Eye Infections and Eye Irritation in Dogs, Cats – Natural, Herbal Treatments, Remedies for Eye Infections and Eye Issues, Including Environmental Allergies

★ 10 min read

In this article:

1. Causes of a Eye Infections
   
2. Signs that Your Dog or Cat's Eye May Be Infected 
1. Typical Signs of an Eye Infection
2. Signs of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
3.  Contagiousness of Eye Infections
1. Important Precautions 
2. Pink Eye, Highly Contagious, Zooinotic 
3. Left Untreated or Improperly Treated
4. Avoid These Dietary and Personal Care Mistakes
4. Natural Treatments for Eye Infections
1. Saline Solution Recipe For Cleansing Eyes
2. Natural Eye Drops
1. Herbal Tea Eye Drop Recipes 
2. Natural Eye Drop Recipes  
5. Dietary Support for Eye Health 
6. Duration of Treatment
7. When To Get Your Dog or Cat to A Practitioner
   

1.0 Causes of Eye Infections

 A partial list:

• Allergies i.e. food allergies, environmental allergies.
• Bacteria.
• Debris - foreign object in the eye – e.g. particles of grass, dirt, etc.
• Dog puts his head out a vehicle window when the vehicle is in motion.
• Dry eye.
  
• Running through tall grasses – a small particle of grass seed may get into a dog or cat’s eye.
• Sand and dirt whipped up and airborne by a strong wind.
• Sticking his head into an animal burrow/hole, etc.
• Trauma to the eye.
• Toxins in the diet and health regimen.
• Viruses.
• Underlying health issues and conditions.
  

2.0 Signs that Your Dog or Cat's Eye May Be Infected  

2.1  Typical Signs of an Eye Infection

 

A partial list:

• Thick mucus-like discharge from the inner corner of the eye. Color of the discharge often has a slight green tinge.
• Inflammation, redness of the eye.
• Dog or cat may try to rub the eye frequently with a paw, or against the ground, furniture, etc.
• Squinting.
• Cloudiness of the eye.
• Inability to open the eye partially or completely.

 

2.2 Signs of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

 

Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is a little different than other types of eye infections. Symptoms of pink eye include:

• Severe itching of the entire eye area.
• Pronounced pink coloration of the dog's eye area.
• Your dog's eye may be severely bloodshot.
• Surrounding eye tissue including the eye-lid will be inflamed.
• Dogs with pink eye may use a paw to scratch and remove discharge from the eyes.
• Your dog may seek out dark places away from direct light and sun light.
• Tear ducts may have increased tear production.
• Increased discharge from the eyes, may collect around the eye area and make it difficult for your dog to blink or open eyes.

3.0 Contagiousness of Eye Infections

3.1 Important Precautions

Eye infections are very contagious. Take great care when touching and treating an infected eye:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching or treating the infected eye.
2. Don’t use the same cotton swab, cloth etc. on both eyes. Use a fresh cotton swab, cloth etc. for each eye.
3. Make sure the eye-dropper, ointment or medicine applicator does not touch the eye. If contact with the eye is made wash the tip before reusing or applying to the other eye

3.2 Pink-Eye, Highly Contagious and Zoonotic

Pink eye is zoonotic, it is transferable from dog to human.

The bacterial form of pink eye is the most common form of conjunctivitis.

The viral form of pink eye is an air borne virus, common in the winter when the air is damp and humid.

 
The third most common cause of pink eye is triggered by environmental allergies. This type of pink eye can cause irritation of the sinus and inflammation of the eye mucus membranes.

Human to dog when the infection is bacteria-based pink eye.

1. Dog to dog.
2. Insect to dog. 

 

3.3 Left Untreated or Improperly Treated 

 

Eye infections can rapidly worsen and become very serious if left untreated or improperly treated.

 

On the first day you may notice a little discharge. By the next day the infection can be fully developed - dogs and cats with a compromised immune system are most at risk.  

  

If you think your dog or cat has an eye infection take action ASAP. 

