Eye drops for dogs: benefits and effective treatment for canine eye conditions

Understanding eye drops for dogs 

If your little furball is blinking a lot, pawing at their eyes, or behaving like they're a little under the weather, they may have an eye condition that needs medical attention. Allergies, injuries, and infections can all affect your dog's eyes, sometimes causing symptoms like pain, itching, and dryness. If your vet determines that your dog's eyes are infected or inflamed, they may prescribe or recommend eye drops. Does this have anything to do with contact lenses? No. Do we love dogs? Yes. And do we want your little fur baby to have the best vision and life possible? Absolutely. So, here’s what you need to know about keeping our four-legged friends’ eyes happy and healthy.

Importance of canine eye health 

Scheduling regular eye exams for your dog is very important, as some common eye diseases don't cause any physical or visible symptoms in their early stages. Left untreated, eye infections and conditions like glaucoma can sometimes lead to vision loss. Your veterinarian knows exactly what to look for even when your dog isn't showing any signs of distress, and they can treat underlying eye conditions before they develop complications. 

Some common eye conditions in dogs that may require treatment with eye drops include:

• Dry eye
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Corneal ulcers
• Allergies

Types of eye drops for dogs

Depending on your dog's specific eye ailment, your vet may prescribe medicated or antibiotic drops, or they may recommend over-the-counter drops. The different types of doggie eye drops include:

• Lubricating eye drops. Sometimes called artificial tears, these drops are often recommended for dry eye. They contain moisturizing agents that help increase tear production and soothe irritated eye tissues. 
• Antibiotic drops. Antibiotic eye drops are medicated drops used to treat bacterial eye infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye). The antibiotics help clear the bacteria so your pet's eyes can heal. 
• Anti-inflammatory eye drops. Anti-inflammatory eye drops are formulated to reduce pain and swelling associated with corneal ulcers and eye injuries. If your pup has eye surgery, your vet may also prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops during their recovery period. 
• Steroid eye drops. If your dog has allergies that cause their eyes to swell, your veterinarian might prescribe steroid drops. These drops help relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. Steroid drops are also sometimes prescribed for conjunctivitis. 

Using eye drops for dogs

In some ways, using eye drops for dogs is the same as using eye drops for humans. The drops are applied directly to the eyes, and they work to relieve uncomfortable symptoms and treat infections. However, while we can easily administer our own eye drops and have a clear understanding of what's going on, dogs are a bit different.

A dog's paws obviously can't hold an eye dropper (but if yours can, please let us know. That would be amazing.)It can be really scary for an animal when their human attempts to squirt something in their eye! Taking some time to learn about administering doggie eye drops will help ensure you're both comfortable throughout the process. 

Administering eye drops to your dog 

After your vet gives you a prescription or once you've purchased some over-the-counter eye drops for your little buddy, here comes the tricky part. Administering eye drops to your dog can be slightly challenging, so it's extra important to follow the instructions on the packaging or follow your vet's orders. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to make the process safe, easy, and stress-free:

• Wash your hands.
• Use a warm, moist cloth to gently clean the affected eye area.
• Hold the eye drop bottle in your hand using your thumb and index finger, and place your remaining fingers on top of your dog's head.
• Gently pull down your dog's lower eyelid with your thumb on your other hand, and hold their lower jaw with your remaining fingers.
• Use the dropper to drop the prescribed or recommended dosage directly onto the eyeball, right above the lower lid — don't let the dropper touch the eyeball.
• Once the medication is properly administered, release your dog. They should blink, and this will help spread the drops along the eye surface.

If you have a smaller or medium dog, placing them on a table or other elevated surface can help keep them from wiggling around as you administer the drops. You can also train your dog to remain still when you apply the eye drops. Positive reinforcement goes a long way with our furry friends, and your dog may be happy to obey if they know a treat or reward is coming. 

Common eye conditions and their treatment 

Just like us humans, there are many conditions that can affect your dog's eyes, ranging from mild dryness and irritation to bacterial infections and eye ulcers. Some common canine eye conditions and their treatments include the following.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

The most obvious symptom of conjunctivitis or pink eye is exactly how it sounds — a pink eye. This condition is common in people and pets, and additional symptoms include itchiness, tearing, inflammation, and eye discharge. Treatments for conjunctivitis depend on whether the infection is bacterial or viral.

