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Eye Drops For Your Dog: An Overview

also see Canine Eye Drops 

also see Eye Drops Dog

also see Eye Drops Cats 

also see Drops for Dogs

There are several canine ocular conditions that may require eye drops; dog eye health should be a part of your dog's regular wellness exam. Any abnormalities treated for the best outcome.

Your dog's eyes should be bright and moist. The skin surrounding the eye should be firm-not inflamed, swollen or red. Some warning signs of dog eye trouble:

Some dogs suffer from a condition known as Keratoconjunctivitis or dry eye. This occurs when the tear ducts cannot provide enough moisture. Over-the-counter, moisturizing eye drops will relieve mildly dry eyes. Dogs with bulbous eyes may be more likely to suffer from this condition, but it can be caused by allergies or drug reactions. Continued irritation and swelling of the eyelid may result in a corneal ulcer, a serious condition that can lead to dog vision loss. Corneal ulcers should be treated by a veterinarian who will prescribe effective prescription medications.

Warning: Do not use a hydrocortisone-containing drop if a corneal ulcer is present. Hydrocortisone will reduce swelling but it can worsen an ulcerated cornea and slow or prevent healing.

Antibiotic Drops for Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the lining membrane of the eye and the surface of the eyeball. It is often accompanied by discharge. If the discharge is watery, an over-the-counter boric acid wash can be used. Follow the directions provided for people. If noticeable improvement doesn't occur within twenty-four hours, the condition may require prescription-strength, antibiotic eye drops.

A thick or pus-like discharge from the eye indicates a bacterial or viral infection. Antibiotic eye drops may contain single ingredients or combinations to treat bacterial infections of the eyes and eyelids.

Tear Stains

Epiphora, a condition that causes they eye to weep continually, causing tear stains on the surrounding fur, is caused by excess tear production. Antibiotic drops may be prescribed to reduce severe tearing.

Prescription Drops for Glaucoma

Glaucoma, a serious eye problem that increases pressure on the eye, can be very painful. Untreated, the eye will increase in size and protrude and vision loss will occur. Prescription eye drops will decrease the fluid production and thus the pressure within the eye.

Drops to Combat Cataracts

Loss of normal transparency of the lens of your dog's eye is the typical symptom of cataracts. Most dogs will experience some degree of transparency loss after the age of eight. There are drops available to combat this condition. They contain a compound known as N-Acetyl-Carnosine. Well-documented human studies showed improvements in visual acuity and reductions in glare sensitivity.

How To Administer Eye Drops

  1. Wash the area around the eye with a cloth or cotton ball moistened with saline solution (such as contact lens solution)
  2. Read and follow dosage instructions
  3. Hold the bottle between thumb and index and place your other hand under your dog's jaw to support the head
  4. Tilt your dog's head back, holding the eyelid open
  5. Squeeze the drops on to the eyeball, being careful not to touch the eye's surface with the dropper
  6. Follow with a treat

also see Dog Eye Health: The Importance of Regular Examinations

also see Healing Dogs: Cataract Surgery Post-Operation Care

also see Dog Cataracts: Understanding the Different Types, Causes and Treatment

also see Vision- How Dogs See