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Eye infections are common in dogs, and they typically are not something to worry about.
However, treating them quickly is still important, or your dog could lose sight.
These dog eye infection home remedies can be effective, but you should have your pup evaluated by a vet before trying any DIY options.
Dr. Chantele Pinard, associate professor and dog eye infection specialist at Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, said, “Eye infections can present with many symptoms, especially related to type and duration of infection.”
Meaning, this can also be due to different causes that an expert must diagnose before treating.
Once your vet determines which type of infection your pup has, you can discuss possible home remedies to relieve its eye discomfort.
But you would still have to work closely with the expert.
Dr. Pinard also said, “Should the eye infection not resolve in twenty-hour hours, then veterinary care should be sought out. Unfortunately, the eye can be unforgiving, and infections can easily get out of control quickly, so prompt veterinary care is recommended.”
Personally, I have also had to deal with my dogs' eye infections in the past.
Through the years, I've come across three remedies that I find almost always effective in dealing with the infection (with permission from our vet, of course!).
In this article, I will share my top 3 favorite home remedies for dog eye infections.
We'll also discuss other alternatives my vet and other pet owners recommend.
Let's get started!
My 3 Favorite Dog Eye Infection Home Remedies
1. Saline Solution
If your dog has eye issues, you'll need to keep the area as clean as possible.
Trim long hair around the eyes. You'll also need to wash the area multiple times per day.
Make a saline solution using 1/4 cup warm water and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Dip a gauze pad or clean cloth in the solution, and wipe the eye area from the snout (corner of the eye) outward toward the ear.
If your dog's eye infection is causing discharge, you'll need to clean the area every 30-60 minutes to prevent the discharge from hardening.
Never reuse the same wipe twice.
You can also use the saline solution as a flush, dripping a small amount into your dog’s eye using a sterile eye dropper or a new cotton ball.
But if you're a little intimidated about making your DIY saline solution (trust me, I've been there before), you can buy readily available saline wash in pet stores or online.
I recommend using Vetericyn Plus Dog and Cat Eye Wash instead. Many pet owners and experts swear by this brand.
2. Chamomile Tea
One of the easiest home remedies for eye infections is chamomile tea. It's affordable on any budget and can be found in any grocery store.
Chamomile tea is believed to hold antibacterial properties and offers a soothing mixture for irritated, sore eyes.
Steep a chamomile teabag in hot water.
Once cooled, hold the bag over your dog's infected eye for at least 5 minutes.
You can also apply the teabag around the eye area or use cotton wool balls dipped in the tea as an alternative.
Use these applications daily, as needed.
However, if your vet prescribed antibiotics or antivirals to your dog, you should also clarify if continuing the rinse or tea application is okay.
Some medications may recommend not wiping the area to prevent dispersing the medication outside the eye area.
RELATED: Chamomile for Dogs: 4 Astounding Benefits and Usage
3. Cod Liver Oil
Applying one drop of cod liver oil to the eye daily can help relieve the pain associated with an eye infection in your pet.
The oil has been shown to help reduce inflammation and lubricate the eye.
Cod Liver Oil is also high in Vitamin A, which has been shown to promote corneal healing.
Vitamin A has also been shown to help the eye's surface be an effective barrier to bacteria.
You can find over-the-counter eye drops containing Vitamin A, but you'll need to check with your veterinarian to ensure they are safe for your pet.
Other Home Remedies That Will Help Dog Eye Infection
You can use other options to prevent your dog's eye infection from worsening.
Here are a few other recommendations from my co-pet owner friends and experts.
1. E-Collar or Protective Cone
Sure, E-collars are not exactly home remedies for a dog's eye infection.
However, they are still helpful!
They'd prevent further damage to Fido's eye, which could have been caused by him rubbing his face against the ground or using his paw to scratch the area.
With the plastic barrier, your dog can still attempt to scratch or rub but won’t contact the injured eye.
When sizing a cone for your dog, look for a cone that extends two inches beyond your dog’s nose.
Never leave your dog unattended while wearing the cone; it can become stuck or entangled on objects.
You should also always take the cone off before bedtime.
RELATED: 5 Best Dog Recovery Cones to Prevent Dogs from Licking Wounds
2. Artificial Tears for Dogs
Although they seem similar to saline drops, artificial tears contain a safe lubricant to help bring much-needed moisture to the eye.
This moisture can lower inflammation if your dog also has dry and irritated eyes.
Artificial tears are natural remedies for pink eye. They don’t contain antibiotics or medicinal compounds, so they won’t eliminate a bacterial infection while adding moisture.
You can find artificial tears as either an ointment or an eye drop. What's good is only small amounts of the products are needed, making a small tube or bottle long-lasting.
You can try Genteal Tears Gel Drops to help relieve your dog's dry eyes and infection.
3. Cold Compress and Ice
You can use a cold compress to eliminate any swelling or inflammation in and around your dog's infected eye.
It's also normally the easiest and most comfortable remedy you can get your hands on.
