Red Eyes in Dogs: Effective Medication Options
Causes and Medications for Red Eyes in Dogs:
It is generally advised to take your dog to a veterinary clinic promptly if you notice redness in their eyes, to prevent the condition from worsening and potentially causing longterm vision damage to your pet.
1) Dry Eye Syndrome
The primary symptom of dry eye syndrome in dogs is insufficient tear production, leading to dry, inflamed corneas and conjunctivae. Breeds such as the Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, and Bulldog are more prone to dry eye syndrome compared to others.
Treatment and Medications: Dry eye syndrome in dogs can usually be treated with medication or surgery. Medications often include immunosuppressive drugs, antiinflammatory agents, and tear production stimulants. In surgical treatments, the parotid duct is sometimes transplanted to the eye area to substitute for the tear function.
2) Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial infections, foreign bodies, parasites, and viral infections. It leads to red, inflamed conjunctivae, and often involves eye discharge, except for allergic conjunctivitis.
Medication: Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibacterial eye drops, such as neomycin sulfate drops, and ointments containing tetracycline or tylosin. For viral conjunctivitis, eye ointments containing acyclovir are recommended.
3) Conjunctival Hemorrhage
Conjunctival hemorrhage typically results from a blow to the head in dogs, or may be due to clotting disorders or other unknown reasons. It presents with red, congested conjunctivae, which is more severe than in conjunctivitis.
Immediate veterinary care is necessary to identify the bleeding point and assess the situation before determining the appropriate treatment plan.
4) Corneal Trauma
When a dog's cornea is chronically irritated by eyelashes or other chronic injuries, there may be vascularization around the cornea or near the wound, leading to red, inflamed conjunctivae.
5) Glaucoma
Redness in the eyes of older dogs may be attributed to glaucoma. Glaucoma in dogs can cause red blood vessels in the eyes, along with gray or blue conjunctivae, eye pain, swelling, and bulging of the eye.
Some breeds, like the Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, and Tibetan Mastiff, have a higher risk of hereditary primary glaucoma. In most cases, glaucoma is a secondary condition caused by other eye diseases.
Glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness in dogs and is difficult to treat. It is not a condition that can be cured with overthecounter eye drops alone. If your dog shows signs of glaucoma, please take them to a veterinarian immediately.
Important Note: Dogs with eye diseases should never be treated with human eye drops without a proper diagnosis. The eye area is extremely sensitive and delicate, and using the wrong medication can lead to severe side effects.
