Can I Buy Antibiotic Eye Drops for My Yorkie's Red Eyes?
by brenda.p.nunes@hotmail.com
(Portugal)
His eyes cleared up - or so I thought. 2 or 3 days ago he started rubbing his eyes and they look red on the outer rim and one looks slightly puffy (making it appear smaller than the other). I'm reluctant to return to the veterinarian he goes to as he uses a lot of drugs - for everything!!
My question is: Do you think it would be safe just to bye antibiotic eye drops and try them for several days?
Thank you for your assistance.
We'd advise against it. Red, rubbed eyes that come back after treatment aren't always an infection: allergies, dry eye, eyelid problems or a scratch on the eye can all look the same, and the wrong drops can make some of them worse. In the US, animal antibiotic eye products now need a prescription anyway.
A recheck with a stain test and a tear test can find the cause, and Yorkies are prone to dry eye. If you're uncomfortable with your current vet, it's fine to ask another vet for a second opinion. Until then, gently clean his eyes with sterile saline and stop him rubbing.
Our page on dog eye infections explains what else a red eye could be.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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