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!
Why Dogs May Need Eye Drops
There are several reasons why your dog might require eye drops, even though it’s not always simple to pinpoint the source of their eye issues. Following are some typical conditions that your dog may need eye drops to treat.
A painful condition known as dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, renders your dog’s eyes painfully dry and prevents them from producing tears. The condition is typically brought on by immune system problems, which make the body attack the tear glands.
Common symptoms include:
There are many dog dry eye drops available, but we advise consulting your veterinarian before administering any to your pet.
Eye infections in dogs are typically brought on by either bacterial or viral infections.
There are several different causes of eye infections in dogs besides bacteria or viruses, including trauma, foreign objects like dirt or hair, or irritants like smoke.
While infections can vary, common symptoms often include:
Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye or red eye, affects humans and dogs equally frequently. The condition affects the conjunctiva, or mucous membrane of the eye, which serves as a barrier by covering the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid.
There are two main types of conjunctivitis in dogs:
While symptoms will vary, common indicators of conjunctivitis include:
There are many conjunctivitis eye drops for dogs on the market because this eye condition is quite common. Before using any, be sure to consult your veterinarian.
Dog allergies are fairly common and can affect all breeds, ages, and backgrounds. Like people, dogs can develop allergies to things they are exposed to on a daily basis, such as dust, fleas, and mold.
Allergy symptoms can include:
Runny eyes, also known as epiphora, is a condition that results in excessive tear production. The condition can also occur as a result of improper tear drainage, but eye irritation from things like dust or hair is the most frequent cause.
Symptoms of epiphora include:
Treating a dog eye infection
Any number of factors can result in minor dog eye infections. I could rule out hair as a potential irritant as well as cherry eye because my dog doesn’t have long hair on her head and there was no prolapse of the eyelid. There was a lot of loose sand at the park when we went hiking because it was a hot and dry summer. Any foreign object, even a stray dust particle caught in her eye from a passing breeze, could have caused her eyes to discharge green fluid.
Couldn’t you just use your basic human over-the-counter eye drops as eye drops for dogs? Well, the active ingredient in Visine is Tetrahydozoline hydrochloride, which narrows the eye’s blood vessels. If your object is to dislodge a bit of mobile debris from your dog’s eye, drugs of any kind are not called for. Use human eye treatments only if and when you get veterinary approval. If you have half an hour or so, you can even make your own saline eye wash for a true home remedy!
When a baby first gets up from a long nap or in the morning, her eyes are always a little red or pink, so there’s usually no need to worry. Serous conjunctivitis, also known as “dry eye,” is the most typical type of pink eye in dogs. An environmental irritant that prevents a dog’s eye from producing the tears necessary to naturally flush out the infection is similar to the type of eye infection described above and frequently a cause of it. Baby’s eye was not swollen or inflamed, and the greenish goo did not match the symptoms of pink eye.
You might be tempted, as I was, to grab your own over-the-counter eye drops out of instinct or force of habit. According to Dr. Kathryn Primm, however, “you will have done nothing to address the reason” for the dog’s ocular discomfort. Basic saline solution and cotton balls, the kinds you can get for about $4 to $5 total at your nearest drug store, constitute a safe and reliable preliminary approach. If the symptoms persist, the discharge takes on the look or scent of pus, and you notice your dog pawing at their face frequently, seek a vet’s advice before turning to medicated eye drops for dogs — or any sorts of washes or ointments.
Final Thoughts
You must monitor your dog’s general health because he is unable to communicate when he is in pain or uncomfortable.
Simple measures like performing a quick checkup at home once a month or so to see if his eyes appear cloudy or weepy could ultimately save his vision.
That might sound dramatic, but I am deadly serious. Before an owner notices anything is wrong, pets that had a minor problem that was ignored have developed blindness that cannot be repaired.
Be the proactive owner that your pets deserve. And hey, don’t worry, giving eye drops to dogs doesn’t need to be a significant source of worry
It’s a really simple task that almost always works with your current schedule!
FAQ
What human eye drops are safe for dogs?
Refresh Optive Lubricant Eye Drops. For canines with dry eyes, Refresh Optive Lubricant Eye Drops are an additional choice. Refresh Optive Drops, like Viscotears, are intended for human use, but they are also secure for your dog.
Can dogs have human dry eye drops?
Never administer human medications to dogs, including eye drops. Dogs require different medications than humans do. Never administer human medication to your dog without first seeking advice from a veterinary care professional. Using the incorrect eye drops could result in severe discomfort, harm, and blindness.