Keeping Gnats Away From a Dog's Eyes

We couldn't find a repellent that vets recommend as safe to use near a dog's eyes, so please don't spray or wipe insect repellents or essential oils close to them. What helps is keeping the area clean: wipe away discharge daily with sterile saline or a damp cloth, and keep the long hair around his eyes trimmed.

There's another reason to watch for this. In parts of the Northeast, small fruit flies that feed on eye fluid spread an eyeworm in dogs. Repellents don't stop these flies. If his eyes become watery, red or itchy in summer, ask your vet to check for worms. They can be removed, and an antiparasitic treatment can protect him during fly season.

See gnats and flies around the eyes.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.