Eye infections are very common among dogs, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. While some can be treated with over-the-counter medication, more severe cases often require a trip to the vet. But there are some natural home remedies you can try before resorting to a trip to the vet. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various ways in which you can naturally treat your dog’s eye infection at home. From using tea tree oil to using chamomile and other herbs, we will provide you with all of the information you need to start treating your pet without the help of a veterinarian.
What Causes Dog Eye Infections?
There are several different things that can cause a dog eye infection. allergensa, irritants (Foreign matter) Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can all lead to an infection. Allergies and injuries can also be a cause.
One of the most common causes of dog eye infections is bacteria. This can come from contaminated water, food, or even the environment. If your dog has any cuts or scrapes on their skin, bacteria can easily get into their system and cause an infection.
Viruses are another common cause of infections. Canine parvovirus and distemper are two viruses that can lead to eye problems in dogs. These viruses are highly contagious and can be passed from one dog to another through contact with bodily fluids or contaminated objects.
Fungi like yeast and mold can also cause infections. These are often found in humid environments or places with a lot of moisture. If your dog’s eyes come into contact with these fungi, they can become infected.
Parasites like mites, fleas, and ticks can also lead to infections. These parasites often carry diseases that they can transmit to your dog when they bite them. Ticks, in particular, can transmit Lyme disease which can be very serious if not treated promptly.
Foreign matter Like Dust and Debris: One of the most common causes of eye infections in dogs is the presence of dust and debris in their environment. This can come from things like leaves, twigs, or grass. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, this debris can get into their eyes and cause an infection.
Injuries: Another common cause of eye infections in dogs is injuries. This can be from things like scratches or bites. If the injury is severe, bacteria may enter the eye and cause an infection.
Symptoms of a Dog Eye Infection
If your dog’s eyes are red, itchy, or watering, they may have an eye infection. Other symptoms include squinting, pawing at the eyes, and a discharge from the eyes. If your dog has any of these symptoms, they should see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Viral or Bacterial Conjunctivitis in Dogs
There are a few different types of conjunctivitis in dogs, but the two most common are viral and bacterial. Both types are highly contagious and can be passed between dogs and even to humans. So, if your dog has conjunctivitis, it’s important to get them to the vet right away for treatment.
Viral conjunctivitis is usually caused by the same viruses that cause kennel cough or the flu. These viruses are highly contagious and can spread quickly through a dog population. The symptoms of viral conjunctivitis include watery eyes, redness, and swelling. In severe cases, the virus can cause ulcers on the eye.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacteria that live on your dog’s skin. These bacteria can enter the eye when your dog rubs or scratches their face. The symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis include watery eyes, redness, and discharge from the eyes. In severe cases, the bacteria can cause ulcers on the eye.
Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are treated with antibiotics. Your vet will prescribe the best antibiotic for your dog based on their type of infection. If you think your dog has conjunctivitis, take them to the vet right away for treatment.
Home Remedies for a Dog Eye Infection
There are a few home remedies that can help with a dog eye infection. You can start by making sure that your dog’s eyes are clean. Use a cotton ball dipped in warm water to gently wipe away any discharge.
Next, you can try using a saline solution to rinse your dog’s eyes. This will help to flush out any irritants and bacteria.
Finally, you can apply a warm compress to your dog’s eyes. This will help to soothe any inflammation and pain.
If you notice that your dog’s eye infection is not improving, or if they seem to be in pain, you should take them to the vet for further treatment.
1) A Simple Cold Compress
A simple cold compress can be a great way to help soothe your dog’s eye infection and provide relief from the symptoms. To make a cold compress, simply wet a clean cloth with cool water and apply it to your dog’s affected eye for 10-15 minutes. You can do this several times a day as needed.
2) Saline Eye Drops For Dog Eye Infection
When it comes to home remedies for dog eye infections, saline eye drops are one of the most effective options. Saline solution helps to cleanse the area around the eye and can also help to reduce swelling. Simply apply a few drops of saline solution to a clean cotton ball and gently wipe the area around your dog’s eye. Repeat this process several times a day until the infection clears up.
3) Coconut Oil Good For Dog Eye Infection
Coconut oil is a natural antifungal, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory agent. When applied to the affected area, it can help soothe the irritation and reduce inflammation. Coconut oil can also help fight off infection by keeping the area clean and free of bacteria.
4) Herbal Remedies [ Green Tea Wash or Aloe Vera Clear Gel]
There are a number of herbal remedies that can be used to treat dog eye infections. Green tea wash or aloe vera clear gel are two options that can be used to soothe and heal the eyes.
Green tea wash:
Green tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to soothe and heal the eyes. To make a green tea wash, steep 1 teaspoon of green tea in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Allow the tea to cool completely before using it to wash your dog’s eyes.
Aloe vera clear gel:
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help to soothe and heal the eyes. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to a cotton ball and gently wipe around your dog’s eyes.
5) Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a popular home remedy for treating a variety of ailments, including dog eye infections.
Chamomile is a plant in the Asteraceae family and has been used medicinally for centuries. Chamomile tea is made by steeping chamomile flowers in hot water.
The active ingredients in chamomile are thought to be bisabolol and matricin. Bisabolol is an anti-inflammatory compound that can help to reduce swelling and irritation. Matricin is an antibacterial compound that can help to kill bacteria that cause infections.
To use chamomile tea as a home remedy for a dog eye infection, steep two tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Allow the tea to cool before applying it to your dog’s eyes with a clean cloth. Repeat this process 2-3 times per day until the infection clears up.
How Long Do Dog Eye Infections Last?
Dog eye infections can last for a few days to a couple of weeks. The most important thing you can do is to keep the area clean and free of discharge. You can do this by using a sterile saline solution or warm water to wipe away any discharge. Be sure to rinse your hands afterwards.
You should also avoid touching or rubbing the affected eye(s). If your dog has a bacterial infection, it will likely be treated with antibiotics. The length of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection. Your veterinarian will let you know how long they recommend treating your dog.
If your dog has a viral infection, there is no specific treatment. However, you can help them feel more comfortable by applying a warm compress to the affected area several times a day. This will help to reduce swelling and pain.
Most dog eye infections will resolve on their own within a few days to a week or two. However, if the infection does not seem to be improving or if it gets worse, be sure to take your dog to the vet for an examination.
When to See the Vet for a Dog Eye Infection
If your dog is squinting, has red or watery eyes, is pawing at its eyes, or seems otherwise uncomfortable, it may have an eye infection. Eye infections in dogs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, foreign objects in the eye, and more. If you think your dog may have an eye infection, it’s important to see a vet as soon as possible so they can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Dog eye infections can be a real problem for pet owners, so it’s important to know the different home remedies that you can use to help treat and prevent these uncomfortable conditions. While over-the-counter medications are available, we recommend trying out some of these natural home remedies first before resorting to drugs. Always make sure to ask your vet if you have any questions or concerns about treating an eye infection in your dog, as they will be able to provide the best advice on how to care for your pet’s eyes.
94% of pet owners say their animal pal makes them smile more than once a day. In 2007, I realized that I was made for saving Animals. My father is a Vet, and I think every pet deserves one. I started this blog, “InPetCare”, in 2019 with my father to enlighten a wider audience.