As pet parents, we want what’s best for our four legged children. Our pets are a part of our family, and we suffer when they suffer. One problem that our canine companions can have happen to them are eye infections.
They can get eye infections from foreign objects that had bacteria on it already or from being around other dogs with eye infections. Just as you would look for natural remedies for yourself and your family, you can also find natural remedies for getting rid of dog eye infections.
#1 - An Ounce of Prevention
This particular item may not help you if your dog already has an eye infection, but it’s a good idea to keep your windows closed when taking your pet for a drive. Dogs love being able to put their heads out of the window to enjoy the breeze, and we as their humans love watching how silly pups are when they get to do this, but this can be a potential cause of your pet’s eye irritation and infection.
Debris can get into their eyes when the wind is rushing past their face. One potential option in case of you not wanting to deny your pet the wind flapping in their ears would be to put on protective eyewear as can be seen in this video:
#2 - Saline Solution
What do you usually reach for when your eye is irritated? Saline solution is probably top of your list. You can flush your dog’s infected eye with a saline solution. You can even make your own using a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm distilled water if you don’t have any saline solution on hand. You can gently splash some of this into your dog’s eye.
You can also use this on a cotton ball to lightly swab your dog’s eye. This will be a good method of cleaning away the discharge that could be coming from your dog’s infected eye.
#3 - Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most useful substances on earth. It’s also beneficial for pet care, including making a solution that can be used as eyewash for your dog’s eye infection. You’re going to want to mix up about two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with a cup of filtered water. You’re not going to want to get this directly in your dog’s eye, but you can wipe down the lids to help with the infection. If a small amount seeps into their eyes, that’s okay, but too much could cause a stinging effect.
A recipe for an eye drop is also available that will use about four drops of apple cider vinegar in two tablespoons of water. This should be used about two to three times a day with an application of about two to three drops in the infected eye. This eye drop should not be used in cases of pinkeye.
#4 - Tea
Tea is another great natural remedy for your dog’s eye infection. You can make a cold compress from a black tea bag. You can soak the tea bag, and apply it to your dog’s infected eye. Always use a new tea bag when applying your cold compress treatment to avoid contamination from previous uses.
Chamomile tea is another great remedy. Brew a pot of chamomile tea. You’ll want to let it steep for a few minutes. Then, you can add a few drops of this tea after it’s cooled down to your dog’s eye. Don’t waste the remaining pot of tea. You can use this then as an eyewash around your dog’s eye on their face. You can do this a few times a day. If you prefer the cold compress method, you can use your cooled down chamomile tea bag in the same manner.
#5 - Visit the Vet
At the end of the day, if your pup’s eye infection does not seem to be getting better with the natural remedies that you’ve enlisted it’s probably time to visit your local veterinarian. If your pet’s quality of life seems to be diminished because of the eye infection, that’s another sign that your eye infection may be beyond the need of natural remedies and an antibiotic is necessary.
For instance, if one day they are blinking the infected eye frequently, but the next day, they are unable to open their eye, it’s probably to the point where your vet needs to take a look. In addition, keep an eye on the discharge coming from the eye. If it gets worse or looks bloody, it’s time to make an appointment. Your dog may become blind or lose the eye completely if a serious infection is not treated promptly.
Conclusion
There you have it. Several different things to try when your pooch has gotten an eye infection from a foreign body or being around other dogs. Once you find one that works well for your dog you’ll both feel better. Did you find an item on this list that worked well for your pup’s eye infection?
Please comment below and share your story with the other readers to help them find the best solution for their dog’s eye infection.