 

 

3.4 Avoid These Personal Care and Dietary Mistakes

 

These common items contribute to creating a compromised immune system. Avoid exposing your dog and cat to these items:

1. Antibiotics
2. Corticosterioids and other conventional medications.
   
3. Stress
4. Chemical-based insect and parasite preventatives, treatments.
5. Species inappropriate diet and related additives.
6. Chemical-based food preservatives, flavoring, colorants, and and other additives.
7. Grains and other starchy carbohydrates.
8. Exposure to environmental chemicals and toxins, including;
9. Chemical-based household cleaners – use pet friendly cleaners instead.
10. Herbicides and pesticides – its not an issue if your dog likes to casually munch on grass, but only if it has not been treated with herbicides and pesticides.
11. Road salt.
12. Vaccines. 
13. Etc.

4.0 Natural Treatments for Eye Infections

Cleanse your dog or cat’s eye right away, then use a natural eye drop...

4.1 Saline Solution Recipe for Cleansing Eyes

Recipe:

1. ½ cup warm water (distilled water if you have it on hand).
2. ½ tsp Himalayan pink salt or sea salt.
3. Stir.
4. The saline solution is ready for use. 

 Instructions for Use

1. Dip a clean cotton ball into the saline solution.
2. Use the cotton ball to gently cleanse around your cat or dog's eye.

 

4.2 Natural Eye Drops

 

These natural eye drops help resolve infection, reduce inflammation and nourish the eyes. Choose one of the eye drop recipes below...

4.2.1 Herbal Tea Eye Drop Recipes

 

.1 Chamomile Tea Eye Drops

 

Recipe

1. Boil distilled water.
2. Place 1 tsp of chamomile flowers into a tea diffuser or [one chamomile tea bag] into a cup. 
3. Pour the boiled water into the cup.
4. Allow the tea to steep and cool until it reaches room temperature.
5. Remove the chamomile flowers.  
6. The eye drops are ready for use. 

Instructions for Use 

1. Place 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears, or;
2. Place a cooled tea bag against the eye several times a day until the infection clears.  
3. Brew a new batch of the herbal eye drops daily, until no longer required for use.

Learn More About Chamomile

1. Go to this article. 

 

.2 Eyebright Tea Eye Drops

Recipe

1. Boil distilled water.
2. Place 1 tsp of cut and sifted eyebright into a tea diffuser [or one eyebright tea bag] into a cup. 
3. Pour the boiled water into the cup.
4. Allow the tea to steep and cool until it reaches room temperature.
5. Remove the eyebright infuser or tea bag.  
6. The eye drops are ready for use. 

Instructions for Use 

1. Place 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears, or;
2. Place a cooled tea bag against the eye several times a day until the infection clears.  
3. Brew a new batch of the herbal eye drops daily, until no longer required for use.

Learn More About Eyebright

1. Go to this article. 

.3 Green Tea Eye Drop Recipe 

use water decaffeinated green tea

 

Recipe

1. Boil distilled water.
2. Place 1 tsp of loose green tea into a tea diffuser [or one green tea bag] into a cup. 
3. Pour the boiled water into the cup.
4. Allow the tea to steep and cool until it reaches room temperature.
5. Remove the loose green tea infuser or tea bag.  
6. The eye drops are ready for use. 

Instructions for Use 

1. Place 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears, or;
2. Place a cooled tea bag against the eye several times a day until the infection clears.  
3. Brew a new batch of the herbal eye drops daily, until no longer required for use.

.4 Rooibos Tea Eye Drops

  

Recipe

1. Boil distilled water.
2. Place 1 tsp of loose rooibos into a tea diffuser [or one rooibos tea bag] into a cup. 
3. Pour the boiled water into the cup.
4. Allow the tea to steep and cool until it reaches room temperature.
5. Remove the rooibos infuser or tea bag.  
6. The eye drops are ready for use. 

