What Is the Best Eye Ointment for Dogs?

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Terramycin Antibiotic Ointment for Eye Infection Treatment
9.6/10Our Score
  • Veterinary antibiotic ointment for eye infections in dogs, cats, cattle, horses, and sheep.
  • Contains oxytetracycline hydrochloride and Polymyxin B Sulfate.
  • Treats conjunctivitis, keratitis, pink eye, corneal ulcer, blepharitis, and other bacterial inflammatory conditions. Use as directed.

What does Dog Eye Ointment do?

Eye ointment for dogs is a pet-specific product, formulated to help with a pet’s eye condition. There are different types of dog eye ointments for different eye problems – from conjunctivitis (pink eye) and allergic reactions to corneal ulcers and dry eyes.

Usually, eye ointments for dogs are easier to use than eye drops – they are more practical, and owners are less likely to spill them around the dog’s eyes.

What Kind of Ointment Can You Use in a Dog’s Eye?

There are several different types of eye ointment for dogs. Here are some common types.

  • Lubricating Eye Ointment for Dogs: These serve as artificial tears and are used to keep the eye wet and well-lubricated.
  • Soothing Eye Ointment for Dogs: The role of this type of eye ointment for dogs is to reduce irritation and minimize the associated discomfort.
  • Medicated Eye Ointment for Dogs: Medicated dog eye ointments feature active ingredients like antibiotics (neomycin, polymyxin B sulfate) or steroids.

Some of these eye ointment for dogs products are available over-the-counter, and others need a veterinary prescription. Either way, it is recommended to talk to your vet before using any type of eye ointment for dog.

What Are the Benefits of Using Eye Ointments for Dogs?

Eye ointments for dogs contain active ingredients that help manage various eye diseases. Here is a closer look at the benefits of eye ointments: 

  • Infection Management: Eye ointments often feature antibiotics that help treat eye infections and irritations, caused by bacterial infections, cherry eye, entropion, etc. 
  • Lubrication: Eye ointments are also excellent for lubricating the dog’s eyes and keeping them moist. This is a great benefit for dogs with dry eyes or keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). 
  • Easy Use: For many pet owners, eye ointments for dogs are easier to use than dog eye drops. They get absorbed quickly, and you do not have to worry about spilling the solution around the eyes.
  • Relief: Eye ointments for dogs provide relief from the many symptoms of eye infections that can result in frustrating irritation and itchiness in the eye.

The Best Eye Ointment for Dogs Reviewed

Choosing the right eye ointment for dogs can be challenging, and you should consult with your vet before using one. Here, we have reviewed some of the most commonly used eye ointment for dogs formulas.

Terramycin Antibiotic Ointment for Eye Infection Treatment in Dogs

Lifestage: All Life Stages

Price: $23.63

Size: 1/8 oz

Full Ingredient List: Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride; Polymyxin B Sulfate

Product Use Instruction: Make sure the area around the eye is clear and free of discharge. Pull the lower eyelid down slightly. Squeeze a thin strip of the ointment along the inner side of the lower eyelid. Gently massage the closed eyelid to help disperse the ointment.

Recommended Uses: Eye infections

Storage Instructions: Store in a dry place at room temperature.

Summary: Terramycin ophthalmic ointment is the best overall antibiotic ointment for dogs. It contains oxytetracycline hydrochloride and is ideal for treating a wide range of infections of the eye, such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, keratitis, pink eye, bacterial infections, blepharitis, and corneal ulcers.

This broad-spectrum antibiotic can be purchased over-the-counter, and it’s very easy to administer in your pet’s eyes. It’s suitable for dogs of all age ranges, and you can use it up to 4 times per day.

Pros
  • Very easy to administer
  • You don’t require two separate applicators
  • Treats a variety of ocular issues
  • Works for many dogs
  • Can be applied numerous times per day
Cons
  • Some users find their pets dislike it

Customer Reviews: Terramycin ophthalmic ointment has received 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon on 6,592 reviews. Customers rate it highly for its ability to get their dog’s eyes back on track in a short span of time. They also state that this eye ointment for dogs saved them a trip to the vet and that every pet owner should keep this product on hand.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Terramycin Antibiotic Ointment for Eye Infection Treatment in Dogs an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10):  This eye ointment for dogs has antibiotics for treating eye infections in dogs, cats, cattle, horses, and sheep.
  • Ingredient Quality (10/10):  This ointment is made of high-quality ingredients with active ingredients oxytetracycline hydrochloride and Polymyxin B Sulfate.
  • Cost Effectiveness (7/10): Contains one 0.125oz/3.5g tube of ointment. Acceptable for its price.
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): Most of the comments and reviews are positive. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars says how good the product is.
  • Product Variety (5/10): The ointment comes in one size.
OptixCare Pet Eye Lube Plus + Hyaluron for Dog

Lifestage: All Life Stages

Price: $13.88

Size: 20g/.70 oz

Full Ingredient List: Sterile Water, Sorbitol, Carbomer, Hyaluron, Sodium Hydroxide. Preserved with Disodium EDTA and Cetrimide.

