This (updated) guide reviews all of the best eye drops for dogs this year.
Your pup’s eyes are as sensitive as they are adorable. Those puppy dog eyes that melt us are prone to various problems that can cause discomfort, irritation, and even vision loss if left untreated along with potentially costly vet bills. Multiple signs and symptoms like redness, puffiness, itchiness, and swelling are indications that your canine’s eye needs attention.
With the right use of eye drops, your furry friend will be back to feeling like their usual self again in no time. With so many eye drops on the market, it can be overwhelming to sift through all the options and know which ones to trust. To make this process easier and help you make an informed decision, we have curated a list of the best eye drops for dogs using our 40-point inspection.
Read ahead for all the details on the best eye drops for your pup and how to best use them.
8 Best Eye Drops For Dogs
| Top Picks | Top Features |
|---|---|
| #1. Burt’s Bees Eye Wash | Safe and natural ingredients pH balanced Easy-to-use bottle |
| #2. Vetericyn Plus Eye Drops for Dogs | Multi-purpose eye relief Does not sting Easy to use |
| #3. I-DROP Vet Plus Eye Drops | Ideal for pets with dry eyes Blink-activated, long-lasting hydration and lubrication The packaging features a sterile, multi-dose delivery design |
| #4. Akorn Artificial Tears | Excellent for puppies Long-lasting No burning |
| #5. Nutri-Vet Eye Rinse Liquid | Helps remove fur stains Easy-to-use bottle Will not burn or sting |
| #6. Vets Preferred Eye Cleaner | Gentle for your pet’s eyes Safe and effective formula Contains natural ingredients |
| #7. PetSilver Eye Wash Drops | Great for emergency flushes Only 2 ingredients Multi-use drops |
| #8. Dr. Goodpet’s Eye Drops | Multi-purpose eye relief Safe and natural Lick safe |
#1. Burt’s Bees Eye Wash
- Made with natural ingredients- ensuring it will not cause any irritation or burning sensation
- Cleanses your dog’s eyes gently by imitating their natural tears and removes any debris present
- The formula is free of fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals
- This is a pH-balanced eye wash, making it suitable to be used by all dogs and puppies.
- The easy-to-use dropper makes administering the eye wash simple and stress-free for you and your pet
#2. Vetericyn Plus Eye Drops For Dogs
- Can be used for regular eye care by removing any debris or dirt that may accumulate in your dog’s eyes
- Alleviates discomfort caused by eye irritations and injuries
- Easy to use ergonomic design and a sizable 3 fluid ounces of solution that can be applied by flushing the affected eye(s) three to four times daily until the condition subsides
- Helps prevent eye stains when used regularly in your dog’s eye care routine
- Vet-recommended with an FDA-compliant formula
#3. I-DROP Vet Plus Lubricating Eye Drops
- Lubricating solution specifically designed to provide immediate and long-lasting hydration with every blink to pets suffering from seasonal or acute dry eyes
- Cost-effective and user-friendly form, providing a consistent and refreshing tear film for your pet’s eyes
- Offers better comfort with fewer applications
- Consists of biopolymers that are viscoadaptive and is available in a 10-ml sterile delivery system designed for multiple uses
- Formulated by I-MED Animal Health, a global leader in ocular surface disorder (OSD) management
#4. Akorn Artificial Tears
- Used by veterinarians and also appropriate for at-home use
- Designed to alleviate discomfort caused by dryness, burning, and irritation in the eyes of dogs by keeping them moisturized and lubricated
- Forms a protective barrier that keeps the eyes lubricated for animals with eye conditions during sleep or before bathing
- Contains white petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin to enhance absorption
- Can be used safely on a daily basis and even overnight, and is recommended for use 1-2 times a day or as needed
#5. Nutri-Vet Eye Rinse For Dogs
- Formulated to effectively cleanse and treat irritated eyes by creating an unpleasant environment unfavorable for germs and bacteria to thrive in
- Contains Borid Acid that helps combat eye infections and irritations caused by foreign particles and air pollution
- Regular use can aid in the removal of tear stains and prevent their formation, keeping your pet’s eyes looking clear and healthy
- A gentle formula that effectively cleanses and soothes even the most sensitive eyes
- Safe solution to help relieve the effects of seasonal allergies like smog and pollen
#6. Vets Preferred Eye Cleaner
- Gentle formula with antiseptic properties that helps keep your dog’s eyes clear and healthy year-round
- Effective formula- suitable for both regular use and urgent cases
- Eliminate dirt, debris, and irritants while also relieving allergy symptoms and moisturizing dry eyes
- Dissolve crust and discharge, and alleviate tear stains
- Produced in a GMP-certified facility in the USA under strict supervision to ensure optimum quality and safety
#7. PetSilver Dog Eye Wash Drops
- Ideal solution for pets suffering from frequent or occasional eye problems
- Unique chelated silver formula binds to eye-irritating particles, aiding in the recovery process
- User-friendly product that can be used up to three times a day, or as per the vet’s recommendation
- Recommended for pets with allergies, chronic conditions, or sensitivities- does not contain alcohol, artificial scents, perfumes, or preservatives
- Packaged in a bottle with an easy-to-use screw top
8. Dr. Goodpet Eye-C Eye Drops
- Organic eye drops with 100% natural formula and free of animal testing
- Actives like zinc and vitamin C help protect your pup’s eyes
- Solves most minor eye irritations, making it ideal for multi-pet households
- Prevents seeping and tear staining
- Easy to use, as it features a bottle top that doubles as a dropper and can be easily opened
Buyer’s Guide
Here are the factors you should keep in mind when purchasing eye drops for your pet:
Veterinarian Recommendation
Vets can recommend a specific brand and type of eye drops that suit your dog’s condition. Your vet’s recommendation is a good way to determine a product’s quality and safety.
