If your dog demonstrating eye irritation or allergies, you might be tempted use your own eye drops on them. Our South Florida vet team teaches some basic information on eye infections in dogs and why you shouldnt use human eye drops on them.
The same things that can cause humans itchiness, redness or swelling of the eyes can also affect our dogs. So if you notice your pup pawing at their eyes or discharging from their tear ducts, you might ask, “Can you use human eye drops on dogs?” Any dog owner would want to provide their pooch with fast relief with whatever they can. Unfortunately, you would be mistaken to think that the same eye drops you use are suitable for dogs.
You should not use human eye drops on dogs. If your dog is experiencing eye irritation, contact your vet and take them in to get an eye examination and possibly eye drops that are safe for dogs.
Ever noticed your furry friend’s eyes looking a bit red or irritated? It’s tempting to reach for those human eye drops sitting in your medicine cabinet. I mean they work for us so they should work for our dogs too, right? Well, not so fast!
As a pet owner myself I’ve been in this situation before. Your dog’s uncomfortable you want to help ASAP, but you’re not sure if human eye drops are the answer. Let me break down what’s safe, what’s dangerous, and what you should actually do when your pup has eye problems.
The Short Answer: Most Human Eye Drops Are NOT Safe for Dogs
I’ll be straight with you – most over-the-counter human eye drops aren’t safe for your four-legged friend Dogs have different eye structures and sensitivities than humans do, and what works for us can actually harm them.
The FDA hasn’t approved human eye drops for use in pets, and there’s a good reason for that. Many popular human eye drops contain ingredients that can be harmful or even toxic to dogs, especially if ingested (and we all know how dogs love to lick things off their face!).
Why Human Eye Drops Can Be Dangerous for Dogs
The main culprit in many human eye drops is Tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride. This ingredient narrows blood vessels in the eye to reduce redness, but it’s not recommended for animals and can cause harm if ingested.
Other ingredients found in human eye drops that might cause problems include:
- Preservatives that irritate canine eyes
- Steroids that could worsen certain eye conditions
- Antibiotics not suited for canine infections
- Ingredients that might cause allergic reactions
One veterinary ophthalmologist warns: “A common mistake pet owners make is assuming that what works for humans will work for their pets. Dogs have different eye structures and sensitivities, so it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian before using any eye drops on your furry friend.”
Common Eye Problems in Dogs
Before we talk about treatments, let’s look at what might be causing your dog’s eye issues:
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Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) – The most common type in dogs is dry eye or serous conjunctivitis. Symptoms include puffy, sticky eyes, squinting, pawing at the eye, and yellowish or greenish discharge.
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Eye Infections – These can be caused by irritation from long hair, eyelid conditions, allergies, immune issues, or injuries to the cornea.
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Allergies – Though less common than in humans, dogs can have allergic reactions affecting their eyes. Symptoms worsen in summer and include inflammation, redness, and watery discharge.
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Dry Eye – Some dogs don’t produce enough tears, leading to irritation and potential infection.
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Foreign Objects – Something as simple as dirt, sand, or a grass seed could be causing irritation.
What Human Eye Drops MIGHT Be Safe (But Still Ask Your Vet First)
While most human eye drops aren’t safe, there are a few exceptions that might be okay in a pinch – but ONLY after consulting with your vet:
Saline Solution
Plain saline solution (sodium chloride) is generally safe to help rinse out debris or soothe minor irritation. But even with something as simple as saline, check with your vet first.
A holistic veterinarian notes: “Natural remedies like chamomile or saline solution can be gentle and soothing for dogs’ eyes, but it’s important to consult with a vet before trying any home remedies. Some herbs and ingredients can be irritating or even toxic to dogs.”
Artificial Tears
Some basic artificial tears without preservatives or medications might be okay for temporary use, but again – ask your vet first! Not all artificial tears are created equal, and some contain ingredients that aren’t good for dogs.
What You Should Do Instead
If your dog has eye problems, here’s what I recommend:
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Call your vet – This should always be your first step. Eye issues can deteriorate quickly, and your vet needs to properly diagnose the problem.
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DON’T use medicated human eye drops – Especially those containing redness reducers, antihistamines, or steroids.
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Keep the area clean – You can gently wipe away discharge with a clean, damp cloth (use separate cloths for each eye if both are affected).
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Use a cone if necessary – If your dog keeps pawing at their eyes, a cone can prevent further irritation or injury.
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Follow your vet’s instructions – They might prescribe veterinary-specific eye drops or ointments designed specifically for dogs.
Simple DIY Solution While Waiting for Vet Appointment
If you’re waiting to see your vet and need to provide some relief, you can make a simple saline solution:
- Mix 1 cup of distilled water with 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Make sure the salt is completely dissolved
- Let it cool to room temperature
- Use clean cotton balls to gently apply the solution to your dog’s eye
Remember, this is just a temporary measure until you can get professional help!