Product Use Instruction: Instill 1-2 drops in one or both eyes as often as needed or as directed by your veterinarian.

Recommended Uses: Dry, itchy, and irritated eyes

Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature.

Summary: OptixCare Pet Eye Lube is an eye-wetting agent that provides long-lasting comfort for dogs with dry, agitated eyes. It also provides protection for the cornea, and increases tear production for pets dealing with dry eyes.

To use this eye ointment for dogs, all you have to do is put 1 or 2 drops in each of your dog’s eyes. The contents in this product are sterile until you remove the cap, so keep that in mind when applying

Pros
  • Veterinarian recommended
  • Works very well for dogs with chronic dry eyes
  • Quick and rapid results
  • Sterile and very easy to use
  • Budget-friendly price tag
Cons
  • Some customers find the tube to be a little empty when receiving it

Customer Reviews: This eye ointment for dogs has received a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on 6,372 Amazon reviews. Customers rate it highly because of its ease of use, its ability to moisten dry eyes quickly, and its affordable price tag.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving OptixCare Pet Eye Lube Plus + Hyaluron for Dog an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10):  Featuring a pet-safe antibiotic, the ointment is safe and effective. 
  • Ingredient Quality (10/10):  This eye ointment for dogs is made of high-quality ingredients and does not contain any harmful chemicals.
  • Cost Effectiveness (7/10): It comes in one size that is acceptable for its price and for its good quality product.
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): Most of the comments and reviews are positive. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars says how good the product is. Some customer says that it ran out a little too fast however the product is effective.
  • Product Variety (5/10): This eye ointment for dogs comes in one size.
Akorn Artificial Tears Soothes Dry & Irritated Eyes in Dogs

Lifestage: All Life Stages

Price:$14.99

Size: 1/8 oz 

Full Ingredient List: Mineral Oil 15%, White Petrolatum 83%, Lanolin 2%

Product Use Instruction: Apply 1-2 times per day

Recommended Uses: Dry eye lubrication 

Storage Instructions: Store at 20 degrees to 25 degrees Celcius, and store away from heat.

Summary: Akorn Artificial Tears is an ophthalmic ointment that is used by vets and is available for at-home use. It’s a soothing ointment that reduces dryness, burning, and agitation in your pet’s eyes.

The ointment creates a protective barrier in the lower eyelid parts of the eye where dryness might be more severe. The product contains white petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin to ensure fast absorption of the product. Akorn Artificial tears can be used up to twice a day.

Pros
  • Safe and effective
  • Soothing for dry eyes
  • Easy to apply
  • Manufactured by a leading veterinary pharmaceutical company
  • Can be applied twice a day
Cons
  • The ointment might feel a bit thick on the eyes at first

Customer Reviews: This eye ointment for dogs is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on nearly 900 Amazon reviews. Customers highly recommend this product for its effectiveness, protection for dry and irritated eyes, and ability to get the job done when some products couldn’t.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Akorn Artificial Tears Soothes Dry & Irritated Eyes in Dogs  an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10):  The ointment is safe for pets.
  • Ingredient Quality (10/10):  This ointment is made of high-quality ingredients and does not contain any harmful chemicals.
  • Cost Effectiveness (10/10): For $14.24, you can have this product for a 3.5g tube in size, and you save 5%.
  • Customer Feedback (9/10): Most of the comments and reviews are positive. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars, most of the customer highly recommends the product.
  • Product Variety (6/10): The eye ointment for dogs comes in one size.
OptixCare Eye Lube for Dogs

Lifestage: All Life Stages

Price: $10.99

Size: 0/7 oz 

Full Ingredient List: Sterile Water, Sorbitol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide. Preserved with Disodium EDTA and Cetrimide.

Product Use Instruction: Instill 1-2 drops in one or both eyes as often as needed or as directed by your veterinarian.

Recommended Uses: For dry, itchy, and irritated eyes.

Storage Instructions: Store at room temperature.

Summary: OptixCare Eye Lube is a gel-based product that provides eye comfort for a long time. Upon applying the product, it will cling to the cornea and conjunctiva to ease any agitation very quickly. During surgical procedures, vets use this product to keep dogs’ eyes feeling moist. It’s a non-irritating formula that won’t result in allergic reactions.

