Over-the-Counter Eye Ointments for Dogs

Your dog's eye irritation or infection is not something you should attempt to treat on your own without consulting your dog's veterinarian first. Your vet can determine the type of irritation or infection it is and look for the underlying cause. Some irritations and infections are caused by viruses that require medicinal treatment. When it comes to your dog's health, your vet can recommend appropriate prescriptions or over-the-counter eye ointments to give to your pet.

  1. Antibiotic Ointments

    • Antibiotic ointments that are available over the counter, such as B.N.P. Triple Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment, treat various types of eye infections in dogs. The ointment is applied to the inner lid of the eye to relieve symptoms of the infection. Since these types of ointments are antibiotics you should always read the side effects label and learn about what types of medications cause fatal reactions when used in combination with the antibiotic.

    Allergy Ointments

    • Allergy ointments are eye ointments that you may give to your dog when it is suffering from itchy, red eyes caused by allergies. The allergy ointments work to reduce swelling, mucus and irritation in the eyes. Allergy ointments commonly have steroids in the ingredients, which act as the active ingredients in reducing the allergy symptoms, such as swelling of the eyelids.

    Procedure

    • When administering eye ointment to your dog, don't let the tip of the ointment applicator come into direct contact with your dog's eyelid. Any contact that the tip of the applicator makes exposes it to the bacteria on your dog's eyes, which contaminates the ointment. To apply the ointment, gently hold your dog's eyelids open and squeeze a rice-size amount of ointment onto the bottom lid. Then close the eyelids and move them around slightly so the ointment rubs in well. It is important to clean the eye area first to rid it of any crust or mucus.

    Warnings

    • Do not give your dog human eye ointments. Dog eye ointments are made specially for canines and contain specific ingredients, and human ointments may not be compatible with your dog's anatomy. Giving your dog human ointments can result in eye swelling, irritation, redness or loss of vision.