As a dog parent, you may have noticed plenty of eye gunk and tear stains on your dog. Often a swipe with a clean and damp washcloth (never fingers or cotton balls) will do the trick for more stubborn stains and sometimes this also works for even eye irritation. However, there are several over-the-counter solutions that you can also use.
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Bausch and Lomb Advanced Eye Wash for Dogs
So, in this article, we will be discussing some of the best saline dog eye washes you can use to address your dog’s eye problems. A saline solution is often used to clean and soothe a dog’s eyes. These solutions are specifically created and used for mild dog eye problems. Saline solutions do not often require a prescription, however, they still must be used with caution.
This is why it’s always advisable to get a veterinarian’s permission before putting any saline solution in your dog’s eyes. An ordinary eye wash (Sterile Buffered Saline) works relatively well for cleaning a dog’s eye but it isn’t helpful for treating inflamed or sore eyes. Conditions like these should be immediately referred to the veterinarian.
Table of Contents
- What Are Saline Solutions?
- The Best Saline Eyewash Solutions for Dogs.
- How to Apply Saline Solution in your dog’s eyes.
- Warnings
- Conclusion
- Recommendation
What Are Saline Solutions?
Saline solutions are solutions composed mainly of sodium chloride (salt) and distilled water (they may contain other salt components in to increase their effectiveness).
Some are specifically made for dogs and are available at a veterinarian’s office, drugstore or online stores. However, most saline solutions will be suitable for your dog, and one of easiest to get is a saline solution for contact lenses, but it’s recommended to seek for the best and most positively reviewed ones on the market.
Also, you can make your own solution at home by dissolving 1 tsp. of salt in a pint of boiled or distilled water. Distilled water is always better because the chlorine in tap water may irritate your dog’s eyes.
When You Should Use Saline Solutions?
Saline solutions are used to treat a number of minor eye problems. For example, rinsing your dog’s eyes with saline solution can soothe itchiness and irritation of allergic reactions.
Also, flushing your dog’s eyes with saline solution can help get rid of loose foreign particles such as grass seeds, and debris.
Some dog owners find it effective to use a saline solution to prevent tear stains on their dogs. This is done by rinsing the dog’s eyes with the saline solution to flush away some of the tears before they discolor the area around its eyes.
The Best Saline Eyewash Solutions for Dogs
According to online reviews from dog owners, here are some of the best saline eye wash solutions for dogs;
Nutri-Vet Dog Dog Eye Rinse
Nutri-Vet dog eye rinse is a saline dog eye wash solution formulated with; purified water, sodium chloride, sodium borate, and boric (for extra soothing effect on your dog’s irritated eyes). Not only does the wash work against debris and irritations, but regular use can help eliminate tear stains.
It also helps to soothe itching, reduces redness or inflammation, and helps abate runny eyes. It is made in the USA by Nutri-Vet®.
This solution often comes packaged in a 4FL. OZ (118ml) bottle which costs between $4 – $10 across online stores.
Miracle Care Sterile Dog Eye Wash drops
Miracle Care sterile eye wash pads for dogs is a saline solution that contains; Water, Sodium Chloride, Boric Acid, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Borate, Edetate Disodium.
This Sterile Eye Wash Drops is preferred by grooming professionals because it is soothing and gentle. Miracle Care Sterile Eye Wash is produced in the USA by Gimborn Pet Specialities.
This eye wash is designed to clean and remove uncomfortable eye debris…and this non-stinging eye irrigation formula is safe to use in and around your dog’s eyes.
This product is also effective for preventing tear stains around your dog’s eyes. This solution is packaged in a 4FL. OZ (118ml) bottle, and costs between $5 – $10 across online stores.
Gimborn PetSpecialities also produces Miracle Care Sterile Dog Eye Wash pads which contains exactly the same ingredients…just in case you prefer eyewash pads for your canine friend.
Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Eyewash
This eyelash is a saline eyewash solution for dogs which contains; Hypochlorous acid (0.003%), Electrolyzed water (99.97%), sodium chloride, sodium hypochlorite (0.004%).
This non-stinging product is safe for flushing and cleaning wounds and irritations around your dog’s eyes…to relieve your dog of burning, stinging, itching sensations caused by pollutants and contaminants. This non-toxic formula is safe if licked or ingested by your dog. It doesn’t contain alcohol, steroids or antibiotics. This 3FL. OZ (89ml) product costs between $14 – $16 across online stores.
Burt’s Bees Dog Eye Wash Saline Solution For Dogs
This product is a saline solution made to mimic your dog’s own tears…in order to cleanse the eyes and flush out debris. It is made with high quality & all-natural ingredients and contains; water, sodium chloride, glycerine, benzalkonium chloride…this product is 100% Free from parabens, fragrances, sulphates, colorants, and harsh chemicals.
As a gentle natural eye cleanser it is safe, effective, and easy to use on dogs for eye pH balancing. This product is safe for cleaning your dog’s sensitive eyes without causing any form of irritation. It is made in the USA by Fetch for Pets.
A 4FL. OZ (118ml) bottle of this solution cost about $5 across online stores. However, there have been some reported cases of stinging…so it’s best to check with your veterinarian before use.
Bausch & Lomb advanced Eye wash Relief
This eyewash can be used on humans. Although it has been severally recommended and found to be very effective for our canine friends. It mainly contains purified water (99.05%), sodium chloride, sodium borate and boric acid (for extra soothing properties).
