If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you probably know that dry, itchy eyes can be a common symptom for this condition. Just like humans, dogs can also have eye issues that require the use of eye drops. Of course, just link products geared towards humans, there are some products that are better than others. As a pet parent, you probably want to know the best products for your pup’s eye. Luckily, we’ve got you covered.
Dogs can need eye drops for many reasons, whether it is dry eyes, eye infections or allergies. There are also different kinds of eye drops depending on which of these medical conditions is effecting your dog’s eyes such as antibiotic eye drops, steroid eye drops, and anti-inflammatory drops. Some of the best brands of eye drops for dogs are Vectiricyn Plus, Vets Preferred Eye Cleaner for Dogs, and Can-C Dog Eye Drops.
In this article, we will break down reasons your dog may need eye drops, why eye drops can be important for your dog’s health and which type of eye drop is best when it comes to treating your dog’s eye problems.
Reasons Your Dog May Need Eye Drops
- Dry Eyes
Certain dog breeds are more likely to develop keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or the more common term, dry eyes. To explain, tear production required to lubricate the eye and keep harmful debris and germs out. Without this lubrication, your dog’s eyes are prone to more eye infections or corneal ulcers.
Signs of clinical dry eye are irritation or redness of the eyes. If you notice your dog seems to be in pain or is squinting frequently, it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. From there, they can test for dry eyes by using a tear production test called the Schirmer tear test (STT).
The following dog breeds are most prone to dry eyes:
- American Cocker Spaniels
- Bloodhound
- Boston Terrier
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- English Bulldog
- English Springer Spaniel
- Lhasa Apso
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Pekingese
- Pug
- Samoyed
- Shih Tzu
- West Highland White Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Eye Infections
Eye infections in dogs are a common eye condition and can be cause by a number of things. The most common are bacterial infections or a virus. Other causes can include injuries, foreign bodies like dirt or hair, or irritants such as smoke can all lead to an eye infection.
The most common symptoms of an eye infection in your dog look like redness, squinting, eye discharge, pawing at the eye, excessive blinking and eyelid swelling.
- Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye conditions among dogs. You may have also heard of it referred to as “pink eye” or “cherry eye.” There are two types of conjunctivitis in dogs. Infectious Conjunctivitis and Non-Infectious Conjunctivitis.
- Infectious conjunctivitis – Caused by a viral or bacterial infection making its way to your pet’s eye. It’s important to note that infectious conjunctivitis can be spread from dog to dog. The best way to prevent this condition is keeping your dog away from a dog that is infected.
- Non-infectious conjunctivitis – This is also called “allergic conjunctivitis” because it is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen or dust mites, or irritants in the eye.
- Allergies
Dog eye allergies are very common among all breeds and ages of dogs. Just like humans, your dog can be allergic to environmental elements such as cigarette smoke, dust, fleas, mold, etc.
Eye allergy symptoms that dog owners should look out for are as follows:
- Watery eyes
- Irritation of eyes
- Painful eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Red eyes
- Inflammation of eyes
If you believe your dog is suffering from an eye allergy, scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian is always a good choice. They will offer a proper diagnosis and most likely recommend a prescription eye drop for long-term use.
Different Types of Eye Drops For Dogs
- Antibiotic Eye Drops
Antibiotic eye drops will be prescribed by your doctor if your dog is suffering from a bacterial infection like conjunctivitis. These drops stop the growth of bacteria in the affected area. Most likely, these drops will only be prescribed for a short period of time until the infection is gone.
- Steroid Eye Drops
If your pup suffers from dry eye, they’ll most likely need a steroid eye drop. This is a medicated eye drop with an active ingredient that is designed to decrease inflammation, lubricate the eyes and keep in moisture. You may also hear these called “antihistamine eye drops.”
- Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory (NSAID) Eye Drops
Anti-inflammatory (NSAID) eye drops can treat inflamed and itchy caused by various factors such as allergic conjunctivitis or other allergies. These eye drops have less serious side effects than steroids and do not compromise the immune system.
- Saline Solution Eye Wash
Saline solutions are one of the most common products used for cleaning wounds and clearing the eye of any debris or foreign bodies. Pet parents love saline eye drops for dogs because it is a safe option for those that suffer from mild allergies. This can be used daily or in times of emergencies.
Top 5 Eye Drop Brands For Dogs With Allergies
Trying to navigate which eye drops are right for your dog’s eyes can be daunting. With all of the options available, its hard to make a decision. We’ve broken down the top 5 eye drops for dogs with allergies in the chart below. Take a look to see ratings, features and where to purchase.
| Product | Reviews | Features | Link to Purchase |
| Pataday Once Daily Relief Allergy Eye Drops by Alcon | 4.7 stars / 7,922 ratings | Antihistamine to relieve itchy eyes Used for allergy use Intended for everyday use | Click Here |
| Vectericyn Plus | 4.6 stars / 11,919 ratings | Relieve eye irritations and wounds Approved for use on all animals, from cats and dogs to horses and livestock Helps prevent tear stains with regular use | Click Here |
| Burt’s Bees for Pets Dogs Natural Eye Wash with Saline Solution | 4.6 stars / 2,789 ratings | Flushes out debris Free of fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals Safe for puppies and adult dogs | Click Here |
| Vets Preferred Eye Cleaner for Dogs | 4.4 stars / 1,517 ratings | Relieves allergy symptoms, rinse out dirt, and moisturize dry eyes Can be used daily or in emergencies Removes tear stains and dissolves crust and discharge | Click Here |
| Can-C Dog Eye Drops | 4.2 stars / 171 ratings | Ophthalmic treatment for dry eyes, allergy relief, scratch and wound care Can be used as an alternative to dog eye wash, artificial tears for dogs, or dog eye cleaner | Click Here |
Summary
Your dog’s eye care is an important element of their health and immune system. Some of the most common questions when it comes to this topic are “Why does my dog need eye drops?” and “Which eye drops are right for my dog?” The good news is that you are not alone in these inquiries.
To summarize, your dog could need eye drops for a number of conditions such as eye injuries, an infection or animal allergies. There are different types of eye drops that work for different medical conditions. Some of the best eye drops for dogs with allergies are Pataday Once Daily Relief Allergy Eye Drops by Alcon, Vectericyn Plus, and Vets Preferred Eye Cleaner for Dogs.
Check out our post on: POTTY AND CRATE TRAINING YOUR NEW PUPPY or SENIOR DOG FOR APARTMENT LIVING
Sources
Pingback: HOW TO RID YOUR DOG OF THAT FISHY SMELL -It's Everything Dogs