2024 The Best Allergy Eye Drops for Dogs

As pet owners, we understand the importance of keeping our furry friends happy and healthy. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies, and one of the common symptoms is irritated and itchy eyes. Fortunately, with advancements in veterinary medicine, there are now numerous options available to provide relief for our beloved canine companions. In this article, we will explore the best allergy eye drops for dogs in 2024, designed to alleviate discomfort and promote clear, comfortable eyes.

Before buying eye drops, consult your veterinarian to understand your dog's eye allergies, common allergies are as follows

Symptoms of Dog Eye Allergies

1. Red, itchy, and watery eyes
2. Swelling of the eyelids
3. Excessive tear production
4. Squinting or pawing at the eyes
5. Discharge from the eyes
6. Rubbing the face against furniture or walls
7. Rubbing the eyes with paws
8. Unusual blinking or twitching
9. Sensitivity to light
10. Scratching the eyes or face

Why Dogs and Cats Need Eye Drops?

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It is a common eye condition that can affect both people and pets, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergens, viruses, bacteria, and irritants. Symptoms of conjunctivitis can include redness and swelling of the eyes, itchy eyes, a burning sensation, discharge from the eyes, and blurred vision. 

Cataracts

Cataracts are a common eye problem in cats, just as they are in humans. Cataracts cause a clouding of the lens of the eye, which can lead to vision loss and even blindness. Cataracts are usually caused by age, injury, or illness, but they can also be hereditary. Treatment options include surgery, medication, and/or dietary changes.

Dry Eye

When the eye does not produce enough tears to keep it moist, it can cause the cornea to dry out and become inflamed, a condition to which short-headed flat breeds such as the French bulldog and shih tzu are prone. This can be effectively prevented by cleaning your pet's eyes on a daily basis to keep them clean and reduce bacterial infections.

Why are my french bulldogs eyes red?

The eyes of a French bucket are large and can easily become infected if they are not cleaned properly, and if an infection occurs in the eye, the eye will usually turn red.

If a French bulldog has red eyes, increased eye discharge, pus discharge from the nose, vomiting and diarrhoea, and anorexia, it may be due to distemper and should be taken to a hospital for examination and treatment.

The French Bulldog has a congenital impaired eyelash, which can be irritated over time and can lead to red eyes, which can be relieved by removing the impaired eyelashes or by eye drops, or if the tear ducts are blocked, which can lead to red eyes, you will need to see a doctor!

Why do French Bulldogs eyes get swollen?

French bulldogs have swollen eyes, either from external injuries or from internal heat inflammation. External injuries: sometimes the French bulldog scratches his eye with his paws; he scratches his eye from playing with other dogs; he plays in a dirty area and a foreign object falls into his eye, causing a bacterial or fungal infection in his eye; he has an inverted eyelash, which means that the eyelid flips inwards, causing the eyelash to pierce the eye and cause redness and swelling, etc.

Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers are most often caused by dogs scratching each other, biting, foreign objects in the eye, etc. Dogs with chronic dry eye can also develop corneal ulcers. They can be very painful and cause your dog to squint and rub his eyes.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when the production and drainage of fluid is disrupted within the eye. Symptoms include redness of the eye and t pain. If left untreated for a long time it can become a cataract.

Allergies

Some dogs are allergic to environmental irritants such as pollen, dust mites etc but this is a seasonal condition and not a symptom that appears all year round. He may need eye drops to reduce irritation, swelling and itching. Some dog allergies do not cause eye problems, but rather in the skin. Allergy eye drops for dogs can be over-the-counter or prescription depending on the severity of your puppy's symptoms.

What Eye Drops Are Safe For Dogs?

Some of the above dog eye problems may require veterinary diagnosis, but in some cases they do not. The appropriate eye drops can be used for your dog's eye problems, and the most important thing is to determine the ingredients in the drops. The active ingredients in dog eye drops are very important for eye health. These ingredients can provide treatment and relief from eye problems and help keep your dog's eyes clean, healthy and comfortable. The following are a few common active ingredients and their importance:

Cleansers

The cleansers in dog eye drop remove dirt and secretions from the surface of the eye and keep the eye clean. This is critical to prevent the development of eye infections and inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory agents

Some dog eye drops contain anti-inflammatory agents, such as steroids. Common steroids include prednisone, betamethasone, and cortisone. These medications can reduce eye inflammation and redness and help relieve eye discomfort and pain.

Antimicrobials

 If an eye infection is the cause of the problem, the antimicrobials in dog eye drops can fight bacterial, viral or fungal infections. These antimicrobials remove pathogens and promote recovery from eye infections. ( e.g., neomycin, polymyxin B)

Lubricants

Dryness of the eye is a common eye problem and the lubricants in dog eye drops can provide additional moisture to reduce dryness and discomfort. These lubricants help keep the surface of the eye moist and smooth. ( e.g., hyaluronic acid, glycerin )

It is important to choose the right eye drops for your dog and to use them properly according to your veterinarian's recommendations. Different eye problems may require different active ingredients and treatment options.

Eye Drops for Dogs: Our Selection Criteria

When selecting eye drops for dogs, there are several important factors to consider to ensure the well-being and safety of your pet. Here are some key selection criteria to keep in mind:

1. Veterinarian Recommendation

Always consult with your veterinarian before using any eye drops on your dog. They can provide guidance based on your dog's specific needs and condition.

2. Purpose

Identify the specific issue or condition you are addressing with the eye drops. Common reasons for using eye drops in dogs include dryness, irritation, redness, allergies, infections, or debris removal. Different eye drops may be formulated to address specific conditions, so choose accordingly.

