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By Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Certified pet nutritionist in Singapore
QUICK ANSWER
A few minutes of gentle care each week keeps most eye and ear problems away. Clean around the eyes and the outer ear with a gentle, non-toxic cleanser, and use coconut oil to soothe, moisturise and protect. Never poke deep into the ear, and get anything red, painful, cloudy or smelly checked quickly.
Eyes: what to watch for
Dry eyes
Not enough tears, leaving the eyes sore and gritty.
Infections
Bacterial, viral or fungal. Look for redness, thick discharge, squinting or pawing at the eye.
Injuries
Scratches from play, plants or other animals.
Changes with age
Cloudiness can be a sign of cataracts. Redness and pain can be a sign of glaucoma.
Coconut oil for the eyes
Virgin coconut oil is soothing, moisturising and naturally antibacterial, and it doesn't sting delicate eye tissue. A 2015 study found that virgin coconut oil used as eye drops was safe, improved the stability of the tear film and reduced damage to the eye. CocoTherapy also shares feedback from pet parents who have used it for dry eye, blepharitis and conjunctivitis.
Clean first. Moisten a cotton pad with JOOF Hygiene Water and wipe from the inner corner outwards. Use a fresh pad for each eye.
Melt the coconut oil until it's liquid but not hot.
Apply 1 drop into the affected eye, 2–3 times a day, using a clean dropper.
Watch how your pet responds. If there's no improvement, see your vet.
For tear stains, see how to use coconut oil: 11 easy ways.
Eye problems can get worse quickly. If the eye is cloudy, swollen, very red, or your pet keeps squinting, see your vet the same day.
Ears: what to watch for
Scratching, head shaking, a bad smell, dark discharge or redness. These can point to bacterial or yeast infections, or to ear mites. In Singapore's humidity, damp ears are a big trigger, so always dry them well after baths and swims.
How I care for the ears
Wipe the outer ear and ear flap with JOOF Hygiene Water, only as deep as your finger can comfortably reach. Be careful with cotton buds: cleaning the outer ear is fine, but don't push one into the ear canal unless you know how to clear out debris properly. If you're not sure, I'd suggest not to.
Wipe the inner ear flap with a cotton pad dipped in melted coconut oil. For an itchy or yeasty ear, put a few drops into the ear canal and gently massage the base of the ear. Coconut oil's lauric and caprylic acids are naturally antibacterial and antifungal, and the oil helps smother ear mites.
Let your pet shake, then wipe away the debris.
FROM MY EXPERIENCE
This is the routine I used for Wangcai during his ear infections, 2–3 times a day. Read more in coconut oil for pet infections.
If the ear is very painful, bleeding or has a lot of discharge, see your vet before putting anything into the canal, in case the eardrum is damaged.
Look at the root cause
Ears that keep getting infected, or eyes that keep weeping, often point to something deeper, such as food sensitivities or allergies. A pet intolerance test can help you find out which foods your pet reacts to. See also coconut oil for seasonal allergies.
Regular check-ups matter
Regular vet visits help catch problems like cataracts, glaucoma and ear infections early. At home, watch for changes such as more ear scratching or squinting, and act quickly when you notice them.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my pet's ears?
Weekly for most pets. Clean more often for floppy-eared breeds, swimmers, or during an infection.
Can I use coconut oil for ear mites?
It can help smother them, but a heavy infestation needs proper treatment.
Which coconut oil should I use near the eyes?
Only a pure, organic, cold-pressed, virgin and therapeutic-grade oil, like CocoTherapy Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. Here's how to tell if your coconut oil is the real thing.
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This article is for educational purposes and isn't a substitute for veterinary care. If you're concerned about your pet's health, please seek professional advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Judyvein Cheng, CPCN, BRNC
Judyvein is a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist and Certified Raw Nutrition Coach for Cats & Dogs, and the founder of JOOF Holistic Pet. Her journey began with her Frenchie, Wangcai, and today she helps pet parents in Singapore take a root-cause approach to their pets' health.
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