Pet Care Resources

How to Apply Eye Ointment to Your Pet: A Video Tutorial

Tips from a Board-certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist on how to apply eye ointment to your pet.

Reviewed By Vanessa J. Kuonen Cavens, DVM, MS, DACVO®

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November 3, 2025

Applying eye ointment to your pet can be even more challenging than administering eye drops, but with the right guidance, you can master this task. This MedVet video on applying eye ointment to pets offers valuable insights from Dr. Vanessa Kuonen Cavens, a Board-certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist.

Key Benefits of the Video

  • Expert Guidance: Learn directly from a veterinary ophthalmology specialist.
  • Clear Application Techniques: Master straightforward methods for applying eye ointment to your pet.
  • Stress Reduction: Discover helpful strategies to ease both your pet’s and your own anxiety during the process.
  • Effective Pet Care: Ensure accurate administration of eye ointment for optimal results.

Expert Tips for Applying Eye Ointment

The video provides practical advice on the process. Here are some key steps to follow:

  • Positioning: Stand behind your pet for better control over their body and head. Have your pet sit or lie down to make the process easier.
  • Head Tilt: Gently tilt your pet’s head up using your non-dominant hand.
  • Head Control: Rest your dominant hand on top of your pet’s head to maintain control.
  • Lid Control: Use your pinkie to gently pull the upper lid up and your thumb to pull the lower lid down, creating a pocket.
  • Ointment Application: Squeeze the ointment into the pocket, then release the lower lid, allowing your pet to blink and distribute the ointment.

Watching this video will equip you with the skills and confidence to effectively care for your pet’s eyes. Explore more pet care tips and resources on the MedVet Pet Care Resources library.

Learn more about veterinary ophthalmology.

Learn More

Regular eye check-ups for your pet help maintain their eye health and detect any potential health issues.

Veterinary Ophthalmology

Vanessa J. Kuonen Cavens, DVM, MS, DACVO®

Vanessa J. Kuonen Cavens, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVO, is a Board-certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist at MedVet Cincinnati and MedVet Dayton. She has been on staff at MedVet since 2008. Dr. Kuonen Cavens attended Brigham Young University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree and Kansas State University where she earned both a Masters of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Following her graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Kuonen Cavens completed a yearlong internship in small animal medicine and surgery, a three-year residency in ophthalmology, and earned a Masters of Science at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Vanessa J. Kuonen Cavens, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVO, is a Board-certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist at MedVet Cincinnati and MedVet Dayton. She has been on staff at MedVet since 2008. Dr. Kuonen Cavens attended Brigham Young University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree and Kansas State University where she earned both a Masters of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Following her graduation from veterinary school, Dr. Kuonen Cavens completed a yearlong internship in small animal medicine and surgery, a three-year residency in ophthalmology, and earned a Masters of Science at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Contents

Learn More

Regular eye check-ups for your pet help maintain their eye health and detect any potential health issues.

Veterinary Ophthalmology