Instructions for Use 

1. Place 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears, or;
2. Place a cooled tea bag against the eye several times a day until the infection clears.  
3. Brew a new batch of the herbal eye drops daily, until no longer required for use.

Learn More About Rooibos

1. Go to this article. 

 

.5 Calendula Plus Herbal Eye Drops 

 

 

Preparation

1. Boil 1 cup of distilled water. Place 1 tsp of loose (dry or fresh) calendula petals into a tea diffuser or one calendula tea bag into a cup.
2. Add at least one of the following herbs (1 tsp each or 1 tea bag each): 
3. Chamomile
4. Eyebright
5. Green tea (decaf)
6. Pour the boiled water over the tea, and allow to steep for 15 minutes.
7. Remove the tea bag, tea leaves or flowers, and allow the brewed tea to cool.
8. Add ½ tsp of Himalayan pink salt to the cooled brewed tea, stir to dissolve
9. The herbal tea eye drops are ready for use.

Instructions for Use

1. Place 2 to 3 drops in the affected eye(s), two to three times a day until the infection clears.
2. The tea can also be used to gently wipe and clean around the fur around your dog or cat's eye.
3. Brew a new batch of the herbal eye drops daily, until no longer required for use.

 
  

4.2.2 Natural Eye Drop Recipes

.1 Apple Cider Vinegar, Distilled Water Eye Drops

 

Recipe

combine:

• 2 tbs distilled water.
• 4 drops of organic unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar.
• Stir well.
• The drops are ready for use.

 Instructions for Use

1. Drop 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears.

Caution:

1.  Do not use this option if your cat or dog has pink-eye. 

Learn More About Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Go to this article. 

 

.2 Colloidal Silver Eye Drops

 

 

Instructions for Use

• Place 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears.

Learn About Colloidal Silver

• Health benefits and uses.
• How to select an appropriate product.

Go to this article.

 

 

.3 Fresh Lemon Juice, Distilled Water Eye Drops

 

Recipe

combine:

• 2 tbs distilled water.
• 4 drops of fresh squeezed lemon juice.
• Stir well.

 Instructions for Use

1. Drop 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears.

Caution:

1.  Do not use this option if your cat or dog has pink-eye.

 

.4 Raw Honey, Distilled Water

    For use with an infected eye and pink eye

 

Recipe

combine:

• 2 tbsp distilled water.
• 2 tbsp unpasteurized organic wild flower honey, or manuka honey.
• Stir well.

 Instructions for Use

1. Drop 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears. 

Learn More About Raw Honey

1. Go to this article.

 

 

.5 Oregon Grape Root, Distilled Water

For use with an infected eye or pink eye

 

Recipe

combine:

• 1 once distilled water.
• 4 drops of Oregon grape tincture.
• Stir well.

Instructions for Use

1. Drop 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears.

5.0 Dietary Support For Eye Health

Make sure your dog and cat's diet includes species appropriate eye health supporting food components.

The following foods help support eye health, speed recovery and immune system function. These items can be used daily to support good health and help avoid future infections. 

5.1 Boost Vitamin A Intake

 for dogs and cats, include appropriate Vitamin A rich foods in the diet.

 

 

Liver is a primary component of a species appropriate diet for dogs and cats. 

1. Liver should represent 5% of the animal protein intake.
2. If your dog or cat is on a balanced raw diet you already have this covered. 
3. If your dog or cat isn't on a balanced raw diet add liver to the diet.
4. You can gently cook liver in coconut oil or ghee, and add to meals.
   
5. Liver should not exceed 5% of your dog or cat's daily intake of animal protein. 
6. If your dog or cat has never had raw or cooked liver before start with a very small amount and slowly increase to the 5% daily quota.

Learn more in this article.

 

For dogs you can also include a small amount (e.g. 10% of the overall diet) of vitamin A rich plant materials in the diet, for example:

1. Butternut Squash
2. Cantaloupe
3. Carrots
4. Dark leafy greens (dandelion, spinach, kale)
5. Dark leafy lettuce (red leaf lettuce, radicchio, romaine, frizzy lettuce, etc.)
6. Parsley (dried or fresh)
7. Basil (dried or fresh)   
8. Papaya

5.2 Boost Antioxidant Intake

 for dogs, and cats

 

Allow your dog or cat to self-select the herbal tea she prefers.

 

Brewed, cooled:

1. Calendula tea
2. Eyebright tea
3. Green tea (decaffeinated only)
4. Rooibos tea 

 Daily Dosage Based on Body Weight:

 

1-10 lbs: 
1 tsp to 1/8 cup, 1 to 3 times per day
 

10-20 lbs: 

1/4 cup, 1-3 times per day
 

20-50 lbs: 

1/4 to 1 cup, 1- 3 times per day

 
50-100 lbs: 

1/2 to 1 cup, 1x to 3x per day
 

100+ lbs: 

up to 1 cup, 1x to 3x per day  

 

 

5.3 Boost Vitamin C Intake

 

for dogs, not for cats

Simple Options:

 

Add fresh lemon or other fresh citrus to your dog’s daily diet.

for instructions:

• Go to this article.
  

Add fresh papaya or berries to your dog or cat's daily diet.

for instructions:

• Go to this article. 

 
 

5.4 Boost Bioflavonoid Intake

 

for dogs, not for cats 

 

Veggie Options

a partial list: 

 

 

1. Brussels Sprouts 
2. Broccoli
3. Garlic 
4. Peppers (bell) - sweet colored peppers 

If your dog suffers from an inflammatory condition such as arthritis skip the peppers as the bell pepper plant is a nightshade family  plant. Nightshades can increase inflammation in the case of an existing inflammatory condition.
 

Fruit Options

a partial list:

• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Papaya
  
• Raspberries
• Mango
  
• Service berries 
• Tart red cherries

How to add the veggies and fruit to your dog's diet:

• Go to this article.

Veggie or fruit smoothie recipe for dogs:

• Go to this article.

Herbs

• Garlic   

  

5.5 Health Check On Your Dog and Cat's Daily Diet

Make sure your dog and cat is on a species appropriate raw or gently cooked diet, tailored to their individual situation.

 

Highly processed food diets (dry, canned, wet food diets) damage the immune system and organ health, resulting in high risk of infections and diseases.

Chronic infections CANNOT be resolved using topical treatment only, the underlying cause of the infection MUST be properly addressed.

 

6.0 Duration of Eye Infection Treatment

If you've tailored the treatment protocol appropriately to suit your dog or cat's situation, symptoms should start to show signs of improvement within 48 hours.

7.0 When To Have The Situation Addressed by a
      Holistic Wellness Practitioner

Your dog or cat's treatment needs to be tailored to suit her personal situation:

1. If the situation does not show signs of improvement within 24 to 48 hours, or worsens.
2. If the infection is a result of a trauma to the eye.

Holistic Diet, Nutrition, Wellness Services Tailored to Your Individual Dog and Cat

 

For information about my holistic diet, nutrition, wellness services visit my:

Holistic wellness services page.

 

Maintain good health | Address acute and chronic health issues | Pre and post surgery support and recovery

 

My holistic wellness services are available worldwide via video consultation.

🌎  USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

 

📱 FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

 

To set-up your holistic wellness consultation get in-touch via email:

Contact me.

 

Holistic Behavioral Services For Your Dog

 

For information about my holistic behavioral services visit my:

Holistic behavioral services page.
 

For dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds

 

My holistic behavioral services are available locally in-person and worldwide via video session.
 

🌎  USA | Canada | UK | Europe | Australia | New Zealand | Asia | South and Central America | Africa | UAE

 

📱 FaceTime | Facebook | Skype | WhatsApp

 

To set-up your holistic behavioral session get in-touch via email:

Contact me.

 

Affiliations to Companies
✓ None.
✓ I don't sell food or supplements.
✓ I'm not aligned with any companies.

Article and graphics by Karen Rosenfeld