Dogs can benefit greatly from wearing goggles in certain situations. Goggles protect your dog’s eyes from dust, dirt, debris, sunlight, and other irritants. They are commonly used when dogs ride in cars with their heads out the window, during water activities like swimming or boating, in dusty or windy conditions, or when doing dog sports like agility competitions.
Further reading: related guidance from Rebarkable · AKC guidance on protective eyewear for dogs
Wearing properly-fitted dog goggles keeps your pup’s eyes clean, comfortable, and healthy. Goggles shield the delicate mucous membranes of the eyes from particles that could cause ocular irritation or infections. They also prevent drying out from wind exposure. For dogs with medical conditions like pannus or corneal ulcers, goggles may be recommended by veterinarians.
Overall, dog goggles are an easy way to safeguard your canine companion’s vision and allow them to participate safely in activities they love. Your dog won’t mind wearing goggles once they become used to them. With positive reinforcement training, you can teach your dog to happily sport their new eye protection gear. This article covers everything you need to know to successfully train your dog to wear goggles.
Choose the Right Goggles
When selecting goggles for your dog, there are a few key factors to consider:
Fit
- The goggles should fit snugly without being too tight. Measure your dog’s head and buy a size that will stay in place without sliding around or sagging.
- Make sure the goggles are adjustable. Some have an elasticized strap or velcro closures so you can customize the fit.
- They shouldn’t rub or press too heavily on any part of your dog’s face. If they leave marks after wearing, they are too tight.
Comfort
- The lenses and frame should be made of lightweight, non-irritating materials. Avoid hard plastic lenses.
- You want soft, padded edges around the eyepieces so they don’t dig into the skin. Foam and fleece linings add comfort.
- Ventilation holes allow air flow and prevent fogging. This keeps your dog cool on hot days.
Eye Protection
- Lenses should block 100% of UV rays from the sun. This protects your dog’s eyes from damage.
- Side panels prevent wind, debris, and glare from irritating your dog’s eyes. Full coverage is best for high speeds.
- Mirrored lenses reduce glare in bright light. Grey, amber, or polarized lenses can enhance clarity and comfort.
- Anti-fog coatings prevent moisture buildup inside the goggles so your dog’s vision isn’t obscured.
Get Your Dog Used to Wearing Goggles
Dogs can sometimes be wary of new things placed on their heads and faces. Follow these tips to gradually get your dog comfortable with wearing goggles:
- Start by placing the goggles nearby your dog while giving treats and praise. Let your dog approach and sniff the goggles at their own pace.
- Next, try holding the goggles up to your dog’s face for just a few seconds at a time, continuing to reward with treats. As your dog remains calm, gradually increase how long you hold the goggles there.
- Once your dog seems comfortable with the goggles being held up to their face, try placing the goggles on top of their head (without the straps on) while praising and giving treats.
- After a few sessions with the goggles just sitting on top of their head, clip the goggle straps loosely under their chin so they sit comfortably on your dog’s face for short intervals (30 seconds to a minute). Continue with positive reinforcement.
- When your dog seems relaxed wearing the goggles fully strapped on, start increasing how long they wear them while engaging in fun training activities and games. This will help reinforce that wearing goggles leads to good things happening!
- With patience over repeated short sessions, your dog will likely get completely accustomed to wearing goggles. Make sure to end on a positive note after short periods of wear in the beginning.
The key is to go slowly, keep sessions brief, give loads of encouragement and treats, and make it a calm, positive experience for your dog. This gradual desensitization method helps avoid overwhelming them so they feel comfortable donning goggles.
Put the Goggles On
Putting goggles on your dog for the first time can be tricky, but follow these step-by-step instructions and your dog will be wearing them like a pro in no time.
Prepare the Goggles
- Make sure the goggles are adjusted properly to fit your dog’s head size. They should be snug but not too tight.
- Sit down on the floor with your dog and let them sniff and examine the goggles. Give them treats as they interact positively with the goggles. This will help them associate the goggles with good things.
- Rub a little bit of peanut butter or cream cheese on the inside edges of the goggles. This will encourage your dog to accept having them on their face.
Have Your Helper Ready
- Have a family member or friend ready to assist you. It can be difficult to get goggles on a squirmy dog by yourself!
- Have treats ready to reward your dog for good behavior. Small soft treats work best.
Put the Goggles On
- Gently place the goggles over your dog’s eyes and nose, ensuring their eyes are lined up properly in the openings.
- Carefully pull the strap over their head and velcro or buckle below their ears. Secure the top strap behind their head if adjustable.
- Keep distractions to a minimum and talk to your dog in a happy, encouraging tone of voice.
- Immediately reward them with treats and praise as soon as the goggles are in place.
