Can a Dog Bite Really Damage Your Eyelid? Yes — Here’s What to Do

It’s hard to imagine your sweet dog causing serious injury — but dog bites are among the most common causes of eyelid trauma. Even a quick snap can break the delicate skin of the eyelid, sometimes leading to permanent damage.

Why Eyelid Bites Are Different

The skin of the eyelid is paper-thin and lies directly over critical muscles and ducts. A dog bite can:

• Cut through the orbicularis oculi muscle
• Damage tear ducts and drainage pathways
• Cause irregular scarring or eyelid misalignment

Because bite wounds are considered contaminated, infection is also a major concern.

First Steps After an Eyelid Bite

1. Rinse the area gently with clean water — no scrubbing.
2. Apply a sterile dressing — do not use creams or ointments.
3. Seek emergency care — and ask for a referral to an oculoplastic specialist.

Dog bites to the face should always be examined by a specialist in eyelid trauma and reconstruction to ensure proper healing and function.