Preservatives
While preservatives help prolong the shelf life of eye drops, they can cause irritation or other side effects in certain breeds. If your pup has pre-existing medical conditions, it is best to go for eye drops with no preservatives.
pH level
To avoid any irritation, choose eye drops for your dog with a pH level similar to their eyes (ideally between 7.0 and 7.4).
Ease of Application
When selecting eye drops for your dog, consider choosing ones with a user-friendly dropper or applicator. This will make their administration a more comfortable experience for both you and your furry friend.
Packaging
Proper packaging prevents contamination and leakage during storage and between usage sessions. It ensures all components remain fresh and sterile until use to achieve the best results.
How To Effectively Administer Eye Drops
Administering eye drops to your canine may feel like a daunting task, but following these simple steps will make sure you get the job done like a pro.
Wash Your Hands
Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before handling the eye drops to help prevent the transfer of bacteria or other contaminants to your dog’s delicate eyes.
Restrain Your Dog
Gently but firmly restrain your dog using a leash or by having someone help you. This prevents your dog from moving around or resisting the treatment.
Clean The Eye Area
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any discharge or debris from their eye to ensure the eye drops are properly absorbed.
Administer The Drops
To administer eye drops to your dog, hold the bottle above the eye without letting the dropper touch the eye or any other surface. This helps to keep the applicator tip clean and prevents the spread of infection and the risk of injury. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the eye and do not let your dog blink the medication away.
In the first five minutes after drops are given, the eye absorbs 95 percent of the medication. Waiting allows the first drop to take effect before administering the second drop if required.
Massage The Eye
Gently massage the area around your pup’s eye to evenly distribute the medication and allow for proper absorption.
Reward Your Dog
Remember to reward your furry friend with praise and their favorite treats after administering the drops. This makes the process more positive and less stressful for your canine.
Additional Things To Note
After administering the eye drops, make sure to do the following:
Store Well
When not in use, ensure that the eye drops are stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Make sure to keep the bottle or tube tightly closed to prevent contamination.
Check The Expiration Date
It is vital to ensure that the eye drops you are using for your pet are not expired. Expired medications, including eye drops, should never be given to your furry friend.
Monitor Your Pup
Monitor your dog for any side effects once you start using new eye drops. If their symptoms worsen or do not improve, consult your veterinarian.
Never Share Dog Eye Drops
Using the same dropper for different dogs (especially in multi-dog households) can transmit infections, so it is crucial for each pup to have its own eye drops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can cause irritation in my dog’s eye?
Foreign materials such as dust, sand, and pollen can cause inflammation and redness in the tissues around your dog’s eyes, leading to irritation. Additionally, dog eyes are susceptible to infections caused by various microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Can I use human eye drops for my dog?
No, it is not advisable for pet owners to use human eye drops for their dogs without consulting a pet care specialist first. Using the wrong eye drops could cause your pup significant pain and damage, and can even lead to blindness.
Are there any side effects associated with using dog eye drops?
Side effects of using dog eye drops can include redness, itching, and eye irritation. Any unusual behavior by your canine like excessive squinting or pawing at the eyes could be the result of a bad reaction caused by the eye drops. In this case, consult your veterinarian immediately.
What types of conditions can be treated using eye drops for dogs?
Canine eye drops can provide effective treatment for multiple eye conditions, including but not limited to chronic dryness, inflammation, infection, allergies, pink eye, cataracts, glaucoma, and closed-angle glaucoma.
How can I treat my dog’s eye infection at home?
Non-medicated sterile saline rinses are a short-term solution that can help flush your dog’s eye. Mix ¼ of a teaspoon of salt with one cup of lukewarm water in a sterile container and use three to four times daily if necessary.