If it's viral, your veterinarian may recommend home remedies such as flushing the eyes with salt water or eliminating dust, pollen, or other irritants that may be causing symptoms. For bacterial conjunctivitis infections, your vet should prescribe antibiotic eye drops and provide home-care instructions to soothe symptoms. 

Dry eye 

The medical name for dry eye is keratoconjunctivitis sicca and we challenge you to use it in casual conversation next time you’re having dinner with friends. This condition causes uncomfortable symptoms like redness, itchy eyes, and squinting. You may also spot your pup pawing their eyes.

When dogs have dry eye, their tear glands don't produce the right amount of tears to keep their eyes moist. When the eyes are properly lubricated, they can fend off dust, allergens, and other impurities. With dry eyes, these irritations can get stuck in the eyes and cause discomfort. Dry eye is usually treated with over-the-counter artificial tears or by applying saline solution to the affected areas. 

Corneal ulcers

If your dog gets in a scratching match with the neighborhood cat or if their eye comes in contact with a sharp or blunt object, they may end up with a corneal ulcer. These painful ulcers can also be caused by bacterial or viral infections, and symptoms include severe pain and eye discharge.

Light scratches and abrasions can still cause pain, but your vet won't be able to detect them using standard testing procedures. The deeper the ulcer, the easier it is to detect, but your vet will most likely prescribe antibiotics to either treat or prevent infection. In some cases, deep or severe ulcers may need surgery to remove the damaged area. Painful corneal ulcers can also be managed with prescription pain medication. 

Choosing the right eye drops for your dog 

Every dog breed has their own special needs when it comes to their eye health, and making sure you choose the right eye drops is essential to their comfort and recovery. Here are a few things to consider when your fur baby's eyes are bothering them.

Consultation with a veterinarian

Even if your dog's eye symptoms seem mild, it's very important to consult with your veterinarian before purchasing over-the-counter eye drops or other pet medications. Some canine eye conditions have similar symptoms, and using the wrong eye drops may worsen your dog's condition or slow down their healing process. 

Taking your dog to the vet if they're showing any signs of discomfort can help ensure an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. If prescription eye drops are necessary, your veterinarian will prescribe the correct medication to best suit your four-legged friend's immediate needs. 

Considering your dog's needs

Both over-the-counter and prescription doggie eye drops can vary in formulation, depending on your dog's specific eye condition, breed, and possible sensitivities and allergies.

When prescribing eye drops to treat a bacterial infection or other canine eye issue, your vet will take all of your dog's unique needs into consideration. It's also a good idea to get their input on over-the-counter eye drops for itching, dry eyes, and other common conditions to ensure your pup's safety and comfort. 

Healthy eyes, happy pup

Just like humans, a dog's eyes can be a window to their overall health and wellness. By scheduling regular eye checkups, using prescription eye drops as directed, and following the guidance of your veterinarian, your furry friend will be forever grateful. 

We hope you found this info helpful. If you’re in the market for contact lenses (for yourself, not your dog) you can find your brand here.

FAQs

Are over-the-counter human eye drops safe for dogs?

While it may seem easier to grab your human eye drops from the medicine cabinet and share them with your furry friend when they've got itchy eyes or an eye infection, it's not recommended. Many store-bought eye drops contain tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, an active ingredient that helps reduce redness and itching.

While this ingredient is safe for humans, it can be harmful to dogs. If you were prescribed eye drops for a bacterial infection, this is also a big no-no. Antibiotic eye drops and drops with steroids can potentially damage your dog's eyes, and you also run the risk of spreading your eye infection to your pet. 

Can I use expired eye drops on my dog?

If you've ever used prescription eye drops, chances are your eye care professional told you not to use them past their expiration date. The same goes for your dog. Using expired eye drops can stall your furry friend's recovery and possibly make them resistant to the medication. 

Are there any side effects associated with using eye drops for dogs?

There are some side effects associated with eye drops for dogs, and the effects can vary, depending on the specific medication your doggy is prescribed. If your veterinarian prescribes dorzolamide for glaucoma, some possible side effects include itchy eyes, watery eyes, and light sensitivity.

Antibiotic drops with steroids can cause stinging and increased thirst. Your pup may also need to use the bathroom more than usual because this medication can cause increased urination. It's always a good idea to contact your vet if you suspect your dog is having any type of adverse reaction to their drops, even if the side effect is considered normal.