Signs Your Dog Needs Immediate Veterinary Attention
Some eye problems can’t wait. Seek emergency care if you notice:
- Severe swelling or bulging of the eye
- Eye trauma or injury
- Inability to open the eye
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- Visible foreign object in the eye
- Cloudiness or change in eye color
- Squinting and obvious pain
- Rubbing the eye frantically against furniture or carpet
Breeds More Prone to Eye Problems
Some dogs are more likely to have eye issues due to their anatomy:
- Bulldogs
- Pugs
- Shih Tzus
- Boston Terriers
- Pekingese
- Cocker Spaniels
These breeds often have prominent eyes and shallow eye sockets, making them more vulnerable to eye problems. If you own one of these breeds, regular eye care is super important!
How to Administer Eye Drops to Your Dog (When Prescribed by Your Vet)
When your vet does prescribe appropriate eye medication, here’s how to apply it:
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Gently hold your dog’s head steady (you might need a helper)
- Pull down slightly on the lower eyelid to create a small pocket
- Position the dropper above the eye (without touching it)
- Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pocket
- Allow your dog to blink to distribute the medication
- Reward with lots of praise and maybe a treat!
Prevention is Better Than Cure
To help prevent eye problems in your dog:
- Keep hair around the eyes trimmed
- Clean tear stains regularly with a vet-approved solution
- Avoid exposing your dog to irritants like smoke, chemicals, or strong perfumes
- Don’t let your dog stick their head out of car windows (debris can fly in)
- Provide a balanced diet for overall eye health
- Schedule regular check-ups with your vet
Final Thoughts
I know it’s tempting to use what’s in your medicine cabinet when your dog has eye problems. We all want to help our pets feel better fast! But using human eye drops without veterinary guidance could make things worse and potentially harm your furry friend.
The best way to show love to your dog isn’t by sharing your eye drops – it’s by getting them the proper veterinary care they need. Your dog’s eyes are too precious to risk with inappropriate treatments!
Remember: When in doubt, leave the human eye drops in the cabinet and call your vet instead. Your dog will thank you with those healthy, happy eyes that look at you with so much love!
Have you ever dealt with eye problems in your dog? What did your vet recommend? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Common Eye Conditions In Dogs
Here are a few eye conditions you might need to get your dog eye drops from the veterinarian for:
Dry eye, also known as serous conjunctivitis, is the most commonly seen type of pink eye seen in dogs. It shares a number of symptoms with eye infections, including puffy, sticky or wet-looking eyes, squinting, pawing at the affected eye, and yellow or greenish discharge.
There are many things that can cause your pet to develop an eye infection, including irritation due to long hair, conditions affecting the eyelid, allergies, internal conditions (e.g. immune issues), or scratches or injury to the cornea.
Although not frequently seen in dogs, eye infections or conditions due to allergies can be a factor in your pets discomfort. Allergies affecting dogs eyes increase in the summer, and symptoms include inflammation, reddened eyes and watery discharge. Allergic reactions can be due to environmental allergens (e.g. scented carpet cleaner), parasites (e.g. fleas) or, much less frequently, food allergies.
Why Shouldn’t I Use Human Eye Drops For My Dog?
It is not recommended to use over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops for humans on dogs without approval from a veterinarian. Dogs will not respond to most human eye drops well.
Popular eyedrops for itchiness and redness often contain an ingredient called Tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, which narrows blood vessels in the eye. This ingredient is not recommended for animals as it may cause them harm, especially if ingested. Only your veterinarian can examine and accurately diagnose your dog, so the first step is to contact them and book an appointment for your pet.
Eye drops for dogs are available if you take your dog to the vet. If your veterinarian determines that your dog has irritation or infection of the eye, they should be able to prescribe either soothing eye drops or antibiotic eye drops for dogs.
Dog with an Eye Infection – easy and inexpensive home remedy
FAQ
What human eye drops can I use on a dog?
How can I treat my dog’s eye infection at home?
You cannot definitively treat a dog’s eye infection at home, as many eye problems require veterinary diagnosis and medication. Instead, you can provide supportive care by gently cleaning discharge with a moist towel, using a warm compress, and preventing the dog from pawing at their eyes with a cone. A saline rinse can be used to flush irritants, but see a veterinarian promptly for diagnosis and prescription treatment, especially if the discharge is thick, yellow, or green, or if your dog shows signs of pain or vision changes.
Can I use normal eye drops on a dog?
Is Visine safe for dogs?
No, Visine is not safe to use for dogs; it’s not FDA-approved for pets and can cause harm, such as eye irritation, further damage, and even life-threatening cardiovascular and neurologic problems if ingested. The active ingredient, tetrahydrozoline, constricts blood vessels and can be dangerous for dogs, so you should never use human eye drops on your dog unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian. If your dog has an eye issue, a vet can properly diagnose it and prescribe pet-friendly, veterinarian-approved eye drops or treatments.