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Is it safe to use human eye drops or saline to clean my dog's eyes?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 3 years and 11 months old | 7 lbs

Can i use human eye wash to clean dogs eyes

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 9th, 2017

If it is just a saline eye wash than you can use it to clean her eyes. If she is having problems with her eyes than it would be a good idea to have a vet examine her to determine the cause. She may need medications to treat.

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13Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on September 17th, 2016

    I would not recommend using any kind of medicated drops in your[ dog's eye](https://www.petcoach.co/article/eye-care-for-dogs) unless your veterinarian has prescribed them - the only thing you can safely use without an exam is plain saline eye wash to rinse the eye. There are some human eye drops that can be used to treat specific eye problems in dogs, but you would need a diagnosis first. The treatment for a corneal ulcer is very different from the treatment for [allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/article/seasonal-allergies-in-dogs-what-you-need-to-know/), [dry eye](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/dry-eye-1/) or bacterial [conjunctivitis](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/conjunctivitis/). Using the wrong medication can make things worse or even cause permanent damage in some cases. I would recommend having your dog examined by by a vet as soon as you can. He or she can use a special stain if needed to help diagnose the problem and prescribe appropriate medication to treat it. In the meantime, place an e-collar (cone) on your dog to prevent rubbing or pawing until you see the vet.

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    21Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 24th, 2018

    I do not recommend it. Saline is the safest to use in Belle's eyes. A dog's eye reacts differently to human eye medication than a human's eye, and you could accidentally do damage to her eye. Plus you aren't exactly sure what is causing the irritation, so it may be the wrong treatment for her eye. As I said in your previous post, the best thing to do is have her seen by a vet as soon as possible to have her eye examined and treated. The vet can prescribe safe medications as needed. Good luck with her, she is adorable!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 17th, 2017

    More information is required as to the underlying cause of the eye condition or exact diagnosis, the type of eye drop and any pre-existing health or eye conditions. Human or veterinary eyedrops should be prescribed by your vet following a full eye exam. The risk of complications, pain and loss of vision is high with inappropriate medications and delayed primary care so this cannot be recommended

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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