Mary Allen
Eye infections are relatively common in dogs. Just like with us humans, there can be many other causes besides conjunctivitis.
Injuries to the eyes while playing or rambling through forest, bush, and hedge are not uncommon. If your dog suffers from dry, watery, or inflamed eyes, you should definitely consult a veterinarian.
Sometimes Euphrasia eye drops or special eye ointments can help your dog. However, it is always important to find out the exact cause.
In a nutshell: Which eye drops help with an eye infection in dogs?
Euphrasia eye drops, aloe vera gel compresses to cool the eyes, Bepanthen or Optimmune eye ointment can help your dog with an eye infection.
It is important to always clarify administration with a veterinarian, because he must determine in advance whether it is an allergy-related, bacterial, viral, parasitic or eye infection caused by a draft or a foreign body.
Whenever you are unsure, you can also use the online veterinarian Dr. Call Sam. This saves time and nerves, because you can contact him via WhatsApp video call.
Eye inflammation in dogs: symptoms
You can tell that your dog’s eyes are sore by the following symptoms:
- red eyes
- Frequent blinking
- sensitivity to light
- Possibly purulent discharge
- squinting of the eyes
- Possibly swollen eyelids
- Rub your paws over your face and eyes
- Watery eyes and possibly visible discoloration of the fur around the eyes
3 causes of eye inflammation in dogs
The causes of an eye infection in dogs can be very diverse. Here are some possible reasons:
Draft or foreign bodies
Almost everyone has experienced first-hand how uncomfortable conjunctivitis is. It can be triggered by a variety of stimuli. For example, due to drafts, sunlight, incorrectly growing eyelashes or a foreign body in the eye.
Conjunctivitis also means pain for your dog! That is why it absolutely needs to be treated.
If there is no possibility that it is a bacterial infection, herbal Euphrasia eye drops, for example, can help your dog. They are available in pharmacies without a prescription and are actually intended for humans. But they are also suitable for dog eyes.
Tip:
The administration of eye drops should always be discussed in advance with a veterinarian!
Allergy from pollen or dust
So different in many ways and yet so the same. Some dogs suffer from environmental allergies just like us humans. These include pollen and house dust allergies.
These are common triggers for red and itchy eyes in dogs. An allergy test at the vet can provide information.
Tip:
In addition to allergy tablets and corticosteroids, a room humidifier can also help with a house dust allergy!
Inflammation caused by viruses, fungi, bacteria or parasites
If it is an eye infection caused by viruses, fungi, bacteria or parasites, treatment by a veterinarian is essential!
Bacterial infections are treated with eye ointments or drops containing antibiotics. Virustatics help with a viral infection and the veterinarian treats fungi with antimycotics.
When should I see a vet?
If your dog shows one or more of the following symptoms, you should definitely take him to the vet:
- red eyes
- Frequent blinking
- sensitivity to light
- Possibly purulent discharge
- squinting of the eyes
- Possibly swollen eyelids
- Rub your paws over your face and eyes
- Watery eyes and possibly visible discoloration of the fur around the eyes
It’s important that a vet diagnose exactly why your dog’s eyes are sore! Only then can it be treated correctly.
Please give your dog eye drops only in consultation with a veterinarian!
Which eye drops are suitable for dogs?
These eye drops are suitable for dogs and available over the counter:
- Euphrasia eye drops
- Euphra Vet Eye Drops (Homeopathic)
- Oculoheel Vet Eye Drops (Homeopathic)
- Bepanthen eye drops
- Ophtal Vet eye drops
- Berberil eye drops
These eye drops for dogs require a prescription:
- Isotope Max eye drops
- Dexagent Ophtal eye drops
- Optimmune eye ointment
What are Euphrasia eye drops for?
Euphrasia eye drops with eyebright help with reddened and irritated eyes. Eyebright is a tried and tested natural remedy that regulates the fluid balance in the eye. The rose oil it contains has a calming and soothing effect.
You know the Euphrasia eye drops because you may have used them yourself? These eye drops for humans can also be used for dogs.
In consultation with your veterinarian, Euphrasia eye drops can also be used for allergy-related conjunctivitis!
Eye drops dosage: how often and how much?
You should always handle the dosage of the eye drops as it is on the package insert. Unless your vet has prescribed otherwise. Then you administer them as your vet tells you to.
Instructions: Administer eye drops correctly
To give your dog eye drops or ointment:
- Read the leaflet and prepare everything
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Lift your dog’s snout up
- Pull the eyelid down
- Gently place the drops in your dog’s eye
- Blinking automatically distributes the drops
Tip:
If your dog doesn’t like to stay still, a second person can be helpful. So one can hold and scratch the dog and the other administer the drops. If you don’t have anyone available, you can also easily fix your dog between your legs.
Conclusion
If your dog has conjunctivitis, in addition to Euphrasia eye drops, many other remedies that have been specially developed for dogs can help.
It is always important to have the cause of an eye infection clarified. The reasons for this can be harmless and the treatment simple. But in order to give your dog the right drops, it must be clear whether it is a bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal infection.
Foreign bodies, drafts or unfavorably grown eyelashes can also be the reason for an inflammation in the eye.
So you see, the best thing you can and should do is take your dog to a veterinarian. If he runs into the rhododendron with his eyes open on Sunday afternoon or if he is constantly rubbing his eyes after the walk, you will hardly be able to reach a veterinarian.