Importantly, medication for humans, including eye drops, are generally not the same for dogs. You should never treat your dog using human medication without consulting a pet care specialist first. Using the wrong eye drops could cause significant pain, damage and blindness.
Your dog’s eye’s anatomy and function are generally similar to your own. However, there are some distinctions, such as a third eyelid that adds a layer of protection.
If any problems develop despite this additional protection, you might still require canine eye drops.
All dogs have this third eyelid, also known as the nictitating membrane, regardless of breed or age. Its color can vary, with some hues standing out more than others.
Given that dogs have three eyelids, many owners notice the nictitating membrane when their dog is sleeping. In order to protect the eye, they may occasionally sleep with two of these open.
Although the unfavorable side effect makes it appear as though your dog’s eyes have rolled into the back of his head, rest assured that they have not and are still healthy!
Visine is Not FDA Approved for Use in Dogs
Visine has not been given FDA approval for use in treating dogs. Take your dog to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis before attempting to treat them with Visine or any other over-the-counter eye drops. Tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, a component of Visine and many of these products, helps to constrict blood vessels within the eyes and lessens dryness and redness by doing so.
If redness or discharge persists for more than a day, it is always advisable to have your furry friend’s eyes examined by the veterinarian. In the interim, you could perform an ocular rinse with a simple saline solution (unless the eye appears to be particularly sore and possibly injured). However, if in doubt, leave it alone and speak with a veterinarian.
What Can Cause Eye Issues for Dogs?
The veterinarian should examine your dog’s eyes if they are dry, itchy, or red because there are several potential causes. Among these are:
It’s crucial to take your dog to the veterinarian right away for an accurate diagnosis and treatment if they exhibit signs of an eye condition, such as excessive tearing or the discharge of pus or other fluids. The vet may be able to identify the issue or may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist with specialized training to assist in determining the cause of your dog’s eye issues.
A good rule of thumb is to have any problems with your dog’s eyes or surrounding tissues evaluated by your pup’s veterinarian as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours, to reduce the risk of further damage. This gives the veterinarian more time to identify and address the issue, increasing the likelihood that any treatment he recommends will be able to solve the issue and heal your dog’s eyes.
FAQs
Given that the dog’s eyes appear to be similar to ours, you might reason, “Well, why don’t I use my eye drops for my dog?”
AVOID using eye drops on your dog’s eyes without first consulting a veterinarian. Even if you are treating something as simple as conjunctivitis, dogs almost always require a different medication.
FAQ
What eye drops can I use on my dog?
Artificial tears come in a number of brands and formulas. Tears Naturale, Refresh tears, and Genteal Gel are all excellent options. You can use eye wash to clean the eye, and then you can wipe it with a soft cloth. Apply 3 to 4 drops of artificial tears to each eye and let your pet blink if you’re using them.
What can I put on my dogs irritated eye?
- Lukewarm Water with Salt. If so, and with your veterinarian’s approval, you can begin by combining lukewarm water with a half teaspoon of salt.
- Warm Compressing. To reduce swelling, gently press a warm washcloth over your pet’s eye for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Benadryl.