Pus and a red, swollen eye are the first signs that your dog has an eye infection. These can either affect one or both eyes and, in the case of conditions like conjunctivitis, may be contagious. Eye infections can be caused by foreign bodies becoming lodged in the eye, by bacteria or by allergies. If you think your dog has an eye infection, it's important to treat it quickly, otherwise it could permanently affect its eyesight.
Instructions
Seek advice from a vet. The infection might need to be treated with ointment, eye drops, antibiotics or a combination of these. Your vet will determine the cause of the infection and prescribe the appropriate treatment for your pet.
Administer the eye drops or ointment as advised by your vet. As eye drops are more watery solutions than ointment, they usually need to be applied every couple of hours, while ointment is applied two or three times a day. It is important to complete the treatment course, even if its symptoms clear early, as otherwise there is a chance the infection could recur.
Ensure your dog takes any medicine on time and completes the prescribed course. As well as antibiotics, your vet might prescribe drugs like hydrocortisones, which contain anti-inflammatories for allergic reactions.
Clear pus, crust and discharge from your dog's eye using a damp cotton wool bud. You can either use water to moisten the bud, or purchase an over-the-counter saline eyewash solution.
Boost your dog's immune system by making sure it has enough food and water, and comes under minimal stress. Echinacea, vitamin A and vitamin C supplements are all useful for strengthening your dog's natural defenses and helping it fight any infections.