It also incorporates a headrest that cushions and allows space between the inner surface of the vizor and the pet’s face allowing for optimal airflow and comfort.
Features
- Veterinary approved
- Soft PVC material
- Suitable for post-surgery, eye infections, or debris
Eye Injuries in Dogs
Ophthalmic injuries require a speedy diagnosis to save the eye, and therapy needs to be appropriate to save the dog’s vision. Injuries to the eye can happen at any time when pets play together, play in the garden, or even during a dog fight at the park. Here’s the takeaway on common dog eye injuries that need eye patches.
Traumatic Proptosis
This is bulging of the eye caused by an injury. It usually follows blunt trauma like being hit by a car or being in a dog fight. This happens when the eyeball becomes dislodged from the orbit. Eyelid spasms prevent the eyeball from returning to its normal position.
In addition, bleeding and swelling pushes the eye further from the orbit. The eye becomes dry, and vision may worsen or even fail. Potential complications include the following:
- Corneal tears
- Optic nerve damage
- Muscle injury
- Vision loss
- Inflammation
- Infection
Dog Eye Bleeds
If there is trauma to the blood vessels, bleeding occurs. Parts of them may swell, or the dog may not be able to close his eye shut. In this case, your vet may use topical and systemic antibiotics, corticosteroids, or other drugs. Sometimes the upper and lower eyelids need to be sewn together to protect the cornea. This is usually until the blink reflex returns.
Foreign Objects in the Eye
This is common with sand, metal fragments, glass shards, or other small objects getting into the eye. Symptoms include:
- Tearing
- Swelling
- Redness
- Eyelid spasms
In this case, to prevent your pup from pawing or scratching his eye, an eye patch may be used. Your vet will usually sedate your pet to examine the eye and treat it. The foreign object is generally removed by flushing the look with a saline solution. Your vet may also use small forceps.
Penetrating Eye Injuries
Eye patches for dogs are used after treatment. Penetrating eye injuries are the most common in pets and can be caused by pellets, splinters, plant spines, and splinters. You will need to take your pup to the vet for an eye examination to check for lens injury and other damage. If the lens has been penetrated, your vet will remove it because its perforation leads to rapid cataract formation. Symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Glaucoma
What to Look for in Dog Eye Patches?
Size: The size of the patch depends on the size and breed of your dog. You don’t want it too small, or the dog will not leave it alone, yet if it’s too big, your dog will be able to reach the body area underneath the patch, which can also cause injury.
Material/Fabric: There are many different materials that can be used to make eye patches. The best material is soft, breathable, and comfortable for the dog but durable enough to stay on all night if needed.
Washing: You want to look for an eye patch that is easy to clean because your dog will likely go through numerous patches before making a complete recovery.
Most minor injuries can be treated with a bandage or by placing a plastic collar around their neck, preventing them from reaching their eye injury.
But, when any dog accidentally injures their eye, your treatment options can become quite tricky. As with any eye injury, you should reach out to your vet immediately because of the importance of sight to your dog.
How Does Your Dog React?
When buying a temporary eye patch, make sure you keep the following in mind: Does your dog like wearing it? Eye patches will not work if the dog constantly tries to get it off or doesn’t like how it feels. If it’s for a whole day, it needs to be something that doesn’t irritate the dog.
Is an eye patch comfortable?
The fabric should not bother or irritate your dog’s skin. If they are scratching their eye area, look for one made of different materials or try one with soft padding inside. If it’s constantly coming off, you may want to choose a different option.
Does an eye patch stay on all night?
If your dog sleeps with you, make sure the patch stays on overnight. The patch needs to stay in place for as long as necessary. If it’s not going to keep on all night, you might want to choose a different option.
You can find an eye patch made of cotton or other types of fabrics. There are patches with foam inside and those with a bulkier look.
Does your dog try to eat the eye patch?
Some dogs may be tempted to do so because your dog can see through the fabric or is in pain and trying to lick their eye area. If you notice this behavior, take the patch off immediately.
How long does it stay on?
A patch will likely only stay on for a limited amount of time, depending on what you are using it for. An eye patch may be needed for several reasons. One of the most common reasons is for protecting an injured eye after surgery or injury. The dog’s general health and state of mind may also create the need to wear an eye patch. As with people, dogs can develop lazy eyes where one or both do not work. Dogs with the condition sometimes need a patch over the healthy eye to encourage the other eye to work properly.
An eye patch may also be required for dogs with entropion, a condition where folding in the eyelid causes issues with how it works. Sometimes this can cause an injury to the cornea of the dog’s eye.
An eye patch may also encourage the other eye to work better should one eye need surgery or treatment for an injury. It can also help keep the retina in place should it start to detach due to injury or illness, such as diabetes.
Dogs may have an eye problem if their eye looks cloudy, red, has a discharge — or if your dog is keeping one eye closed or trying to rub his eye.
What should you look for when buying eye patches for your dog?
Price: Eye patches can cost anywhere from $2-$30 depending on the fabric, accessories, and where they are made. The more expensive ones will be better materials or have other features that make them more comfortable or durable.
Material/fabric: You want to look for an eye patch that is easy to clean. If it can be washed, you will not have to worry about them wearing it again after the first use.
Some eye patches come with accessories such as a head strap or clips that hold the patch in place more securely. Others have padding or mesh that makes it more comfortable for the dog to wear. Only use the patch in accordance with the veterinarian’s recommendations and if your dog tolerates it well.
Will my dog’s eye condition improve with an eye patch?
The eye should be better with the patch than without one, but if your dog tolerates using the patch well, you will not see an improvement right away. You may not notice anything different at first, and the change could take weeks or even months to see, depending on what is causing their issues.
How long do eye patches stay on?
You may need to take the eye patch off for certain activities if your dog is uncomfortable wearing it. If you are using one overnight, make sure you keep it on all night without any problems.
What are eye patches used for on dogs?
An eye patch may be needed for several reasons. One of the most common reasons is protecting an injured or surgically repaired eye after surgery or injury.
How is much is a dog eye patch?
Price – $6-$19 depending on the material and other features. The more expensive ones will be better materials or have additional features that make them more comfortable or durable.
Conclusion for Best Dog Eye Patches
Common traumatic injuries can happen at any time. Pets can develop eye problems just like humans, including cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye issues.
With many types of eye diseases and eye injuries that can affect your furbaby at any time and injuries ranging from mild to severe, you should always have pet insurance on hand to help you with veterinary costs.
Pet insurance can save you a lot of money if your dog needs treatment. You can get pet insurance for as little as $10 per month, which will cover up to 90% of the cost of veterinary services such as x-rays, vaccines, hospitalization, and more.
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Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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