Red eyes can be a sign that your dog has an infection or they could simply be due to minor eye irritation.
Typically, it's not something to worry about. Dog red-eye home remedies can be effective, but you should have your pooch evaluated by a vet before trying any DIY options.
If you notice something is wrong with your dog’s eyes, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
The one thing that all dog eye problems have in common is that no matter how bad they might ultimately be, early treatment is almost guaranteed to relieve suffering quickly and may even save your dog's sight.
Basically, what I'm trying to tell you is that until you know what you are actually dealing with, you won’t know how to treat the problem.
If you think your dog's eye is red due to minor irritation or some type of environmental irritant, one of these dog red-eye home remedies may cure the problem.
Dog Red Eye Home Remedies
1. Saline Solution
If your dog is having any issues with his eyes, you'll need to keep the area as clean as possible. Trim long hair around the eyes.
In fact, hair scratching the eyeball could be what is causing the redness in the first place.
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 of salt.
Dip a gauze pad or clean cloth in the solution, and wipe the eye area starting from the snout (corner of the eye) outward, toward the ear.
Never reuse the same wipe twice. If the redness is a beginning sign of infection, you don't want to make the situation worse by reusing a contaminated wipe.
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 new cotton ball.
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.
Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water. Once cooled, hold the bag on your dog's red eye for at least 5 minutes.
You can also use the tea to flush the eye. Repeat this 3-5 times per day until the infection clears up.
3. Cod Liver Oil
Applying 1 drop of cod liver oil to the eye each day can help to relieve the pain associated with red, irritated eyes.
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 surface of the eye be an effective barrier to bacteria.
You can find over-the-counter eye drops that contain Vitamin A, but you'll need to check with your veterinarian to make sure they are safe for your pet.
Keep a close watch on your dog's eyes. Clean the gunk and crust from the corners of the eye daily, and look for any signs of trouble.
If you notice cloudiness, discoloration, or discharge, make a vet appointment to have Fido's eyes checked as soon as possible. The faster you take action, the better the outcome will be.