3. Preservatives

Eye drops for dogs may contain preservatives to prevent bacterial contamination. However, some preservatives can cause irritation or allergic reactions in certain dogs. If your dog has a history of sensitivity or allergic reactions, consider preservative-free eye drops.

4. Sterility

It is crucial to ensure that the eye drops are sterile to avoid introducing any harmful microorganisms into your dog's eyes. Look for products that are specifically labeled as sterile or recommended by your veterinarian.

5. Safety

Prioritize products that are specifically formulated for dogs and approved by reputable regulatory bodies, such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or similar authorities in your country. Avoid using human eye drops on dogs, as they may contain ingredients that could be harmful to pets.

6. Ease of Application

Consider the ease of administering the eye drops to your dog. Some products come in the form of ointments, while others are liquid drops. Choose a formulation that you are comfortable using and that is suitable for your dog's needs.

Puainta's Top Eye Drops are Recommended

Neomycin Sulfate for Dogs Drop Eye

Neomycin sulfate eye drops are a medication used for the treatment and prevention of bacterial eye infections. They contain neomycin sulfate, which is an antibiotic. Neomycin works by inhibiting the growth and multiplication of bacteria, thereby helping to eliminate the infection.

These eye drops are typically prescribed for various types of bacterial conjunctivitis (commonly known as "pink eye"), which is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin, transparent tissue covering the front surface of the eye and inner surface of the eyelids). Bacterial conjunctivitis can cause symptoms such as redness, itching, discharge, and eye discomfort. The product ph is 7.4, mild and non-irritating, and the ingredients do not contain preservatives.

Boric Acid Eye Wash

Boric Acid Eye Wash is a gentle solution that effectively cleanses and flushes out irritants from your dog's eyes. This eye rinse is specifically formulated to alleviate itching and remove allergens, such as pollen or dust particles. Its soothing properties help reduce inflammation and keep your dog's eyes comfortable. Boric Acid Eye Wash is safe for regular use and can be a valuable addition to your dog's allergy care routine.

Read more: Boric Acid Eye Wash for Dogs

Hydrocortisone Acetate for Dogs Drop Eye

Hydrocortisone acetate is a medication commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat various inflammatory conditions in dogs, including eye problems. 
Hydrocortisone acetate belongs to a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation, itching, redness, and swelling in the affected area. In the case of eye drops, hydrocortisone acetate is applied directly to the eye to target the inflammation and provide relief.

Dog Eye Wash Saline

Saline eye wash is an over-the-counter eye drop that is gentle on dogs or cats, clears away eye discharge and is effective for minor allergic infections, but not for severe allergy symptoms.

Allergy Eye Drops for Dogs

Composed of natural ingredients such as boric acid, ice chips, honeysuckle extract, cranberry extract and lutein, this is an over-the-counter eye drop that works better than saline drops, I recommend Puainta® Eye Wash for Dogs and Cats.

However, please consult veterinarian before using.

Oxyfloxacin Eye Drops for Dogs

Oxyfloxacin Eye Drops for dogs can treat infections caused by certain strains of bacteria in conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers.

How Long to Use Ofloxacin Eye Drops for Dogs?

Mild conjunctivitis clears up in 2-3 days, more severe cases may take more than a week.

Can I Use Human Saline Solution on My Dog?

Can I use Visine on my dog? Not allowed. Use is prohibited. This is because certain ingredients in human eye drops are not adapted to the dog's eyes and can easily cause allergies, redness and swelling, and the amount to be used is not clear and too high a dose may cause adverse reactions. It is best to choose pet-specific drops that are suitable for your dog's condition.

How To Give A Dog Eye Drops

1. When giving your dog eye drops for the first time, hold or secure their head gently with your hand. Then eye up.

2. It is important to note that the time between holding your dog and dropping the eye drops should not be too long, as too long a movement will make him impatient. You can use your hand to poke the dog's lower eyelid, but do not make too many movements and be gentle.

3. Do not apply the drops to the middle of the eye, but gently to the corner of the eye, preferably where the white of the eye meets the eyelid. The aim is to allow the eye drops to flow slowly into the eye, which will reduce your dog's discomfort with the drops.

Note that the drops should be placed as close to the dog's eye as possible, up close. Drops from a distance are less likely to go in and a dropped drop will be more startling to your dog. A drop of eye drops is not heavy, but it still has a certain weight when it falls freely and may cause your dog to become nervous and uncomfortable.

FAQs

What ingredients should I look for in an eye drop for my dog?

Look for eye drops that contain lubricants such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help moisturize and soothe your dog's eyes, relieving dryness and irritation, rather than targeting any specific condition.

If your dog has an eye infection. These drops contain antibiotics such as neomycin or polymyxin B, which can help treat bacterial infections.

How often should I use eye drops on my dog?

Always follow your veterinarian's recommendations or product instructions. Depending on the severity of your dog's condition, you may need to administer drops every few hours or several times a days.

Can antibiotic eye drops cause diarrhea in dogs? What are the side effects?

Antibiotic eye drops are usually safe to use in dogs, but in some cases they may cause some side effects, including diarrhea. The following are some common side effects that may occur:

Gastrointestinal problems: The use of antibiotic eye drops may disrupt your dog's gastrointestinal balance and cause diarrhea. This may be due to the antibiotic entering the digestive system through oral administration or swallowing and then being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Allergic reactions: Some dogs may be allergic to antibiotics or other ingredients in the medication, leading to allergic reactions such as indigestion and diarrhea.

Overdose: If used in too high a dose or for too long, antibiotic eye drops may negatively affect your dog's intestinal flora, leading to diarrhea.