my 12 week old puppies get red eyes. I don't know what causes this. They seem to get redder in the evenings. Could it be allergies? or conjunctivitis? They do not seem sick and play and run a lot inside and out. They still eat very well. Every once in a while the girl will hack when eating a dry treat or upon exertion. Neither one really sneeze.A very,very small amount of clear water leaks from her eyes like tear stains.Is there something I can give them that won't harm them?Will this get better or worse with age? Is there a possibility of further damage to the eyes from this?
Optional Information: Age: <1; Female; Breed: BOXER/BEAGLE MIXES Already Tried: NOTHING i HAVE 1 M AND ONE F BOXER/BEAGE MIX.
It sounds as though they may have a mild eye infection. You can safely use a product called Terramycin Ointment in the eyes twice a day. If you do not see any improvement in the eyes in 2 days, you need to make an appointment with your vet to get them on a stronger antibiotic ointment or drop. You can purchase Terramycin at most pet supply stores or online at www.revivalanimal.com.
Please let me know if I can help further in any way.
HOW can you tell if it is an infecton verses allergies? Are there symptoms for an infection?
Red, watery eyes could theorhetically be either an infection or allergies, but it is unusual for dogs or cats to show allergies like this - especially in puppies and kittens because they still have many natural immunities from their mothers. The only way to know with 100% certainty is to either take them to a vet and let them do some testing, or treat the problem as if it WERE an infection. If it improves - then it's definitely an infection - if it does not, then your vet needs to evaluate. Terramycin is very very safe-it is used on newborn kittens and puppies all the time, so don't worry about it harming their eyes. It won't. You just never want to use any type of steroid in the eyes without checking with your vet first, as if there are ulcers, steroids can be damaging to the eye.
Experience: Qualified by many years of healthcare & experience in breeding dogs
Thank you!
You are very welcome!