9 Best Eye Drops For Dogs with Dry Eyes, Cataracts & Allergies
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Unfortunately, a lot of pet owners shy away from drops because they’re a nightmare to administer, but that is not the case if you know the right steps to take. On the other hand, if you have no idea which brand to choose, it won’t help your pet’s sight either.
We have reviewed the ten best eye drops for dogs on the market. We will show you which brands are the most effective, easy to use, and all the other necessary info. Plus, we will share those tips we mentioned on how to use them without a complete mutt meltdown.
The information about these products has been fact-checked by one of our licensed veterinarians, but the purpose of this post is not to diagnose illness or prescribe treatment. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the veterinarian. We recommend contacting your pet’s veterinarian before purchasing any product from this list.
A Quick Comparison Of Our Favorites in 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial |
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Check Price |
Best Value
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Nutri-Vet Dog Eye Rinse |
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Check Price |
Premium Choice
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Remend Eye Lubricating Drop |
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Check Price |
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Burt's Bees Natural |
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Check Price | |
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Dr. Goodpet Natural |
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Check Price |
The 8 Best Eye Drops For Dogs
1. Vetericyn 1037 Plus Eye Wash – Best Overall
To get things moving in the right direction, we will start with our top pick. Vetericyn is a safe and effective product that helps flush any irritants and relieve irritation. It also removes debris and eye gunk. Plus, these eye drops can help eliminate yellow staining on your pup’s fur.
This antimicrobial solution can be used daily and consistently to help with allergies and mild infections as long as your vet recommends its use. The gentle formula should not sting, and it can be safely used around the mouth, ears, nose, and of course, the eyes. Not to mention, a few drops can be licked off without any side effects, although you should note it is not meant to be used internally.
The formula uses hypochlorous acid as its active ingredient at 0.009 percent, and it is safe for all dogs. The product comes in a 3-ounce bottle that has an easy-to-use plastic tip applicator. Overall, this product is the best eye drops for dogs available due to its multi-use, effectiveness, and gentleness.
- Multi-purpose eye relief
- Safe and effective
- Does not generally sting
- Easy to use
- Lick safe
- Treats can be spotted at a long distance due to increased eyesight
- Small bottle may not last long as an eye wash
2. Nutri-Vet Dog Eye Rinse – Best Value
Our next option is the best eye drops for dogs for the money. This is an ophthalmic solution that will help with eye irritations, tear stains, and getting rid of any debris that may have gotten caught. The gentle formula should not sting or burn your pet’s eyes, either. The active ingredient of boric acid is great for keeping mild irritations at bay.
The 4-ounce bottle will last several weeks even with consistent use. The applicator tip on the bottle is easy to use and produces one drop at a time without difficulty. Although this option is great for allergies, dust, debris, and will remove mucus, it is not recommended for eye injuries. Otherwise, this is a great option for all species of canine if you are on a budget.
- Multi-purpose eye relief
- Safe and effective
- Easy to use bottle
- Shouldn’t burn or sting
- Affordable
- Not recommended for
- injured eyes
4. Dr. Goodpet Vitamin C & Zinc Dog Eye Drops
Halfway through the list, we have an all-natural formula that uses vitamin C and zinc to help with mild irritants. This is a good option for allergies, duct clogs, debris, and other issues that are mild including excess mucus and dry eyes.
A couple of things you want to note is the glass dropper application is more difficult to use, and the 1-ounce bottle will have to be replaced often if you use this product regularly. Otherwise, this is a safe option that will not cause harm if licked.
Be advised, however, that it also contains benzalkonium chloride, which can cause irritation in some individuals. It is not recommended for eye infections, and it should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
- Multi-purpose eye relief
- Safe and natural
- Lick safe
- Shouldn’t sting or burn
- Glass dropper is harder to use
- No expiration date present on the box or the bottle
5. I Drop Vet Plus Eye Lubricant
In the number four spot is the I Drop eye lubricant. The 0.33-ounce bottle comes in either a single, two, three, or four-pack and uses a viscoadaptive solution with 0.25-percent hyaluronan to add moisture to dry eyes. This lubricating eye drop will help reduce redness, dryness, and itchiness. If your pup suffers from a lack of moisture, this is a great option.
The bottle is easy to use and administer. On another note, it is preservative-free and less likely to cause irritations. Overall, this is a great option if you are battling mild seasonal allergies and mild dry eye as it shouldn’t sting or burn.
- Relieves irritants from dry eyes
- Requires fewer applications
- Easy to use bottle
- Shouldn’t sting or burn
- Pricey
- Vet approval may be needed
6. Burt’s Bees Dogs Natural Eye Wash
Most people think of lotion and lip gloss when it comes to Burt’s Bees, so you might be surprised they make pet products, as well. In this case, we have a saline solution eyewash that comes in a 4–ounce bottle with the option of either a single or dual pack. This formula is 99.9 percent natural and is cruelty-free.
Opting for this option will help you remove any irritants that have worked their way into your pup’s eyes. You can use it to flush your pup’s eyes to eliminate dust and allergens, plus soothe mild irritation. The formula is free of fragrance, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and SLS.
One downside to this product is that it contains benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which is the most common irritating preservative in eye drops.
- Helps remove eye debris
- pH balanced
- Easy to use bottle
- Not recommended for infections
- Does not help with tear stains
- May cause irritation
7. Gold Medal Pets 41104 Clean Eyes
These next eye drops help with redness, itchiness, and mild allergies as well as help eliminate debris that can get caught in your pup’s eyes. Also meant for sensitive eyes, this is a good option to be used after swimming in a chlorine pool, and there is no additional stinging or burning.
