Red, Swollen Eyelids and Human Antibiotic Drops

Swollen, red eyelids that move from one eye to the other are more often caused by allergies, insect bites or inflamed eyelids (blepharitis) than by a bacterial infection. Antibiotic drops won't help those, and bacterial infection on its own is uncommon in dogs' eyes.

Please don't use human antibiotic products in your dog's eye. They aren't made for dogs' eyes, and some ingredients can cause irritation or an allergic reaction that looks like the eye getting worse. Safer things you can do at home: hold a warm, damp washcloth on the lids for 5 to 15 minutes a few times a day, wipe away discharge with sterile saline, and use a cone if your dog is rubbing.

Please see a vet within a day or so if your dog squints, the eye looks cloudy, there's thick discharge, or the swelling keeps coming back. Many clinics offer payment plans, and charities, low-cost clinics and veterinary schools can sometimes help with costs.

See human eye drops and dogs and swollen eyes in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.