- Your helper can gently hold their chin up to keep them from pawing at the goggles.
- If your dog seems distressed, take a short break before trying again. Go slowly until they accept the goggles.
- Give treats and pets while the goggles are on so they associate them with positive reinforcement.
With patience and positive reinforcement, your dog will get comfortable wearing protective goggles. Make it a fun, rewarding experience for both of you!
Make Wearing Goggles Fun
Wearing goggles is a new experience for your dog, so it’s important to make it a positive one. With patience and creativity, you can turn goggle-wearing into a fun activity that your dog looks forward to. Here are some tips:
- Give treats. Reward your dog with small treats when they tolerate having the goggles put on and while wearing them. This creates a positive association. Praise your dog as well.
- Play fun games. Once your dog is comfortable wearing the goggles, play their favorite games while they have them on. Fetch, tug of war and chase are enjoyable activities to do with goggles.
- Go for exciting walks. Bring your dog on walks or hikes while wearing goggles so they associate them with going fun places. Let them safely explore and sniff with goggles on.
- Take them swimming. If your dog loves the water, bring goggles along to the lake or pool. The extra eye protection makes swimming even more fun.
- Make it silly. Put goggles on yourself too or dress up your dog in other silly ways. Turn it into a game and laugh along with your dog.
- Use goggles for training. Incorporate goggle-wearing into your usual obedience training sessions. Having the distraction will be a new challenge for your dog to overcome.
With positive reinforcement, your dog will come to see their goggles as a precursor to enjoyment, making the training process much smoother. Patience and creativity are key to making it a fun experience.
Troubleshooting Problems
Getting your dog used to wearing goggles can take some time and patience. Here are some common issues that may arise, and how to troubleshoot them:
Dog is pawing at the goggles
This is very common, as the goggles feel foreign on their face. Make sure the straps are adjusted properly so they are snug but not too tight. If your dog is still pawing excessively, try distracting them with a treat or toy when you first put the goggles on. You can also smear some peanut butter on the inside edges so they associate the goggles with something positive.
Dog seems anxious or fearful of the goggles
Some dogs may act scared of the goggles at first. Introduce them slowly over multiple short sessions, giving treats and praise when they have any interaction with the goggles. Don’t force it. Let your dog set the pace as they get accustomed to this new experience. Stay calm and make it as positive as possible.
Goggles seem uncomfortable or are irritating eyes
Ensure you have goggles specifically made for dogs, as human goggles can irritate their eyes. Check that it’s a proper fit – not too tight or loose. Let your dog wear the goggles for short periods at first to get used to the feeling. Use dog-safe eye lubricants if needed for dryness. If irritation continues, consult your vet in case medication is needed.
Dog keeps rubbing face on ground
Your dog may try to rub or push the goggles off. Keep training sessions short at first, and distract them when they start rubbing. Reinforce that the goggles stay on with treats and praise. Make sure the straps are adjusted so they are secure but comfortable. Consider using a harness so they can’t catch the goggles on their collar.
Dog manages to get goggles off
Start with very short supervised sessions so you can prevent the goggles being removed. Reinforce keeping them on with positive rewards. Use an adjustable strap to ensure the right snug fit. Consider a strap around the neck or attaching to a harness for extra security if needed. Stay patient – with consistent training most dogs will get used to the goggles.
Caring for Your Dog’s Goggles
It’s important to properly care for your dog’s goggles to keep them clean, undamaged, and safe to use. Here are some tips:
Cleaning
- Rinse goggles with lukewarm water after each use to remove dirt, debris, and dog slobber. Avoid using hot water as this can damage the lenses.
- Use a mild soap and damp cloth to gently wipe down the goggles, including the lens, frame, strap, and padding. Avoid scrubbing too hard.
- You can also use a pet-safe lens cleaner specifically designed for dog goggles to clean the lenses and prevent fogging. Spray or wipe the solution on the inside and outside of lenses.
- Dry the goggles thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing. Moisture can damage lenses over time.
Storage
- Keep goggles stored in a hard case or protected pouch when not in use. Don’t just throw them loose into a bag.
- Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Don’t leave in a hot car.
- Avoid storing in an area with a lot of dirt or dust that could scratch lenses.
- Don’t place heavy objects on top of stored goggles.
Replacement
- Inspect goggles regularly for damage to the lenses, frame, or strap. Discontinue use if any part is cracked or warped.
- Replace goggles approximately every 6-12 months with regular use as the materials can degrade over time.
- Replace immediately if lenses become too scratched or foggy to see through clearly. Don’t try to buff out scratches yourself.
- Consider having a backup pair so you don’t have to interrupt activities if something happens to your main goggles.
Following these care tips will help keep your dog’s goggles in good condition for protecting their eyes during outdoor adventures!
