Allergy Eye Drops for Dogs: How to Treat Itchy, Watery Eyes

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As anyone with allergies can tell you, pollen and other allergens often make your eyes itchy and watery. Some dogs also have allergies and can have the same symptoms.

If your dog paws at their itchy eyes, you may be tempted to treat them at home with one of the many over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops made for people. But that may not be a good idea. Not all OTC eye drops are safe for dogs, and there are usually better options that are made specifically for our pets. You'll want to work with your veterinarian to find the best remedy.

When should you get allergy eye drops for your dog?

Look into getting allergy eye drops for your dog when they show symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. Symptoms include eyes that are:

• Itchy

• Tearing

• Red

• Swollen

• Watery

These symptoms occur when the membrane covering the eyeball, known as the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. If you notice these signs, book an appointment with your vet to discuss allergy eye drops.

Dogs searching for relief often scratch at their eyes or rub their faces on furniture - behavior that can cause ulcers or scratches to form on their corneas. Eye drops can prevent these injuries by relieving the itch.

What are the best allergy eye drops for dogs?

The best eye drops for your dog aren't necessarily the most popular option. Your veterinarian can help you decide which eye drops will work best to treat your dog's allergy symptoms.

Eye allergies can be treated with drops containing antihistamines, which help minimize inflammation. Choices include:

• Antazoline

• Pheniramine

• Cetirizine

Other eye drops work as both antihistamines and stabilizers of mast cells, which are immune cells that can make allergic responses worse for dogs. Veterinarians often choose these drops as the first line of treatment because they can be more effective than antihistamines alone.

Some options include:

• Olopatadine

• Ketotifen

• Epinastine

• Alcaftadine

• Azelastine

• Bepotastine

For severe allergy flare-ups, your veterinarian might also prescribe anti-inflammatory drops or ointments that contain steroids, including:

• Dexamethasone

• Hydrocortisone

• Prednisolone

How do you administer dog eye drops?

The keys to administering eye drops to dogs are keeping them calm and preventing them from wiggling. Here are some helpful step-by-step tips.

1. If you have a small or medium-sized dog, place them on an elevated surface like a table to help keep them still.

2. Start by using warm water and a washcloth to clean debris from your dog's eyes before using the drops. This may also help to soothe your pup's nerves.

3. Hold the eye drop tube in one hand. Place that same hand on your dog's skull, just above the eyes. Use your other hand to hold your dog's head close to your body.

4. Use the hand with the tube to lift your dog's upper eyelid. Use the other hand to pull down the lower eyelid, creating a pouch for the drop.

5. Place a drop into this pouch. Be careful not to touch the tip of the dropper to the dog's eye or skin, which can contaminate the medication.

6. Let your dog go and allow them to blink. That will help spread the medication across their eye.

Don't forget to praise your dog and reward them with their favorite treat or toy. This will create a positive association with the eye drops and make it easier for you to administer the medication next time.

How long does it take eye drops to work for dogs?

Most eye drops will relieve your dog's symptoms in 2 hours or less. If you don't see rapid results, consult your vet for next steps.

Can dogs use human eye drops for allergies?

You shouldn't give human eye drops to your dog because they are unlikely to help. Plus, many human OTC eye drops contain tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, a chemical that narrows the blood vessels of the eye. This can harm your dog.

Your vet will do a complete examination of your dog so they can determine the cause of their symptoms. This will allow your vet to recommend the best remedy. They will customize a treatment that's safe and most likely to provide relief.

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