Sometimes even the healthiest of dogs will come down with an eye infection. An eye can look fine one day, and then red, watery and full of discharge the next. Learn how to relieve your dog's discomfort by treating and curing an eye infection.
Things You'll Need
- Warm rag
- Saline solution or dog eye wash
- Cotton Balls
- Vet prescription, if necessary
Instructions
Determine if the Eye is Infected
An infected eye will often be red, watery and have a considerable amount of discharge in or around it. The area may also be swollen. You may notice that your dog is pawing around the eye.
Flush the Dog's Eye
Sometimes what may look like an infection is actually a simple irritation and further treatment is not necessary. Using saline solution or a commercial dog eye wash, flush the eye several times over the course of 24 hours. Gently wipe away the excess fluid and any gook or discharge from the eye with a cotton ball.
Consult the Vet
If the condition of the dog's eye does not improve within 24-48 hours after continual flushing, consult your vet. The vet will administer medicated eye drops to treat common dog eye infections such as dog conjunctivitis (pink eye). Antibiotics may also be prescribed.
Apply a Compress
Throughout the eye infection treatment, apply a warm rag around the eye to help soothe your pet. If both eyes are infected, be sure to not transfer a dirty rag from one eye to the other.