Conjunctivitis or pink eye in dogs happens when the pink portion surrounding the eye is inflamed. If you find your pooch rubbing its eyes or keeping one or both eyes closed, then it can mean an eye problem is the culprit. What are the natural remedies you can do when this happens?
The saline solution provides relief to your dog’s inflamed eye. It helps to flush out impurities without causing any side effects. Chamomile tea sprayed over your pup’s infected eyes also helps to relieve discomfort. The same goes for a cold compress, as it reduces swelling and inflammation.
Have a look at these home and natural remedies for pink eye in dogs. They are generally safe for canines but be sure to consult with your vet if symptoms persist.
12. Saline Solution
Although the saline solution is not antimicrobial, it can still help offer relief to your dog. What it does is flush out irritants that worsen your pet’s eye.
You can easily purchase a saline solution from your pharmacy or pet store. However, do not use contact lens solutions as an alternative, as there are added ingredients that can be irritating and harmful to your pooch.
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11. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is an antiseptic herb that helps to relieve mild symptoms of pink eye in dogs. Just steep the tea and let it cool, then pour it into a squirt bottle. Squirt the chamomile solution into the affected eye twice a day until the inflammation has improved.
Just a word of caution, however. Some dogs may be allergic to chamomile. So, it is best to avoid this herb if your dog reacts negatively to it.
10. Antihistamines
Sometimes, eye irritation like pink eye may be due to allergic reactions. If this is the case, the right type of medication should be used for your pet’s needs.
Antihistamines help to address allergies. Your vet may advise that you use antihistamines for your dog’s eyes, which should help clear the inflammation up in a matter of days.
9. Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a perennial herb that has antibacterial properties. So, when the pink eye is caused by bacteria, applying goldenseal powder diluted in water should be a viable option.
If your pooch has a yellowish discharge on his eyes, you can create a goldenseal solution for cleansing purposes. Mix ¼ teaspoon of goldenseal powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt with a cup of boiling water. Let it cool, and strain the mixture into a glass bottle. Use this for cleaning your pet’s eyes.
8. Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil is a potent natural solution for inflammation while supporting eye health. This is why it is a great option to consider for home and natural remedies for pink eye in dogs.
Simply instill a drop of cod liver oil into your pup’s eye daily. The fatty oil contains beneficial properties that heal the eye by lubricating it and reducing inflammation.
7. Coconut Oil
Just like cod liver oil, coconut oil contains antibacterial properties. But when it comes to addressing dry eyes, virgin and unrefined coconut oil is your best bet.
Just a couple of drops of virgin coconut oil applied to the inflamed eye should help address dryness and inflammation. Since it is natural and safe, there is no burning or stinging sensation to worry about.
6. E-Collar
Let’s face it – having your dog wear an e-collar will not necessarily treat his eye issue. But what it does is help minimize further damage to the infected eye. Since your pooch loves to rub and scratch his eye, an e-collar prevents him from doing so.
But be sure to buy the right kind of e-collar for your pet. It needs to reach a couple of inches past your dog’s nose when you place the collar around his neck. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of wearing a collar.
5. Antibiotic Eye Drops
As with steroid eye drops, antibiotic drops help to address conjunctivitis caused by bacteria. It can quickly bring down the swelling while providing comfort to your pet.
However, it can be tough to administer eye drops to your pooch. If your pet squirms too much, you might need an assistant to help you with this task.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Since pink eye is a type of inflammation, anti-inflammatory medication should help ease the problem. It is just a matter of knowing what OTC medication to give to your dog since there are dozens of options out there.
To stay on the safe side, always consult your vet before you give any medication to your pooch. A professional can easily recommend the right anti-inflammatory medication that will provide optimum results without nasty side effects.
3. Cold Compress
Along with pink eye comes swelling problems. So, if your pooch has an inflamed eye, you can help ease the discomfort by giving him a cold compress. Apply the compress for several minutes over the closed eye to help minimize the inflammation.
For pooches suffering from pink eye, it is best to use a cold and moist washcloth instead of those hard, frozen ice packs. Soft cold compress is more comfortable, unlike the rock-hard ones you can find at the pharmacy.
2. Steroid Eye Drops
In the case of pink eye due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics should be able to help. Steroid eye drops can soothe your pet’s inflamed eyes because of the antibiotic component in them.
Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions on how often and how many drops to apply to your dog’s eyes. This way, you can notice a marked improvement in your pup’s condition over time.
1. Artificial Tears
Artificial tears are exactly as the name implies – they help to lubricate your dog’s eyes. If irritation and dryness are present, then a lubricant should offer comfort to your pet. Since there is no antibiotic in it, this product does not treat any infection nor cause side effects.
It is safe to use artificial tears a few times a day to provide relief to dry eyes. But if inflammation continues, a visit to the vet would be a necessity to address the issue.
Related Questions
Can I Catch Pink Eye From My Dog? It does not always happen, but in rare instances, humans can and do catch the pink eye from their dogs. One possible way is through licking. Another is the same way as when you can potentially transfer the eye infection to someone else.
Do I Need To Take My Dog To The Vet For Conjunctivitis? Yes, definitely. You should take your pet to the vet at the first sign of pink eye symptoms. A professional can help diagnose the type of conjunctivitis your pooch suffers from and the best treatment to address it. If you leave the condition unchecked by an expert, it can lead to further eye problems.
What Is A Good Eye Wash For Dogs? Nutri-Vet Eye Rinse Liquid For Dogs is a good eye wash to cleanse and soothe irritated eyes. It contains boric acid that fights infections due to foreign particles. Moreover, it improves tear stains and cleanses eyes – even sensitive ones.