As a very effective eye wash, it also has the ability to clear off mild eye injuries while cleaning your pooch’s eyes. Although it is advisable not to use this product on your dog if there’s an open injury around its eyes as it may cause some stinging effects.
Just as the name implies, this easy-to-apply solution is made in the USA by Bausch & Lomb incorporated. It can be found in your local pet store or across online stores, packaged in a beautifully designed blue and white 4FL. OZ (118ml) plastic bottle.
This product can be gotten online, from your local grocery store or pharmacy…it costs between $4 – $17 across different online stores.
Frontline Pet Care Eye Cleaner
This is an effective & excellent saline eye cleaner, formulated with neutral cleansing formula specifically for the dog’s eyes and its surrounding areas. This clear saline solution mimics your dog’s natural tears to soften and remove dirt and debris from its eyes.
It also helps remove any stains around the eyes. It is easy to apply eye rinse cleaner for dogs and safe to use on puppies above 2 months old.
The components of this product are: Water, Sodium Chloride, Disodium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Benzalkonium Chloride. This 125ml solution is produced by Merial / Boehringer Ingelheim. It costs an average of $17 across online stores.
Gold Medal Pets Eye Cleaner for Dogs
This is a gentle saline formula for sensitive eyes. This sterile ophthalmic irrigating solution is a soothing eye cleansing solution that gently flushes away foreign matter and relieves your dog’s eye itching and irritation caused by dust, dried mucus, hair clippings, pollen, dirt, ragweed, other irritants.
You can easily use this on your dog after swimming to wash away chlorine. This solution is made in the USA by Gold Medal Pets.
It comes as a 4FL. OZ (118ml) bottle and contains; Water, Sodium Chloride, Boric Acid, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Borate, Disodium Edetate.
Tomlyn Opticlear Dog Eye Wash
Tomlyn Opticlear dog eye wash is a saline solution used to flush irritated eyes. This safe solution is pH-balanced and resembles tear fluid, so it’s less likely to sting.
The sterile dog eye wash can help soothe itchiness while also assisting in eliminating dog hair, dust, and other foreign matter from your dog’s eyes.
This is one of the only sterile eye washes on the market that is manufactured at a human grade facility. The ingredients contained in this solution are; Purified Water (98.5%), Benzalkonium Chloride, Edetate Disodium, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate Dibasic, Sodium Phosphate Monobasic. Sodium Hydroxide and/or Hydrochloric Acid may be used to adjust the pH. This product comes as a 4FL. OZ (118ml) and costs between $8 – $11 across online stores.
How to Apply Saline Solution in your dog’s eyes.
As many dogs are often nervous when someone tries to administer eye drops so it is important to remain calm when you want to use any eyewash solution for your pooch. First, wash your hands thoroughly, then shake the saline solution.
Sit down and put your dog between your legs with its back to you…then tilt your dog’s head back and hold its eyelid open. (Alternatively, you can make a pouch of your dog’s lower lid by slightly squeezing it together).
Now, place the eyedropper or bottle close to the outside of your dog’s eye and quickly squeeze the drops into the eye. Allow your dog to blink, this will help spread the solution over its eye(s).
You can also administer the saline solution several times throughout the day, since it is easily washed away by tears (check manufacturer’s instructions for this)
Warnings
Never use a saline solution if your dog’s eye is red or painful, as it can harm your dog if it has certain ocular diseases.
Also, don’t try to dislodge any item embedded in your dog’s eye with saline solution as a condition like this requires a veterinarian’s expertise.
Finally, take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible any time you notice an eye problem. Some seemingly harmless problems can hide serious problems, and cause a dog to lose its eye function within hours.
Conclusion
Eye infections are serious and require the immediate attention of a vet, so check in with your vet if your pooch has persistent eye issues.
When it comes to infection prevention, it’s best to have a regular dog grooming routine that includes cleaning and trimming hair, this impacts your pup’s eye health as well as their overall health.
Eye washes are a great addition to your at-home grooming kit, but you may want to have some treats handy, as drops and gentle cleansing around the eyes may take some time for your pooch to get used to.
Eye drops are specifically created and prescribed for canine eye problems, such as conjunctivitis, infections, glaucoma, inflammation and cataracts.
And saline solutions, which do not require a prescription, are usually used for mild eye conditions or cosmetic reasons.
In all, it’s important to keep your dog’s eye clean and moist to help quickly clear an infection.
Recommendations
Dogs are our best friends, and when your canine is feeling sick, you’ll likely do whatever it takes to help it feel better.
Just like humans, dogs commonly catch viruses. And viruses can manifest in runny noses, sneezing, coughing and watery eyes.
In the meantime, if a cold has traveled to the dog’s eyes, here are a few steps you can try to help your dog feel better.
Step 1
Clean the fur around the dog’s eye, soak a washcloth in warm water and then squeeze it out so it is damp instead of wet, then gently wipe the fur surrounding your dog’s eyes to remove any dried discharge.
Step 2
Lift the dog’s upper eyelid gently while tipping its head back. Apply a few drops of eye wash into the inner corner of the dog’s eye. Release the eyelid so the dog can blink to spread the eyewash over the entire eyes.
Step 3
Place a few drops of artificial tears into the dog’s eye if the discharge seems sticky. Sticky discharge indicates dry eyes, which makes your dog’s eyes more susceptible to viruses and dirt.
Step 4
Call your vet if the eye condition does not improve in two or three days. Your dog may need antibiotic drops If there’s a secondary infection or an antihistamine if the eye is being affected by allergies.
Remember, a healthy dog makes a happy home!