The active ingredient in OptixCare Eye Lube is carbomer gel. This gel has a viscosity that helps it remain on the cornea for a long period of time. The gel turns into liquid quite quickly after being administered to the eye.

Pros
  • Safe
  • Effective for long periods of time
  • Sterile water base
  • Easy to use
  • Effective
Cons
  • Customers find that the tube is only half full

Customer Reviews: This eye ointment for dogs has received 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon. It’s highly recommended for keeping your dog’s eyes feeling moist and protected. Pet owners also find this product to be non-irritating and safe.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving OptixCare Eye Lube for Dogs an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10):  This eye ointment for dogs is safe for pets. Provides long-lasting lubrication for dry doggie and kitty eyes with carbomer.
  • Ingredient Quality (10/10):  This product does not contain any harmful chemicals. The combined antibacterial effect of oxytetracycline hydrochloride and polymyxin B is at least additive, and in many instances, an actual synergistic action occurs.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): Comes in a convenient, ready-to-use stand-up tube that is great for the go, and it’s acceptable for its good quality of the product.
  • Customer Feedback (9/10):  Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars, most of the customer highly recommends the product. Most of the customer reviews are positive.
  • Product Variety (6/10): The ointment comes in one size. 
Dechra Puralube Vet Ointment

Lifestage: All Life Stages

Price: $6.94

Size: 3.5 g

Full Ingredient List: White Petrolatum and Light Mineral Oil.

Product Use Instruction: Pull down the lower lid of the affected eye and apply a small amount(one-fourth inch) of ointment to the inside of the eyelid.

Recommended Uses: For use as a protectant against further irritation, or to relieve dryness of the eye.

Storage Instructions: Keep tightly closed. Store at 15°-25°C (59°-77°F).

Summary: Dechra Puralube Vet Ointment helps to relieve irritation, dryness, and redness in dogs’ eyes. It’s an affordable ointment that contains white petrolatum and light mineral oil.

When applying this product, it only takes one-fourth of an inch of ointment to get the job done, and that’s a lot less than some of the other creams or ointments on the market.

Pros
  • Only takes a small amount of effectiveness
  • Saves many customers a trip to the vet
  • Provides a good deal of moisture in and around the eyes
  • Relieves dryness
  • Relieves irritation
Cons
  • A small fraction of customers expected better results

Customer Reviews: This eye ointment for dogs has received 4.6 out of 5 stars on 177 Amazon reviews. Its high rating comes from its ability to moisten dogs’ eyes without any stinging or discomfort. Numerous customers also report that the condition of their dogs’ eyes improved very quickly after applying Dechra Puralube Vet Ointment.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Dechra Puralube Vet Ointment an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (8/10):  This eye ointment is safe for pets. Helps to relieve irritation, dryness, and redness in dogs’ eyes.
  • Ingredient Quality (10/10):  This eye product does not contain any harmful chemicals, and it’s made from high-quality ingredients and contains mineral oil.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): Great products that are worth every penny.
  • Customer Feedback (9/10):  Most of the customer’s highly recommend the product. Rated as 4.6 out of 5 stars.
  • Product Variety (6/10): The eye ointment for dogs comes in one size. 

What Should I Look for in an Eye Ointment for Dogs?

There are a couple of important things to look for in eye ointment for dogs:

  • Ingredients: Many eye ointments contain antibiotics that are useful in treating a wide range of eye infections and irritations.
  • Ease of Use: Ease of use is everything when applying eye ointment to a dog’s eyes. The easier a product is to apply, the more beneficial it will be for both you and your dog.
  • Brand: Finding the right brand of eye ointment for dogs will ensure it will do the job well. While off-brand products might potentially be cheaper, they sometimes don’t work as effectively.
  • Cost: For many people on a budget, the cost is the determining factor of whether they will purchase eye ointment from a specific brand, or even at all. In addition, some customers might find it cheaper to do this than make a trip to the vet.

Can You Use Human Eye Ointment on Dogs?

Yes, you can use human eye ointment for dogs, but only if instructed to do so by a veterinarian.

Human eye medication can do more harm than good for dogs if misused. Therefore, you can only treat your dog with human eye ointments if the vet approves and recommends it.

Luckily, the modern pet market offers many eye ointments made specifically for dogs. As a result, unless there is an objective reason, the veterinarian is likely to prescribe a pet-specific eye ointment for dogs.

Can I Put Antibiotic Ointment on My Dog’s Eye?

Yes, you can put antibiotic ointment on your dog’s eye.

If your dog has an eye infection, the veterinarian might prescribe an antibiotic ointment. The ointment is often given with a topical anti-inflammatory medication.

The antibiotic works by killing bacteria and reducing eye inflammation. The anti-inflammatory helps to reduce pain and swelling in the eye.