An eyewash for dogs can serve multiple purposes. You might want to rinse the gook out of the corners of your dog's eyes, or you can also use a dog eyewash to help with allergies, relieving dry eyes, or removing an irritant from the eye. A dog eyewash can be created using ingredients that you may likely already have on hand in your home.
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Chamomile tea as a dog eyewash solution
Chamomile tea provides a soothing base for a dog eyewash solution whether your dog has a bacterial infection, has allergies, or has an eye irritant from being outside. Place a tea bag in a cup and pour boiling water into it. Let the concoction steep until it cools. Put two to three drops in each of your dog's eyes using an eyedropper. Then, use a cotton ball or a cotton swab dipped in the tea to clean around her eyes. Do this two or three times daily.
Lemon juice homemade eye drops for dogs
If you've ever accidentally squirted lemon juice in your eye, you know it hurts! That might make you not think of lemon juice as a dog eyewash solution. However, the juice contains beneficial anti-microbial and anti-oxidant qualities. Only use lemon juice if you are sure that your dog has an eye infection. It should not be used for pink eye (conjunctivitis). You can identify an eye infection by a green or yellow discharge.
Lemon juice eyewash is easy to make. Use four to five drops in 2 tablespoons of distilled water or previously boiled and cooled water. Use two to three drops in each of your dog's eyes two or three times a day. You can also wet a cotton ball and wipe it under your white dog's eyes to help eliminate tear stains.
Saline dog eyewash
Rinse your dog's eyes using a homemade eye rinse. A soothing and cleansing rinse can be made from herbal tea and non-iodized salt. Prepare chamomile tea as directed. You can also use eyebright, calendula, or red clover tea. Put 10 drops of the tea into a cup of purified water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Moisten a cotton ball with the solution to squeeze the liquid into your dog's eye. Wipe away any debris and clean beneath the eye afterward using the cotton ball.
Get rid of tear stains
If you have a white or light-colored dog, rust-colored tear stains can mar your dog's otherwise adorable appearance. Make a dog-safe eyewash solution to clean beneath the eyes and help fade stains. Combine 1 tablespoon of boric acid powder with 1 cup of distilled water and stir until completely dissolved. Let the concoction cool completely and then store it in a tightly covered jar in the refrigerator.
Pour a small amount onto a cotton ball or cosmetic sponge and use the dog eyewash solution to clean the corners and beneath the eye. The solution will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Eyewash for pink eye
The whites of your dog's eyes might appear red or pink for any number of reasons. He could have a viral or bacterial infection, an irritation, an allergy, or dry eyes. Known medically as conjunctivitis, the condition usually isn't serious but could lead to blindness or other serious medical conditions if left untreated.
A dog eyewash solution for pink eye can help flush away irritants and lubricate your dog's eyes. One simple remedy is to make yourself a cup of tea and let the tea bag cool until it is just mildly warm. Cuddle your pet on your lap and hold the tea bag over her eye for at least five minutes. The warm, moist tea from the bag acts as a wash containing tannins that will help soothe irritation.
If your dog's eye condition doesn't clear up in two or three days or if it gets worse or it seems like your dog is in constant discomfort, call your veterinarian. Small particles can sometimes become lodged in the eye, and your dog can damage the area further with pawing and head rubbing.