Skip to content

10 Best Dog Eye Drops For Conjunctivitis

Written by Jay
BsC (Hons) Animal Behaviour & Welfare graduate with a passion for advocating for misunderstood animals.
Published on
Friday 12 November 2021
Last updated on
Monday 20 September 2021
conjunctivitis in dogs
This page may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Much like people, dogs can get conjunctivitis! In dogs, conjunctivitis is inflammation of the eyes. While some cases are viral or bacterial, others are linked to allergies and autoimmune diseases. Some of these are breed-associated, making it difficult to avoid for some unfortunate pups. At this point, you’re probably wondering – what are the best dog eye drops for conjunctivitis?

The best eye drops for dog conjunctivitis are easy to apply, recommended by vets, keep the eyes moist, and have antibacterial or antibiotic effects. Some eye drops are better for preventing conjunctivitis rather than treating it. So, what are the best eye drops? And what are the pros and cons of each?

What is Conjunctivitis in Dogs

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the outermost part of the eye, causing the eye to appear pink or red. This causes pain, burning, scratchiness, extra tears, and stickiness of the eye. These symptoms often cause dogs to squint or excessively blink. This can affect just one or both of the eyes. There are many things that cause conjunctivitis in dogs, and much like in people, the main causes are viral and bacterial.

For example, viral infections such as canine distemper may cause it. Similarly, immune-mediated disorders like pemphigus and plasma cell conjunctivitis can cause it. There are also some breed-associated conditions, like nodular episcleritis in Collies. Lastly, several eye disorders like ulcerative keratitis and glaucoma can lead to conjunctivitis in dogs.

10 Best Dog Eye Drops For Conjunctivitis

Before buying any dog eye drops for conjunctivitis, always talk to your vet first! Your vet will recommend which product is best for your pup, so don’t be wary of suggesting options for treatment. Using unsuitable eye drops may worsen your pup’s condition.

1. Vetericyn Plus All All Animal Ophthalmic Gel 

Vetericyn Plus All Animal Ophthalmic Gel provides safe and effective relief from the symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis. The manufacturer states that this gel works well for eye redness and itchiness, while also flushing away any dirt and debris in the eye. This product’s active ingredient is hypochlorous acid (0.010%), which is effective against a broad range of micro-organisms and is also non-toxic.

Most pet parents are raving about the effectiveness of this product! For some, this ointment effectively helps to soothe the itchiness and burning that came with their pup’s bacterial conjunctivitis. This product doesn’t go down a treat for all pups, though. Some dogs experience more burning, redness, and swelling once this gel is applied. The thickness of the gel can also make it difficult to apply.

2. Vetericyn Plus All Animal Eye Wash 

Vetericyn Antimicrobial Eye Wash is a product that complements Vetericyn Plus All Animal Ophthalmic Gel. The active ingredient in this product is hypochlorous acid (0.009%), and the inactive ingredients include electrolyzed water, sodium chloride, and phosphates. Its active ingredient is effective against an array of micro-organisms and is naturally made in the body. To use this wash, apply it twice daily before applying any prescription ointments or gels to the eye. This removes any dirt or debris from the eye.

One of the main benefits of this product is that vets recommend it! For most owners, this wash is highly effective at relieving redness, swelling, and itchiness of the eyes. However, not all pet parents are raving about this product. The main complaint is that it smells like bleach, making it offputting for owners who want the best for their furry friends. Some customers also receive expired products, so be aware of the expiration date on the packaging!

3. Burt’s Bees for Pets Natural Eye Wash with Saline Solution

Burt’s Bees For Dogs Eye Wash is made with some of nature’s best ingredients. With 99.9% natural ingredients, this product aims to mimic your dog’s tears to flush out debris. It is free from fragrances, sulfates, and colorants. Its only ingredients are water, glycerin, sodium chloride, and benzalkonium chloride. This product is best for dogs with dry eyes, as well as dogs living in dusty, windy areas. It’s worth noting that this product is unlikely to treat conjunctivitis in dogs – instead, it may act as a preventative. This is because foreign bodies and environmental pollutants can cause inflammatory conjunctivitis.

Most pet parents enjoy how simple yet effective these eye drops are. For dogs prone to dry eyes, or prone to getting particles in their eyes, this remedy is a sure way to provide instant relief. A small number of dogs experience pain and stinging when this eyewash is used.

4. I-DROP Vet Plus Lubricating Eye Drops 

I-Drop Vet PLUS is a blink-activated, viscoadaptive solution made with 0.25% hyaluron. This product is made specifically for dogs who don’t produce enough tears, a symptom of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). This solution is preservative-free and works to reduce irritation, swelling, and redness. And, because it hydrates longer, you won’t need to apply it as often as some other treatments.

While there are few Amazon reviews, there are plenty of credible reviews under Vet RX Direct. According to verified buyers, this product is recommended by vets for KCS. The vast majority of pet parents highly commend this product for relieving their pet’s dry eyes. The only negative comments about this product are its price, which appears to vary depending on the vendor.

5. Zoetis Animal Health Terramycin Antibiotic

Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment is a broad-spectrum antibacterial ointment for eye infections in dogs. The manufacturer states that this ointment is suitable for the treatment of conjunctivitis in dogs, as well as eye infections due to distemper. Terramycin is made with oxytetracycline hydrochloride, an antibiotic, and polymyxin B sulfate. These ingredients make the product highly effective.

