A red or crusty eye can make a pet owner want to reach for whatever is in the medicine cabinet. Most ‘natural cures’ for eye infection have not been shown to be safe or effective in dogs, and some can delay treatment of a serious problem.
The first step is to identify the problem
Discharge may result from irritation, dry eye, a corneal scratch, abnormal eyelashes, conjunctival inflammation, or other disorders. Infection is only one possibility. A painful, cloudy or tightly squinting eye can deteriorate quickly and calls for an urgent examination rather than a trial of home products.
What can you do safely?
Keep the dog from rubbing at the eye; your veterinarian may suggest an appropriate protective collar. You can ask the clinic whether gently wiping discharge from the fur around the eye is reasonable while arranging an appointment. Do not apply pressure to the eyeball or attempt to remove an embedded object yourself.
Remedies to avoid
Do not put essential oils, tea bags, herbal infusions, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or household antiseptics in the eye. These products can irritate delicate tissues. Human redness-relief drops and leftover antibiotics are not reliable substitutes for diagnosis. Eye drops containing steroids can be particularly harmful if a corneal ulcer is present.
What about sterile saline or lubricants?
Some simple rinses and eye lubricants are used in veterinary care, but the best product and technique depend on whether there is trauma, a foreign body, or a compromised cornea. Ask your veterinary team before applying anything, especially with significant pain or cloudiness. A safe rinse cannot treat glaucoma or a deep ulcer.
How vets choose treatment
An exam may include a tear test, fluorescein staining to check for ulcers, and eye-pressure assessment. Treatment might include a targeted medication, a lubricating product, management of an eyelid issue, or urgent referral, depending on the findings. There is no single ‘best eye infection drop’ for every dog.
When the eye needs urgent help
Same-day care is appropriate for a dog that holds an eye shut, squints repeatedly, has a cloudy surface, experiences trauma, or appears to have sudden vision loss. If a caustic chemical got into the eye, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately for first-aid instructions while proceeding for care.
For more on triage, read our guide to sudden dog eye symptoms.
Veterinary references
American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists: Signs of Ocular Discomfort; VCA: Conjunctivitis in Dogs.
This is educational information only; eye medication choices must be individualized by a veterinarian.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.