Reviewed by Dr. Terry White, DVM
As a pet parent, watching your dog suffer from an eye infection can be stressful. Your fur baby might be pawing at their eyes, showing redness, or even experiencing discharge. The thought of rushing to the vet immediately can be overwhelming, especially if you're unsure if it's an urgent situation. You might wonder if there’s a home remedy for dog eye infections.
In this guide, we’ll share the most common symptoms and causes of dog eye infections, safe homemade remedies you can try, and when it’s essential to consult your vet.
Is Dog Eye Infection Serious?
One of the most frequent concerns you might have is determining the severity of your dog’s eye infection. Minor eye irritations are relatively common, and sometimes all that’s needed is a simple remedy. But how can you tell if your dog’s symptoms are something to worry about?
Common signs of dog eye infections include:
Redness and swelling in and around the eyes
Squinting or holding the eyes closed
Green or yellow discharge (indicating possible bacterial infection)
Excessive tearing or watery eyes (often related to allergens or irritants)
Frequent pawing or rubbing of the eyes
If you notice mild symptoms such as clear discharge or slight redness, a home remedy may provide temporary relief. However, if symptoms persist or worsen—especially if your dog has green or yellow discharge, severe swelling, or is squinting excessively—it’s essential to contact your vet.
At EverPal, you can instantly book a same-day virtual visit with our Medical Director Dr. Terry White, who brings 40 years of experience. Prior to the visit, Dr. White will thoroughly review your dog's medical history, including any photos and videos of your pup's eyes.
Start with Safe Home Remedies
For minor eye irritations, you can start with safe and gentle home remedies before seeking professional help. Below are some well-known solutions that can help soothe your dog’s eyes:
1. Saline Solution (Homemade Remedy for Dog Eye Infection)
A simple saline solution is one of the safest and most effective home remedies for treating mild eye infections or irritations in dogs. You can purchase a saline solution from your local pharmacy or make your own by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water. Use a clean cotton pad or cloth to gently wipe around your dog’s eyes, ensuring to avoid direct contact with the eyeball. This method helps remove debris or allergens that may be causing irritation.
2. Artificial Tears
Another safe option for dogs suffering from dry eyes or irritation is using over-the-counter artificial tears. These eye drops, specifically designed for dogs, help lubricate the eyes and can be especially useful for conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye). However, artificial tears won’t treat an underlying bacterial infection, so if your dog’s symptoms don’t improve after a few days, consult your vet.
3. Cold Compress
If your dog’s eye appears swollen, a cold compress can help reduce inflammation. Apply a soft, cold washcloth or a commercially available compress over your dog’s closed eye for a few minutes at a time. This remedy is particularly effective for soothing discomfort and reducing swelling, but it won’t address the infection directly.
4. Chamomile Tea Rinse
Chamomile tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a gentle rinse for mild eye irritations. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, use a clean cotton pad to apply the tea around your dog’s eye area. This remedy can help soothe redness and reduce irritation.
When to See a Vet
While home remedies can provide relief for minor irritations, they may not be enough to treat a more serious infection.
Here are signs that it’s time to consult a veterinarian:
Persistent or worsening symptoms: If redness, swelling, or discharge continues after trying home remedies for a day or two, your dog may need prescription medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drops.
Green or yellow discharge: This is usually a sign of a bacterial infection and requires antibiotics.
Injuries or foreign objects: If you suspect an eye injury or that something is lodged in your dog’s eye, skip the home remedies and go straight to the vet.
Squinting and light sensitivity: These are signs of more severe eye issues, like corneal ulcers, which can worsen without professional treatment.
Causes of Dog Eye Infections
Understanding the underlying cause of your dog’s eye infection can help you prevent future episodes and know when it’s time for professional treatment.
Common causes include:
Bacterial infections: This often results in thick green or yellow discharge, requiring antibiotics to clear up.
Viral infections: These can cause watery discharge and are typically accompanied by other symptoms, such as coughing or sneezing. Viral infections may resolve on their own but often require supportive care.
Allergies: Pollen, dust, or household cleaners can irritate your dog’s eyes, leading to excessive tearing and redness.
Foreign objects or trauma: If debris gets into your dog’s eye, it can lead to irritation and even infection.
Eyelid abnormalities: Some dogs, particularly specific breeds, may develop conditions like entropion (where the eyelid rolls inward), which can cause chronic eye irritation.
Prevention Tips for Dog Eye Infections
Prevention is always better than treatment, and there are several ways you can help reduce the chances of your dog developing an eye infection:
1. Regular cleaning
Dust, pollen, and other debris can accumulate around your dog’s eyes, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. Using a soft, damp cloth, gently clean around your dog’s eyes to remove any buildup. Make sure to avoid touching the eyeball directly, and always use a clean cloth to prevent contamination.
2. Watch for Allergens
Allergies are a common cause of eye irritation and infections in dogs. If your dog tends to have allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or certain cleaning products, limit their exposure by keeping them indoors during high-pollen days and using hypoallergenic cleaning products in the home. Regularly wiping their face after outdoor activities can also help reduce exposure to potential allergens.
3. Protective eyewear
If your dog loves to stick their head out of the car window or run through wooded areas, protective dog goggles can shield their eyes from debris and reduce the risk of injury. Goggles are particularly useful for dogs that are more prone to eye injuries or infections due to breed-specific eye conditions, such as Pugs or Shih Tzus.
4. Routine checkups
Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch potential eye issues early, before they develop into full-blown infections. Your vet can also provide advice tailored to your dog’s breed and individual health needs, especially if they are prone to chronic eye problems like conjunctivitis or dry eye.
Are You Seeing Your Dog with Eye Infections?
We can help! EverPal's Medical Director, Dr. Terry White, brings 40 years of experience and is ready to meet your fur baby same-day for any concerns about your dog's health. Each visit is twice as long as your typical in-office visit, allowing our veterinarian to understand your dog's unique needs, explain multiple treatment options, and provide guidance on the treament plan.
Better vet care with most comfort for your fur baby. Schedule your online vet visit today.
Virtual vet visits are currently available in California. We are more than veterinary telemedicine - diagnostic testing available in San Francisco, Daly City, South San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Mateo and the San Francisco Bay Area. Medications are delivered to your home.
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