Can dogs use human eye drops for dry eyes? A Step-by-Step Guide

Can you give your dog human steroid eye drops?

Yes, veterinarians often prescribe dogs corticosteroids or steroid eye drops for inflammation in the eyes. But this does not mean we should reach for human versions such as Pred Forte, Lotemax, Vexol, or Flarex.

This is another example of the dangers of using something meant for humans without consulting a vet. For one thing, if your dog has an injury to its eye, the steroid can delay healing. So it is not recommended. Neither steroid eye ointments nor antibiotics are appropriate for a viral or fungal infection, and dogs should never get steroids in the case of corneal ulcers.

Remember, the best eye drops for dogs are the ones your vet recommends after a thorough examination.

Can you use human eye drops on dogs?

The short answer is, no, do not use human eye drops on dogs. Eyes are delicate organs, and medications that work on humans do not always have the same effect on dogs and can be dangerous.

Further, because eyes are prone to complications, veterinarians must examine and diagnose eye problems. If dog owners try to wing it and use whatever medication they have on hand, they can potentially cause major damage to their dog’s eyes.

Some human eye drops, such as certain antihistamine drops, are potentially dangerous and damage your dog’s eyesight. Using human steroidal or antibiotic eye drops may be dangerous if you give them for the wrong condition or dose. Simple human eye lubricant

For simple dog eye problems, a simple solution

Can dogs use human eye drops for dry eyes?

If you’re reading this, then we’ve both remembered that Google can be our friend and ally. Reading through a number of trustworthy sites, I began to see the same solution: a simple, no-frills, saline solution that is applied with nothing more complex than cotton balls. Over the course of a few days, Baby’s right eye cleared up, and the sleep that accumulated in the corners of her eyes took on their customary white coloration. There was no need for medicated eye drops.

The easiest or most convenient choices, the medicated OTC eye drops and ointments you keep at home, are not the best things to use as eye drops for dogs! In fact, using these as eye drops for dogs can exacerbate the issues at hand, or create new ones that may ultimately cost you more at the vet’s office or cause your dog needless additional pain. Let’s take a look at three of the most common dog eye problems for which you might need to use eye drops for dogs:

  • Dog eye infection
  • Conjunctivitis (a.k.a. pink eye) in dogs
  • Dog eye allergies
  • Can I Give My Dog Human Eye Drops?

    Like humans, dogs’ eyes are vulnerable to infections, injuries, allergens, debris, and other irritating problems. Our furry friends are also prone to several chronic eye conditions that require long-term treatment to save their vision. Some conditions are minor and can be relieved from over-the-counter eye drops for dogs. But many require prescription drops from your veterinarian. We’ll explore the best eye drops for dogs for many different needs and give you tips on how to administer drops to your pup. Table Of Contents