This product is extremely effective for most dogs with bacterial conjunctivitis. Furthermore, for some, results are clear as quickly as two days after treatment. The rapid effects and ease of use make it a popular choice. The main concerns with this product, however, are to do with the quality of it. Some customers receive near-empty bottles with little ointment inside, while others find that the ointment contains black particles.

6. OptixCare Pet Eye Lube Plus 

OptixCare Eye Lube is a sterile eye lubricant made to support pups with dry, itchy eyes. Its main ingredients are hyaluron, sterile water, cetrimide, and sorbitol. Hyaluron is helpful for treating dry eyes due to its ability to absorb a lot of moisture, thus keeping the eyes wetter. It also adheres to the surface of the eye, meaning that it stays working for longer.

Even veterinary ophthalmologists recommend this product for managing dry eyes in dogs, especially those caused by ulcers, diabetes, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The main downside to the product is the difficulty of using it. Some customers report that the plastic tube makes it difficult to dose their dog with a reasonable amount of the eye lubricant.

7. Nutri-Vet Eye Rinse Liquid for Dogs

Nutri-Vet Eye Rinse helps to keep your pup’s eyes clear of irritants and debris. This sterile eyewash can provide relief from foreign bodies, dried mucus, and other irritants that can cause eye infections later on. As such, the product creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria in the eyes, helping to prevent bacterial conjunctivitis in dogs. It’s also made with boric acid, which is highly beneficial for fighting mild eye infections.

The main appeal of this product to pet parents is its ability to reduce tear stains, and for its ability to rinse dust and debris from the eyes. It’s easy to apply and, while perhaps not as effective as other products, it delivers on its promises. This leads us into the cons of the product – not all pet parents see results fast enough. They also occasionally find that the solution causes stinging and redness to their pup’s eyes.

8. Can-C Eye Drops for Animals and Humans 

No products found.

Can-C Eye Drops are made for both humans and dogs. Don’t let this put you off the product – it’s still effective for pups! Can-C is made with an antioxidant, N-Acetylcarnosine. This antioxidant combats the effects of oxidative stress in the eyes. To be specific, this antioxidant can stop the lens from becoming cloudy due to cataracts. While this product is not made for treating conjunctivitis, untreated conjunctivitis may lead to cataracts, which this product does help to manage.

The vast majority of pet parents who try this product are amazed by how quickly it works. For dogs with cataracts, these eye drops may do just the trick, reducing cloudiness over time. This leads us on to the downside – over time! For some customers, the weeks-to-months wait for results does not make it worth the money. And, similar to other eye drops, these drops may occasionally cause stinging in the eyes upon use.

9. MicrocynAH Ophthalmic Gel

MicrocynAH Ophthalmic Gel is made to relieve your pup’s burning, stinging, itching, and irritation of the eyes. This super-effective gel’s active ingredient is hypochlorous acid (0.007%), and its inactive ingredients include sodium hypochlorite and sodium chloride. Hypochlorous acid is effective at fighting micro-organisms and is non-toxic. Lastly, the product contains no alcohol, steroids, or antibiotics.

Pet parents love that they only need to use a small amount of this product to help their furry friends. It’s quick to apply, typically does not sting, and can help to ward off eye infections. Some customers, however, find that the product is not effective for their dogs, or worsens their eye condition.

10. Dr. Goodpet Eye-C All Natural Eye Drops

Dr. Goodpet Natural Vitamin Drops are a soothing blend of zinc and vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production, and collagen is very important for the eyes – so a healthy dose of vitamin C can support your pup’s eye health. Similarly, zinc helps to maintain the health of the retina and the protein structure of the eyes. Zinc is also a component in melanin production, which protects the eyes.

Many owners use these natural eye drops alongside other treatments. One of the most popular combinations is Terramycin and these vitamin drops. However, when used alone, these drops may help with dry or weeping eyes. Some owners see no improvement with these drops, and others find that they burn their pup’s eyes.

dog severe conjunctivitis
It’s important to seek professional veterinary help to treat conjunctivitis properly and efficiently.

Dog Conjunctivitis Eye Drop – FAQs

Have any more questions about the best dog eye drops for conjunctivitis? Feel free to check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more details. If at all in doubt about your dog’s eye health, always talk to your vet!

Can I use human eye drops on my dog? 

Medicines for humans, including eye drops, are generally not safe for dogs. You should never treat your pup with human medicines without talking to your vet first. Using the wrong eye drops may cause a lot of pain and damage, potentially leading to blindness.

Does a dog’s eye infection go away on its own? 

Conjunctivitis in dogs does not go away on its own. Without treatment, conjunctivitis leads to permanent eye damage. This includes cataracts and total blindness. As well as this, conjunctivitis is painful and uncomfortable for your pup, so leaving it untreated is not good ownership.

Is a sign of conjunctivitis an emergency? 

If your dog shows signs of conjunctivitis, always go to your vet. Without early treatment, eye infections can quickly lead to vision loss and total blindness. This applies even if your dog’s symptoms are mild, as their symptoms can very rapid progress.

What does an eye infection look like? 

The symptoms of eye infections in dogs include weeping eyes, yellow, green, or white discharge, squinting, swelling, and redness. Your dog may also paw at or scratch their eyes to try to get relief.

What are the different types of dog conjunctivitis?

There are two main types of conjunctivitis in dogs. The first is infectious conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Pink eye in dogs is the result of a viral or bacterial infection, and is less common than the other type. The second type is non-infectious conjunctivitis, which has a number of causes.

Always speak to your vet before trying any eye drops for conjunctivitis for your dog. Dog conjunctivitis has many causes, so it’s important to get to the bottom of why your dog’s symptoms are developing first!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *