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

eye infections in dogs and cats, natural treatments and remedies
★ 8 min read
In this article:
  1. Causes of a Eye Infections
  2. Signs that Your Dog or Cat's Eye May Be Infected
  3. Signs of Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
  4. Treatment and Remedy for Eye Infections
    1. Natural Topical Treatments
    1. Dietary Support for Eye Health
  5. Duration of Treatment
  6. 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  

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.

3.0 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.

4.0 Contagiousness of Eye Infections

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

Pink-Eye is 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.

Eye Infections Worsen Quickly

If you think your dog or cat has an eye infection take action ASAP. Eye infections can advance very quickly. On the first day you may notice a little discharge. By the next day the infection can be fully developed. Especially if your dog or cat’s immune system is suppressed. Typical substances that can contribute to a suppressed immune system include:
  1. Antibiotics
  2. Corticosterioids and other conventional medications.
  3. Inoculations
  4. Stress
  5. Chemical-based insect and parasite preventatives, treatments.
  6. Species inappropriate diet and related additives.
  7. Chemical-based food preservatives, colorants, etc.
  8. Grains – especially corn and soy.
  9. Exposure to environmental chemicals and toxins, including;
  10. Chemical-based household cleaners – use pet friendly cleaners instead.
  11. Herbicides and pesticides – grass is good for dogs to eat, but only if it has not been treated with herbicides and pesticides.
  12. Road salt.
  13. Etc.

6.0 Treatment and Remedy for Eye Infections

6.1 Step One Natural Topical Treatments

Clean Your Dog or Cat’s Eye Right Away

Saline Solution for Cleansing Eyes
Combine:
½ cup warm water (distilled water if you have it on hand).
½ tsp salt.
Stir.
Apply some of the solution to a cotton ball.
Use the cotton ball to wipe your dog or cat’s eye.
 
Then use one of these treatments...
 
Natural Treatments
Fight Infection, Reduce Inflammation and Nourish Eyes
  1. Choose one of the treatments below.
  2. For use if the infection is not severe. 
  3. These treatments are to be Applied 2 to 3 times per day.
Herbal Tea Treatments

Chamomile Tea
  1. Brew the tea and allow to cool so that the liquid is just slightly warm.
  2. Use the liquid, drop 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears, or;
  3. Place a cooled tea bag against the eye several times a day until the infection clears.
Eyebright Tea
  • Brew the tea and allow to cool so that the liquid is just slightly warm.
  • Use the liquid, drop 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears, or;
  • Place a cooled tea bad against the eye several times a day until the infection clears.
  • More on using eyebright, go to this article.
Green Tea  
use water decaffeinated green tea
  • Brew the tea and allow to cool so that the liquid is just slightly warm.
  • Use the liquid from the green tea, drop 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears, or;
  • Place a cooled tea bad against the eye several times a day until the infection clears.
Rooibos Tea 
  • Brew the tea and allow to cool so that the liquid is just slightly warm.
  • Use the liquid from the rooibos tea - drop 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears, or;
  • Place a cooled tea bad against the eye several times a day until the infection clears.
Nutraceutical Treatments
Distilled Water, Apple Cider Vinegar
Not for use with pink-eye
Combine:
2 tbs distilled water .
4 drops of organic unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar.
Stir well.
Drop 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears.
 
Distilled Water, Fresh Lemon Juice 
Not for use with pink-eye
Combine:
2 tbs distilled water.
4 drops of fresh squeezed lemon juice.
Stir well.
Drop 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears.
 
Distilled Water, Raw Honey
For use with an infected eye and pink eye
Combine:
2 tbs distilled water with
2 tbs unpasteurized organic honey
Stir well
Drop 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears
 
Distilled Water, Oregon Grape Tincture 
For use with an infected eye or pink eye
Combine:
1 once distilled water.
4 drops of Oregon grape tincture.
Stir well.
Drop 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears.
Extra Strength Treatments
  1. For use if the infection is more severe or tenacious.  
  2. These treatments are to be applied 2 to 3 times per day.

Colloidal Silver Water 
To Use:
  • Place 2 to 3 drops in the eye two to three times a day until the infection clears.
Learn about the health benefits of  and how to select a colloidal silver product:
Extra Strength Herbal Tea Eye Drops
Preparation
Boil 1/2 cup of distilled water. 
Select one or several of the following dry teas: 
  1. Calendula
  2. Camomile
  3. Eyebright
  4. Green tea (decaf)
Place 1/2 tsp of the dry tea in a clean cup.
Pour the boiled water over the tea, and allow to steep for 10 minutes.
Remove the tea bag, tea leaves or flowers, and allow the brewed tea to cool.

Add ½ tsp of Himalayan pink salt to the cooled brewed tea, stir to dissolve
The herbal tea drop liquid is ready for use


To 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.

 6.2 Step Two Dietary Support For Eye Health

While topically treating your dog or cat's eye infection, you can also add food and supplements to the daily diet to support healing.

Add Foods To Your Dog or Cat's Diet to Support Eye-Health and Speed Recovery from Infections

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


Boost Vitamin Intake
Included food that is rich in Vitamin A.
 
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 olive oil, 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.
Dogs:
  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

Boost Antioxidant Intake
 
Allow your dog 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  
 
Boost Vitamin C Intake
Simple Options:
 
Add fresh lemon to your dog’s daily diet.
For instructions:
Add fresh papaya to your dog or cat's daily diet.
For instructions:

Boost Bioflavonoid Intake
 
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:

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

Veggie or fruit smoothie recipe for dogs:

Herbs

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.

8.0 Daily Diet Matters

Make sure your dog and cat is on a species appropriate raw or gently cooked diet, tailored to their individual situation.
 
A dry food diet damages the immune system and organ health.

 Chronic infections CANNOT be resolved using topical treatment only - the root cause of the infection MUST be addressed.

Holistic Diet, Nutrition, Wellness Services Tailored to Your Individual Dog and Cat
 
For information about my holistic diet, nutrition, wellness services visit my:
 
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:
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


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