Allergy season can bring many unwanted symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny noses. For humans, if you have irritated, red eyes you can solve that problem by grabbing Visine eye drops and letting them work their magic. Unfortunately, dogs do not have that luxury and Visine eye drops can cause way more harm than good. Visine is a common eye drop that is made specifically for human use. As a pet owner, it’s important to know the symptoms of Visine toxicity and to talk to your veterinarian to learn how to best treat your dog’s eye problems.
Dangers of Visine
Visine is not FDA approved for pets and using it can cause severe damage. The primary ingredient in Visine is tetrahydrozoline, which constricts blood vessels in the eye to relieve irritation. Extensive testing of Visine’s effects on animals has never been conducted. Researchers are unaware of its effects on the neurological and cardiac systems. Further irritation can occur if you apply Visine to your dog’s eyes. If it’s swallowed, heart and neurological effects can be seen. You must always consult a veterinarian before administering any medication to your pup. Your veterinarian can recommend a dog-safe eye drop as well.
Signs of Eye Problems in Dogs
If your dog is exhibiting or you notice any of these symptoms, your dog could be suffering from eye discomfort. These signs include:
- Red eyes
- Pawing at the eyes
- Squinting
- Blinking
- Pus discharge around the eyes
- Swollen eyelids
What To Do If Your Dog Is Experiencing Eye Problems
Contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline if you notice any of the symptoms above, so they can help determine what is wrong and how to help your pup. Depending on the symptoms your veterinarian may recommend an eye drop that is safe for dogs and instructions on how to properly administer them. If you have further questions or concerns, about Visine or eye irritation in dogs do not hesitate to call the trusted team at Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
