Senior Lab With an Eye Infection That Won't Clear

It's good to hear she's happy and eating. When an eye infection doesn't improve with antibiotic ointment, it often isn't a simple infection. In an older dog, common reasons include dry eye, an eyelid lump rubbing the eye, eyelashes growing the wrong way, or something stuck in the eye. More antibiotics won't fix those, and in the US antibiotic eye drops for dogs need a prescription.

Before anything more involved, ask your vet whether a tear test, a dye test or a swab of the discharge could narrow down the cause. These are quick, simple tests. If the eyelids need a closer look, ask whether it could be done under light sedation rather than full anesthesia. Some eyelid procedures can be.

If ointment is hard to give, ask your vet to show you how, or whether drops would be easier. Pull the lower lid down gently and lay a thin strip inside it, without touching the eye. Watch for squinting, rubbing, a cloudy eye or less interest in play, which can mean she's in pain. Many clinics offer payment plans, and some charities and veterinary schools help with costs.

See antibiotic eye drops for dogs and how to give eye medicine.

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