We are all aware of the concept of ‘puppy eyes.’ When your dog wants to go out and play or get treats, they will give you the classic ‘puppy eye’ look. But, what happens when your fur friend suffers from an eye infection?
As a new pet parent, you may get worried and call every veterinarian in town. But, before reaching any conclusion or getting teary-eyed – read this post to know about antibiotic ointment for dogs’ eyes.
When To use Antibiotic Eye Drops?
Antibiotics for dogs are used for open wounds, eye infections, and other bacterial and viral infections that affect your dog’s overall health. The question is – when should you use antibiotic eye drops? As a pet parent, this concern and query are valid.
Dogs undergo some eye infections, including cherry eye, corneal wounds, dry eye, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, cataract, entropion, and progressive retinal atrophy. So if your dog’s eyes are not looking ‘normal,’ it’s time to take a round of the veterinary clinic.
Look for signs such as eyes getting milky or having a grey or white appearance. In addition, eye redness, excessive tear production, cloudiness, a third eyelid, and dilated pupils are signs of an eye infection.
Your veterinarian will do examine your dog’s eyes and ask about their history. An ophthalmic examination is required to check the underlying cause of the eye problem.
If the eye problem is left untreated, your dog may suffer, and a new set of problems may arise. Your pet’s wellbeing comes first, and that’s why all primary and secondary eye problems require immediate medical intervention.
Since you are new to the world of dog antibiotics, we are here with some beneficial information. First, you must know about the type of antibiotics being administered to dogs for eye problems.
Cleverpuppytraining.com has gathered a list of antibiotic ointments for dog eyes. Keep reading to find out more.
What antibiotic is used for dog eye infections?
Canine eye infections are treated with unique antibiotic formulations. Antibiotics include eye drops and ointments. If the veterinarian is prescribing eye drops, you must know that these are therapeutic preparations. A single visit to the clinic will not do; you would need to sprinkle eye drops 2 to 3 times a day.
Veterinarians would suggest dog eye drops not only to treat infection caused by bacteria or viruses. In some cases, the dog’s eyes produce excessive tears – this is when the doctors prescribe eye drops. These are used as a drying agents. If your dog is suffering from conjunctivitis, Dacryocystitis or any inner eye infection, the doctor would recommend the best eye solution.
There are two types of eye conditions – primary and secondary. Primary eye infections are common infections that can be treated with ointments and eye drops. Secondary complications require surgery and additional drugs.
Veterinarians would usually recommend a ‘Triple Antibiotic’ preparation for complicated eye problems. It is a combination of Bacitracin, Neomycin, and Polymyxin. However, the most common antibiotics used for dog eye problems are Erythromycin, Neomycin, Polymyxin, Tobramycin, and Tetracycline. As you move forward, you will come across various over-the-counter solutions for antibiotic ointment for dogs eyes.
Over-the-counter solutions for Antibiotic Eye Drops For Dogs
Cleverpuppytraining.com team strives to put their best foot forward to help new and old pet parents find the best medical solution for dogs. There are some antibiotic ointments for dogs eyes/eye drops that are available over-the-counter.
1. You can use Terramycin for dogs eyes. It is also available for humans, but we suggest you to use the one that is meant for dogs.
Terramycin contains active ingredients such as polymyxin B sulfate and oxytetracycline hydrochloride that works like a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
It helps doctors treat bacterial inflammation of the eye due to gram-positive, and gram-negative organisms. Doctors may recommend this if your canine has a corneal ulcer, E. coli, or streptococci.
2. Chloramphenicol or Chlorsig for dogs is a safe medication. You do not need a prescription to buy this antibiotic. This is one of the best eye medications for dogs suffering from bacterial conjunctivitis.
3. Eyelid bacterial infection can be cured or reduced with erythromycin. Erythromycin for dogs eyes is administered in case the dog is suffering from bacterial eye infections.
We recommend speaking to your veterinarian before using this medication because your dog may be allergic to certain ingredients. Usually, doctors suggest using this medication twice or thrice a day.
How to apply antibiotic Eye drops on your dog?
Your dog is already under a lot of stress. They might move more than usual and are not used to anyone putting eye drops or ointment in their eyes.
Have you ever seen your dog in the veterinarian clinic?
They might shake and try to run away from the clinic. It is an unfamiliar place for the dogs, and they don’t get a pleasant feeling when the doctor inserts a thermometer in their buttocks.
So, if you want to apply antibiotic eyes drops on your dog, there is a proper way to do it.
Here is a step-by-step method for you to get the job done without any mess or strain:
- Put your dog on the table. It should be a flat surface.
- Be ready with the antibiotic ointment for dogs eyes.
- Stand towards the dog’s side and place one arm over their shoulder.
- If your dog bites, consider putting on a muzzle. Even non-violent dogs get scared and might bite out of fear, so use the muzzle as protective gear.
- Use the same hand placed over the shoulder to sprinkle the eye drops in his/her eyes.
- If your dog is moving a lot and is not letting you sprinkle the eye drops, consider getting another person’s help to hold your dog.
Concerns and Precautions Before Using Antibiotic Ointment for Dogs Eyes
Before using any antibiotic ointment for dogs eyes, you must ensure that your fur friend does not have any allergies.
Even though the antibiotics are available over-the-counter, but you must check with a veterinarian about the frequency of administering the medication. Excess of anything can be harmful, and that’s why you should use the eye drops several times a day. Use it as it has been prescribed, and make sure you choose a fixed time in the day.
In case of any side effects, speak to your veterinarian.
Antibiotics for dog eyes are pretty common so consider skimming through our list of over-the-counter eye drops. They are the most widely used antibiotics, but you may need to speak to your dog’s doctor to know about the frequency.