Unfortunately, the ophthalmic solution is not as effective as some of the other formulas. It is recommended for mild irritants only and works best as an eyewash. Not to mention, the active ingredient in this product is purified water. Although it does contain ingredients like boric acid, they are not as concentrated.
The 4-ounce bottle is might be difficult to use, and it is not recommended for stains on the fur or soothing infections. You should also be aware that you will go through the bottle quickly due to the way the tip works, plus the less than stellar effectiveness.
- Okay to use on sensitive eyes
- Use to treat chlorine irritation
- Won’t sting or burn
- Mostly purified water
- The bottle is difficult to use
- Runs out quickly
8. Optixcare Dog & Cat Eye Cleaner
In the number eight spot is the Optixcare Dog & Cat Eye Cleaner. The 3.38-ounce bottle should last several weeks, depending on how often you use it. It contains deionized water and sodium hyaluronate for lubrication. This product can be used as a gentle cleaner for the area around the eyes to relieve mild irritations and, for example, to remove debris after a walk on the beach.
It can be used for everyday cleaning and comes in a convenient bottle. Be aware that it is not meant to be applied to your pup’s eyes but rather to the area around them. However, it shouldn’t cause any irritation if it goes into your dog’s eyes. The eye cleaner contains chamomile extract to soothe irritated skin. You can use eye wipes and eye gel from the same brand if you choose this brand.
9. NHV Ey-EAS Natural Eye Drops
Up last is the NHV Ey natural eye drops. This formula claims to help soothe discomfort with everything from allergies to debris, swelling, and itching. It is also supposed to control eye discharge and help with fur stains.
Because this product is natural, this formula contains chamomile, goldenseal, rosemary, and eyebright. These eye drops can cause stinging, burning, irritation, and redness in the eyes.
The 1-ounce bottle does not last long, and the directions call for a full dropper several times a day. The glass applicator is hard to use and very fragile. Finally, as this formula is natural and there are no additives or preservatives, so you will have to keep it in the refrigerator.
Overall, if your pup suffers from eye irritation, they will find more relief with one of the other products on the list.
- Natural
- Not effective
- May burn and sting
- The bottle is hard to use
- Glass dropper is fragile
- May not last very long
- Must keep refrigerated
Buyer’s Guide – Finding the Best Eye Drops For Dogs
When it comes to eye drops, there are a lot of terms that can be confusing for pet owners, which makes choosing the right brand and formula difficult. Luckily, there are only a few aspects that are truly important to know.
A Few Eye Drops for Dogs Facts You Should Know
First, the FDA regulates all pet “drugs”, so eye drops do fall within their scope of control. Typically, when looking at different formulations they are going to fall within a few “solutions”. Take a look at these solutions and what they mean:
- Ophthalmic Solution: Ophthalmic refers to disease or irritants of the eye. It will also indicate that the product is sterile with no foreign particles. More or less, it is safe to use in the eye. There are many types of ophthalmic solutions with some that contain antibiotics and others that do not.
- Antimicrobial Solution: This is a type of product that is used to fight, relieve, and prevent infections caused by bacteria in either humans or animals. The best way to think of it is as a less powerful form of an antibiotic.
- Viscoadaptive Hyaluronan Solution: This is a type of solution that mimics real moisture in the eyes. In basic terms, it is an artificial tear-like substance that fights dry eyes.
For the most part, these are the solutions you are going to come across when looking at eye drops for your pup.
Be aware, however, that all eye drops should be ophthalmic. Although if they have other features it may not be listed as the main selling point. You can typically find the information either on the ingredients panel or on the product’s website.
Tips For Administering Eye Drops To Your Dog
There are many different ways you can administer eye drops, and chances are if you ask five different people you will get five different answers. With that being said, we have found some common sense tips that will make the struggle a little easier for both you and your pup.
First things first though, you should always make sure you wash your hands before and after application so you won’t spread or add infection. Also, be sure the tip of the applicator does not touch anything, including your dog’s eyes. If it does, clean it with hot water and follow the directions on the bottle.
Now for the tips:
- Try to be as confident and light as possible. If you are nervous and anxious, your pup will feel it and react accordingly.
- Give praise, treats, and talk with your dog throughout the process to let them know it is not a punishment.
- Start by rubbing their head and messaging their eyes to get them used to you being near and touching the area.
- Restraint often makes your pup struggle more, so going for a softer approach can work.
- That being said, try coming from behind and straddling your pup with your knees and elbows while tilting the head back. For smaller dogs, do the same but have them on a table.
- Hold the bottle between your thumb and index finger. Rest that hand on top of your pup’s head and use the other fingers to support their chin. Gently lean the head back and squeeze out the drops. Remember to hold the bottle at least 1 inch away from your dog’s eye.
- Try not to get frustrated. It may take a few tries to get the drops in the eye, especially if they are in pain. Stay calm, give positive reinforcement, and try again. Get help if needed.
- Offer a treat once you are finished.
Final Verdict
It is always nerve-wracking when you have to put something so close to your pet’s eyes. If you do not feel comfortable, or just can’t seem to get it done, ask for assistance from a vet who can help you find the best way to administer the drops.
Also, if your pup has persistent eye irritation or the drops you are using make the situation worse, discontinue use immediately and reach out to your veterinarian for help. Otherwise, we hope these reviews have helped you find a solution to your furry-friends eye suffering.
If you need a quick fix, go with our number one choice: Vetericyn Plus Eye Wash is the best eye wash for dogs available. If you need a more affordable option, try the Nutri-Vet Dog Eye Rinse which is the best eye wash for dogs alternative if you are on a budget.
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