Any discomfort to our pets can set us off even if it’s an itchy eye! Here is a list of easy and doable dog itchy eyes home remedy to cure the condition.
Symptoms and Causes
Sometimes, you may notice that your pet dog’s eyes are red, watery, and itchy. It might paw at eyes or rub its face along surfaces such as furniture or the floor to relieve the itch. The most common cause of itchy eyes is allergies. Allergens can be foodborne (gluten allergy), airborne (like pollen), flea bites, mold, mildew, dust mites, cigarette smoke, shampoos, and detergents. Particles from the environment or from chemicals that are either ingested or inhaled can cause allergic reactions too.
Eye infections caused by an irritant in the eye, an injury, an ulcer, bacteria, fungus, or ingrown hair can also cause itchiness and redness.
Canine conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane of the eye called the conjunctiva. It causes redness and watery eyes. It can lead to blindness if untreated. Inflammation can also be due to glaucoma or increased pressure within the eye.
Another cause can be a condition called Entropion, where the dog’s eyelid rolls inward, and the hair on it irritates the eye. Left untreated, it can result in corneal scarring.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eyes due to inadequate tear production or blocked tear ducts is a medical condition that can cause itchy eyes.
There are several home remedies to treat the condition. But it is always better to consult your vet to rule out serious medical conditions that could be causing your pet’s eye symptoms. Your vet will do a physical examination followed if necessary by tissue sample testing. They could also refer your pet to a vet ophthalmologist for examination with specialized equipment.
Dog Itchy Eyes Home Remedy
Make a saline solution using 1/4 cup warm water and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Dip a gauze pad or clean cloth in the solution and wipe your dog’s eyes from the inside corner to the outside. You can also use natural saline eye drops to flush the pet’s eyes every 4 hours. If there is no improvement after two days, take your dog to the vet.
You can use mildly antibacterial chamomile tea to rinse your dog’s eyes. Benadryl syrup available over the counter is an antihistamine to stop allergy. The recommended dosage is 1mg per 1 pound weight. With the direction of a vet, you may use short term steroid drops to treat intractable cases of itchy eyes. However, you must use it with caution and strictly as per your vet’s advice.
Feed your dog fresh and varied food like carotene-rich carrots, sardines rich in omega fatty acids to keep the eyes healthy. To rule out a food allergy, try switching the diet gradually to a grain-free single protein diet to see if it heals the eye problem.
Euphrasia Officinalis 30C is a safe homeopathic medicine to use for treating your dog’s eyes. Give 1-2 pellets twice or thrice a day. Apply a cold compress on the eyes to reduce swelling and provide relief from soreness.
Medical Treatment
Visit your vet if your dog’s itchy eyes are preceded or accompanied by fever or illness. Other serious symptoms include:
- pawing or rubbing the eye
- crying
- trying to keep the eye shut
- inflammation
- irritation
- trauma
- crusty eyes
- uneven pupils
- cloudiness
- changes in eye color or squinting.
Your vet might prescribe eye rinses to clear out your pet’s eyes and reduce itching. And if the vet diagnoses an infection, they might prescribe topical or oral antibiotics. Allergy testing, switching over to a hydrolyzed protein diet, and surgery if a tumor or obstruction is the cause, are the other treatments the vet may advise. Your dog may have to wear an Elizabethan or e-collar to prevent him/her from rubbing and scratching and injuring the eyes further.
Prevention:-
- Do not use medicines and shampoos that are for humans on your dog.
- Clean your dog’s bedding weekly to prevent pet dander and other allergens. Use mild detergents without perfumes or dyes for washing your dog’s bedding, and use hypoallergenic shampoos for the bath.
- Protect your dog’s eyes by putting goggles on his/her eyes when you take them for a drive to prevent irritants from entering the eyes.
- Use an air purifier in your house to reduce airborne allergens. Remove carpets that may trap allergens like dust mites and pollen. Regularly groom your dog and especially the fur around the eyes.