What should I do if fox poo got in my dog's eyes or mouth? | arlo.® Atlas
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If fox poo has got in your dog's eyes or mouth, rinse it off as soon as you can with clean lukewarm water. Most dogs just need a thorough clean and a close check for irritation afterwards, but keep an eye on them because fox poo can sometimes cause ongoing eye or mouth soreness.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the poo is on the surface only, or whether your dog has rubbed it into the eye, lips, nose or gums.
2. Look for redness, squinting, pawing at the face, blinking more than usual or obvious discomfort.
3. Check for swelling around the eye, broken skin, discharge, or a bad smell from the mouth.
4. See whether your dog is eating, drinking and behaving normally after the incident.
5. Check whether they have vomited, drooled more than usual, or seem unsettled after licking or swallowing it.
6. Look at the coat and face for other dirt or debris that may have gone in with the poo.
7. Note whether the irritation is improving over the next few hours or getting worse.
Common Causes
The most common issue is simple contamination, where the eye or mouth is irritated by dirt, bacteria and strong-smelling material in the fox poo. Rubbing can make the area feel worse even after the main mess has been cleaned away.
Sometimes a dog may also have a mild eye irritation from debris caught in the fur around the face, or soreness in the mouth if they licked or chewed at the poo. Less commonly, the eye may have been scratched by rubbing or trapped grit.
What To Do
Rinse the eye gently with clean lukewarm water or sterile saline if you have it, letting the liquid run from the inner corner outwards. If the mouth is affected, offer a small drink of fresh water and wipe away any visible residue from the lips, tongue and muzzle.
Keep your dog from rubbing their face if you can, and wash your hands afterwards. Bathe the rest of the coat if needed, especially around the face, paws and chest, so they do not re-contaminate the area by licking.
Watch the eye closely for the next 24 hours. If the redness, squinting, discharge or discomfort is not settling, or if your dog seems unwell after swallowing the poo, get veterinary advice.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet promptly if your dog keeps squinting, seems to be in pain, has marked redness or swelling, develops discharge, or the eye looks cloudy or damaged. You should also call if they have repeated vomiting, persistent drooling, loss of appetite, or seem generally unwell after eating fox poo.
Products That May Help
If your dog has rolled in fox poo, gentle washing and routine coat, paw and face care can help you clean them up more comfortably at home.
Related Questions
Can I rinse my dog's eye with tap water?
What if my dog keeps licking fox poo off their fur?
How do I stop my dog rolling in fox poo?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.