If the fur nose rubs its eyes continuously, blinks, and is sensitive to light, it is likely that it has conjunctivitis. Not only is this uncomfortable, but in the worst-case scenario, it can also result in blindness. Anyone wondering whether conjunctivitis in dogs can be treated with home remedies has come to the right place with this guide. We explain what can help four-legged friends with conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis in dogs
- Conjunctivitis can have different causes and is one of the most common eye diseases.
- In medical jargon, conjunctivitis is called “conjunctivitis”.
- Inflamed conjunctiva is always associated with itching and burning.
- There are several home remedies that can help with conjunctivitis.
Are there any helpful home remedies for conjunctivitis in dogs?
Basically, the treatment of eye inflammation in four-legged friends depends on the triggering cause. Naturally, doctors proceed differently with a foreign body in the eye than with irritation from harmful substances. It is therefore important to first determine why your four-legged friend has inflamed eyes. Then, of course, the search for a treatment option is easier. In the worst case, surgery may be necessary, for example with the foreign body mentioned above in the eye. As a rule, most conjunctivitis can be treated well and is cured after a few days.
There are also certain home remedies for conjunctivitis in dogs. It is not uncommon for us bipeds to treat conjunctivitis with a home remedy called the eyebright complex. Four-legged friends can also get this remedy. If the dog’s conjunctivitis is permanent, consult your veterinarian. If the infection is more serious, the therapy can take several weeks. The question “Is conjunctivitis always contagious?” Must also be answered depending on the cause. If the inflammation was caused by bacteria or viruses, it is almost always contagious. Foreign bodies or drafts are triggers that trigger a non-contagious disease of the eye area.
What are the first symptoms of conjunctivitis?
- The inflammation can occur in one or both eyes of the dog.
- A clear sign of swelling and redness of the conjunctiva.
- Tears and discharge are also the first signs if your four-legged friend has an eye infection.
- If the little darling is increasingly rubbing, scratching, or blinking his eyes, this is also an indication. As a rule, the affected eye will then already itch and burn severely.
- There is no doubt about conjunctivitis if the four-legged friend is suddenly sensitive to light and has swollen conjunctiva.
Home remedies: what to do with conjunctivitis
In addition to one or the other home remedy that helps with conjunctivitis in dogs, the rest is the alpha and omega. It is best to let your darling relax and sleep for a few days. Avoid effort and excitement. A cozy place to sleep without drafts or other disturbances is an ideal opportunity to recover. You can find out about a few home remedies below:
- A good first-aid measure is, for example, washing your eyes. This works best with boiled, lukewarm water. A cloth that does not fluff and is completely clean is also necessary.
- To cool the eyes, for example, an all-rounder such as the aloe vera plant is recommended. Compresses with aloe vera gel have a pleasantly cooling effect on the swollen conjunctiva.
- Organic lavender is ideal for processing into a soothing eyewash. However, you should refrain from using oils made from lavender with chemical additives. These are unsuitable.
- Honey is antibacterial and antibiotic. This can be used to make a rinse for the eyes, and a direct application to the eye is pleasantly healing.
- Bepanthen eye ointment helps dogs with conjunctivitis. In general, this ointment is a good choice for the home dog pharmacy, as it can be used in many ways. It is a classic wound and healing ointment.
- Traumeel also helps with conjunctivitis in dogs. The remedy is available as an ointment and in tablet form. It has a calming and strengthening effect.
Please never treat conjunctivitis in dogs with a home remedy such as chamomile tea.
Even if chamomile has long been considered a panacea, it is not to be used in this situation. Anyone who wants to relieve inflammation of the dog’s eye with chamomile tea will only make it worse.
Preventing conjunctivitis in dogs
To prevent conjunctivitis, it is important to carefully care for the eyes of your four-legged friends. Particular care should be taken with pets prone to this condition.
- Regular eye cleaning is a must for all dog owners.
- Removing discharge around the eyes directly prevents inflammation from developing.
- It is essential to protect your dog from drafts and eyes that are too dry. This is an especially common cause of conjunctivitis.
- Caution is also advised with tall grasses. These can land painfully in the dog’s eye while romping and cause inflammation there.
Note: In any case, a veterinarian should always be consulted for an exact diagnosis. He knows advice and treats the little darling so that he is fit again quickly. Conjunctivitis that is not properly treated can become chronic.