Safety Tips
When your dog is wearing goggles, there are some important safety precautions to take. Goggles can protect your dog’s eyes from irritants and debris, but they also come with some risks. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe:
- Supervise your dog closely when they have goggles on. Don’t leave them unsupervised, as the goggles may get caught on something and become a choking hazard. Keep a close eye to make sure the goggles stay on properly.
- Avoid activities that could dislodge the goggles. Don’t let your dog shake their head vigorously or rub their face on the ground or furniture. The goggles could come off or become askew, irritating their eyes.
- Check the goggles frequently for proper fit. Goggles that are too loose could fall off, while goggles too tight can irritate the skin around your dog’s eyes. Frequently check for a snug but comfortable fit.
- Use goggle straps designed for dogs. Don’t use goggles made for humans, as the straps and fit will be wrong for a dog’s face. Opt for dog goggles with adjustable straps to customize the fit.
- Watch for signs of irritation or discomfort. If your dog is pawing at the goggles excessively, seems distressed, or has red/irritated skin, take the goggles off. They may need adjustment or discontinued use.
- Remove goggles as soon as the activity is over. Don’t leave goggles on for extended periods when they aren’t needed. Take them off as soon as your dog is back inside or the irritant/debris risk has ended.
- Never use goggles to restrict your dog’s vision. Goggles should only be used for eye protection purposes and are not recommended for behavioral control. Restricting vision can cause stress in dogs.
Following these safety tips will allow your dog to stay comfortable and protected when wearing goggles. With proper fit, supervision, and limited wear, goggles can be a useful tool for certain activities. Just take care to monitor your dog and adjust the goggles or discontinue use if any problems develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main reasons to have your dog wear goggles?
Some common reasons to have your dog wear goggles include:
- Protecting their eyes from dust, dirt, wind, and debris when riding in cars with windows down or on motorcycles
- Keeping eyes moist and protected in dry environments or cold weather
- Preventing damage from UV rays like snow blindness or photokeratitis
- Safeguarding eyes during swimming, especially in pools with chlorine
- Shielding eyes in hazardous situations like laboratories, construction sites, etc.
- Protecting their vision during dog sports like agility competitions
How do I choose the right size goggles for my dog?
You’ll want to measure the circumference of your dog’s head across the widest part behind the ears. Refer to the sizing chart for each brand to determine the best fit based on your dog’s head measurements. The goggles should be snug but not too tight. You want a secure fit but still be able to slide two fingers between the strap and your dog’s head. Test the fit and vision alignment before use.
What materials are dog goggles usually made from?
Most dog goggles are made from durable polycarbonate or plastic lenses with a foam or neoprene padding around the edges for comfort and fit. The frames and straps are typically high quality flexible nylon or rubber. Make sure any goggles have adequate ventilation and UV protection for your dog’s eyes.
How can I get my dog comfortable wearing goggles?
Start by introducing the goggles in a positive way with treats and praise. Let your dog sniff and investigate the goggles at their own pace. Place the goggles nearby during play or meals so your dog associates them with good things. Once your dog is used to the goggles, place them on for very short periods, rewarding calm behavior, and slowly increase the wearing time. Making it part of a fun training game can help too. Go slow with positive reinforcement.
What problems may come up when training my dog to wear goggles?
Some common issues and how to resolve:
- Rubbing/irritation – Check sizing and adjust fit, use moleskin or bandages on problem spots
- Pawing at goggles – Redirect this behavior, reward leaving goggles alone
- Fear – Go very slowly, use high value treats to overcome worry
- Chewing – Monitor closely, remove goggles when unsupervised, use bitter spray deterrent
- Vision issues – Ensure proper alignment, check for redness or discomfort
- Slipping off – Tighten straps for better fit, use tethers/attachment clips as backup
Conclusion
Training your dog to wear goggles provides several important benefits that are worth the effort. Here’s a summary of the key points:
- Protects your dog’s eyes from dust, dirt, debris, and other hazards when outdoors
- Allows your dog to comfortably join you in activities like motorcycling, boating, hiking in harsh conditions, etc.
- Gets your dog used to wearing eye protection so they are ready for any future activities
- Strengthens the bond between you and your dog through a shared experience and accomplishment
- Teaches your dog patience and improves their tolerance of handling around their head and face
- Provides mental stimulation and serves as a fun trick to show off your dog’s skills
With the right approach of incremental desensitization, positive reinforcement, patience, and creativity, you can successfully train your dog to accept wearing goggles. Your dog will gain valuable life skills in the process. Protecting your best friend’s vision and ensuring their safety during outdoor adventures makes it all worthwhile. The joy of doing activities together unhindered will be the real reward.
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