Always opt for soft, cold compresses or washcloths over hard ice blocks.
It will be easier to apply and less likely to irritate the area. If needed, a soft, cold compress like this can be purchased both online and from pharmacies.
Apply the compress to your dog's closed eye several times a day for several minutes.
This should help lower swelling and inflammation but will not treat any eye infection.
Understanding Eye Infection in Dogs
As we mentioned above, eye infections are a common problem in dogs and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or foreign objects.
If your dog has an eye infection, the common symptoms you would likely notice include:
- redness
- discharge
- swelling
- squinting
- rubbing or pawing at the eye
You may also see a discharge in the eye, ranging from puss to mucus or clear color.
If the eye discharge is clear, it's more likely a viral issue. But if it's puss, bacterial infection might be the problem.
There's a high chance of eye infection if a discharge is occurring.
We have discussed the science-based approach to understanding eye infection in dogs in this article.
When To Seek for Vet Help
If your dog has a history of allergies that often cause redness, itchiness, or eye infections, then you might be fine using these dog eye infection home remedies for a day or so.
But if it's a new occurrence or you see something unusual, like a discharge, the first action is to see your veterinarian.
Ask your vet which remedies he would recommend for you to administer at home.
If you don't see any improvements after a certain period (which your vet would also advise you), bring Fido back to the doctor.
While we're thankful that there are helpful products we can use at home to ease our dog's discomfort, nothing can replace a vet's help when it comes to treating our pets.
So, work closely with your veterinarian!
Treating Dog Eye Infection
If my favorite dog eye infection home remedies didn't work out as we wanted, that's a bummer.
Let's accept that dogs are different; what works for my pets might not work for yours.
And that's okay. You can discuss other treatments tailored to your dog's condition with your vet.
Treatment for eye infections in dogs will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the disease.
Mild ones may be treated with topical ointments or eye drops, while more severe ones may require oral antibiotics or other medications.
It must be removed if an irritant or foreign body is present in your dog's eyes or environment.
For example, if your dog is reacting to a specific plant you have within your home, it's best to remove that plant to prevent reoccurrence.
Should a parasite, bacteria, or virus be causing your dog’s symptoms, the vet will prescribe an appropriate antiviral or antibiotic medication.
Fido may also be given pain reducers depending on the issue or injury.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove foreign objects or repair damage to the eye.
Follow your veterinarian's instructions for treatment and monitor your dog's progress closely.
Remember: If left untreated, eye infections can lead to more serious problems, such as corneal ulcers or blindness.
If you suspect your dog has an eye infection, it's important to seek veterinary care immediately.
Preventing Dog Eye Infection
Preventing eye infections in dogs can be achieved by keeping their eyes clean and free of debris, avoiding exposure to irritants or allergens, and ensuring that their vaccinations are up to date.
Serious viral infections can spread without immunizations, so it's important to safeguard your dog when it comes into contact with other animals.
You can also trim fur or hair around your dog’s eyes to keep it out of the eye area.
This is particularly true if your dog has long hair.
Try to learn if the eye irritation is caused by hair or debris. You will sometimes see foreign bodies attached to your dog's fur around the eyes.
Regular veterinary checkups can also help to catch and treat eye infections early before they become more serious.
Should your dog regularly suffer from allergies or dry eyes, it’s important to maintain any scheduled medications or appointments.
You should always inspect your dog’s face to monitor any problems or issues.
Taking proactive steps to prevent and treat eye infections can help keep your dog's eyes healthy and happy.
FAQs about Dog Eye Infections Home Remedies
Can a dog's eye infection go away on its own?
It depends on the severity and cause of the eye infection.
Mild eye infections in dogs, such as those caused by allergies or minor irritants, may go away independently with time and proper care.
However, more serious infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or foreign objects can worsen and lead to more serious problems if left untreated.
What human eye drops are safe for dogs?
While some human eye drops are mild and may be considered safe for some dogs, most are harmful and toxic.
It's best to use a dog-specific eyedrop to be extra safe!
Can you give a dog an eye bath even if he doesn't have an eye infection?
Yes, you can regularly give your dog an eye bath even if they don't have an infection.
Regular eye baths can help keep your dog's eyes clean and debris-free, which can help prevent infections and irritations.
Remember to be gentle and avoid touching your dog's eyes with a cloth or cotton ball, which can cause further irritation or damage.
If your dog has a history of eye problems or if you notice any changes in their eye appearance or behavior, it's important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian.
Dog Eye Infection Home Remedies: Before You Go…
Because dogs can contract different types of eye infections, there are also different treatments for them.
However, the dog eye infection home remedies we mentioned above should be safe and generic enough to help ease your dog's pain and discomfort, regardless of the cause.
Just be sure to speak to your vet about it first before going down the DIY route!
Want to read more about dog eye care and problems? Check out our recommended articles below!
Related Articles:
- Top 5 Best Eye Ointments for Dogs
- 9 List of Dog Eye Problems
- Dog Eye Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, Remedies
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