Dog Eye Redness and Swelling: Effective Medications for
When a dog's eyes become red and swollen, making it difficult for them to open them, it can be due to a variety of reasons, such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, allergies, viral infections, and more. It's crucial to identify the specific cause to determine the most effective treatment approach.
▷ Common Causes of Red, Swollen Eyes in Dogs That Won't Open
The most frequent causes of conjunctivitis in dogs include bacterial infections, viral infections, allergic reactions, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions.
Among these, bacterial infections are one of the most common causes of conjunctivitis in dogs. Common bacteria responsible for such infections are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. Viral infections also play a significant role, with adenovirus, canine distemper virus, canine cough, and canine adenovirus among the viruses that can trigger conjunctivitis.
Allergic reactions can also lead to conjunctivitis in dogs. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, disinfectants, and environmental factors, as well as food allergens like meat proteins, grains, and dairy products. Dogs that spend a lot of time in damp environments are more susceptible to conjunctivitis, as high humidity and temperature can foster the growth of bacteria, viruses, and parasites, compromising the dog's health. Additionally, breeds with more facial folds, like Pugs and French Bulldogs, are more prone to eye diseases due to the increased likelihood of trapped moisture and bacteria, leading to inflammation and redness.
▷ What Medication to Use for Red, Swollen Eyes in Dogs That Won't Open?
The choice of medication depends on the underlying cause.
Before administering any medication, it's advisable to take your dog to a veterinary clinic for a proper examination.
Bacterial Infection: For bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye drops such as Beramycin (neomycin sulfate eye drops) are typically prescribed. These should be used 3 to 5 times a day, with 1 to 2 drops per application. Beramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity, making it suitable for various eye infections, including conjunctivitis and keratitis.
Allergic Reaction: Since there are no petspecific antiallergic eye drops available, for allergic conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye drops are often used to alleviate the eye inflammation, accompanied by oral antihistamines to block the allergic response, such as Nuamin (chlorpheniramine maleate tablets).
Viral Infection: Treatment for viral conjunctivitis usually involves a multifaceted approach, as topical treatments alone are often ineffective. If your dog exhibits additional symptoms like coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, etc., in addition to the red, swollen eyes, it's important to seek veterinary care immediately for a thorough examination and treatment plan.
During treatment, it's recommended to fit your dog with an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from scratching their eyes and worsening the infection. Also, maintain a clean and hygienic environment to avoid the overgrowth of bacteria, molds, viruses, and mites, which can impact your dog's eye health.
If there is no improvement or the symptoms worsen after about a week of treatment, it's essential to take your dog back to the vet for further evaluation and treatment.
