Guidelines for Choosing Between Over-the-Counter Canine Eye Drops

Many problems that dogs have with their eyes can be treated with canine eye drops. The first step in treatment is always to determine what type of eye problem is present. If there is any redness, swelling, discharge or sensitivity to light or touch, your dog should be seen by a veterinarian to ensure a proper diagnosis and that correct eye drops are prescribed in order to prevent the condition from worsening and causing the loss of sight or eye.

Over-the-Counter Eye Drops for Dogs

There are a variety of eye drops that, once prescribed to treat your dog's eye problem, can be purchased over the counter or on the internet to continue treatment. Ophthalmic drops or gels can be purchased to treat keratoconjunctivitis, superficial keratitis, glaucoma, inflammation, infections and even cataracts. Care must be taken to purchase the proper medication as eye drops come in various solution strengths and if the wrong drops or eye gel is used, may make the condition worse.

Following your veterinarian's recommendations is critically important when treating canine eye problems. Even though the intention is good, choosing an eye drop at random can cause the condition to worsen if an inappropriate solution is selected. Having the appropriate solution strength or correct formulation can make all the difference in returning your dog's eyes to a healthy condition.