Conjunctivitis in dogs is a common eye disease. It can be the result of a bacterial infection.
are needed then antibiotic eye drops for dogs. The guide below explains how they work.
We also highlight the possible risks and show you alternatives to antibiotic eye drops.
Antibiotic eye drops for dogs: what is it and what is it used for?
Antibiotic eye drops for dogs are Eye drops containing an antibiotic. They are administered for bacterial eye infections and eye diseases in dogs.
This is often a case of conjunctivitis or conjunctivitis in dogs.
An antibiotic that is then used is gentamicin. The following antibiotics are also often included in antibiotic eye drops:
- fusidic acid
- Polymyxin B
- gramicidin
- neomycin
- bacitracin
Antibiotic eye drops often contain a short-acting cortisone, which is usually dexamethasone.
Cortisone is considered risky. In eye drops, however, they do not pose a long-term health risk.
The correct use and dosage of antibiotic eye drops in dogs
The right dosage of antibiotic eye drops for your dog depends on the antibiotic contained. It is reflected in the number of drops to be administered.
The antibiotics mentioned are contained in drops or ointments in these quantities:
- Fusidic acid: 10mg/g
- Polymycin B: 0.5 to 1 mg or ml
- Gentamicin: 5 mg/ml
- Gramicidin: k. A
- Neomycin: 0.05 mg
- Bacitracin: k. A
Important
Proper dosage and antibiotic eye drops are used only on veterinarian advice. Treatments on your own are not allowed to take place.
Antibiotic eye drops are used as follows:
You put the drops under the dog’s lower eyelid. This works best if you tilt the dog’s head back and up slightly.
Hold the inflamed eye open with one hand. With the other you administer the antibiotic eye drops.
This is no easy task. That’s why we recommend you get a second pair of hands.
How quickly do antibiotic eye drops work in dogs and how long are they used?
Antibiotic eye drops show in the dog after one to 2 hours a first effect.
The application period can be up to 2 weeks. The dog is initially treated twice a day with the antibiotic eye drops.
After 7 to 10 days, the antibiotic eye drops are only administered once a day. Then the administration takes place every 2 days.
Good to know
Antibiotic eye drops do not require probiotic therapy. They are absorbed and utilized differently than antibiotics in tablet form.
What side effects can antibiotic eye drops cause in dogs?
Side effects that can be triggered by antibiotic eye drops are Eye irritation and redness.
In some cases, bilateral eyelid spasms (blepharospasm) may occur. Even conjunctivitis can be one of the side effects.
Irritation, redness and eyelid spasms quickly subside on their own. Conjunctivitis, on the other hand, must be examined by a veterinarian.
It may have been triggered by a fungal infestation. Then so-called antimyotics are necessary.
When should I not use antibiotic eye drops on my dog?
An exclusion criterion for the use of antibiotic eye drops is always intolerance.
Injuries and diseases of the cornea can also rule out an application.
In addition, the pathogen can speak against the use of antibiotic eye drops.
They are only given if there is a bacterial infection. They are not effective against fungal and viral infections.
Where can you buy antibiotic eye drops for dogs?
Antibiotic eye drops you can get from your veterinarian. Animal pharmacies also carry antibiotic eye drops for dogs.
Due to the antibiotic they contain, such eye drops require a prescription.
If you are allowed to use antibiotic eye drops from human medicine, then you should not disclose the actual purpose.
Because pharmacies have not been allowed to sell human medicine for veterinary purposes to private individuals for several years.
What alternatives are there to antibiotic eye drops for dogs?
If there is no bacterial infection, then Eye drops with saline solution and hyaluronic acid are an alternative represent.
They are sufficient for eye irritation and redness. They can also provide relief for dry eyes.
Ultimately, it is more a question of cleansing drops than a drug.
Alternatives can also be eye ointments and gels. Here you have the choice between antibiotic-free and antibiotic eye ointments/gels.
There are also homeopathic eye drops for dogs. For example, Euphrasia (eyebright) may be included.
Euphrasia is also available as globules of potency 6X. Another homeopathic alternative is Apis. It can also be administered as drops or as globules.
If you are looking for a home remedy for an eye infection, the following alternatives can help:
- Compresses with aloe vera
- Bepanthen eye ointment
- Camomile tea
It is also important that you regularly check and clean your dog’s eyes. This is how you quickly recognize foreign objects. You might be able to prevent it from getting infected.
Our guide to conjunctivitis in dogs tells you more home remedies: 8 home remedies that help.
Your veterinarian will tell you which alternative makes sense for your dog. An examination should be carried out by him before the application.
This is the only way you can be sure that your dog is on the safe side with an antibiotic-free alternative.
Has your dog been given antibiotic eye drops yet? Has he had good or bad experiences? We are happy to read these experiences in the comments.