OTC Medication

[veggienut]

I know some things are okay for dog to take that are OTC, like Benedryl, but what about eye drops like eye drops like Gen-tear or Blink~? My Vet told me I should put those in when bathing my dog so I won't get soap in his eyes, but a friend of mine whose a retired in showing dogs says no. Dog shampoos aren't suppose to affect their eyes, but once something happened ( I forgot)to my dogs eyes and the Vet blamed it on me getting soap in his eyes. When I say soap, I am referring to dog shampoo.

[kjc]

A plain lubricating eye ointment will last longer than drops during a bath making it more protective. Also I hold the beard raising the head up and rinse the suds down the back of the neck. I turn the water pressure down to a healthy trickle, and rinse the face gently. If some suds do get in the eyes, I do the gentle rinse on the face with the nose up, and the water runs off under the ears, till it runs clear.

[veggienut]

Originally Posted by kjc

A plain lubricating eye ointment will last longer than drops during a bath making it more protective. Also I hold the beard raising the head up and rinse the suds down the back of the neck. I turn the water pressure down to a healthy trickle, and rinse the face gently. If some suds do get in the eyes, I do the gentle rinse on the face with the nose up, and the water runs off under the ears, till it runs clear.

Thanks for the info I do have issues every time I bathe him. It is when I start rinsing and he doesn't want his head touched or maybe he's afraid. I use wash cloths but it doesn't seem to rinse well. I tried turning down the sprayer very low to cups of water. I hold on to him as tight as I can and no matter what he's tough and wiggles so much I get a bath, the floors and walls too. Anyways, my point is....is the OTC eye drops not good for a dog~?

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by kjc

A plain lubricating eye ointment will last longer than drops during a bath making it more protective. Also I hold the beard raising the head up and rinse the suds down the back of the neck. I turn the water pressure down to a healthy trickle, and rinse the face gently. If some suds do get in the eyes, I do the gentle rinse on the face with the nose up, and the water runs off under the ears, till it runs clear.

That's how I rinse too sometimes I will cover her eyes with my hand I also make sure to use tear free face wash for her head and face.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by veggienut

Thanks for the info I do have issues every time I bathe him. It is when I start rinsing and he doesn't want his head touched or maybe he's afraid. I use wash cloths but it doesn't seem to rinse well. I tried turning down the sprayer very low to cups of water. I hold on to him as tight as I can and no matter what he's tough and wiggles so much I get a bath, the floors and walls too. Anyways, my point is....is the OTC eye drops not good for a dog~?

I would only use Natural tears type products, and ones with the least amount of additives/preservatives in them. Some dogs are sensitive to some things, so watch to see how your dog reacts when you put anything on him.

You can use treats to reward good behavior during the bath. Always remain calm and reassuring, and gentle. Avoid getting water in the ears as it can be painful. If the bath doesn't go perfectly, that's fine, you get another chance next time. Practice manipulating him in between baths, like holding him and touching head, face , feet and legs and tail. (Like a dry bath). Do a massage when lathering (mine love that and will stand all day long). Allow him time to learn and to trust you. Once you gain their trust, they'll let you do just about anything!

And when he is being good, be sure to tell him (Good Boy! / What a Good Boy!) so he can learn what you want him to do.

[veggienut]

Originally Posted by kjc

I would only use Natural tears type products, and ones with the least amount of additives/preservatives in them. Some dogs are sensitive to some things, so watch to see how your dog reacts when you put anything on him.

You can use treats to reward good behavior during the bath. Always remain calm and reassuring, and gentle. Avoid getting water in the ears as it can be painful. If the bath doesn't go perfectly, that's fine, you get another chance next time. Practice manipulating him in between baths, like holding him and touching head, face , feet and legs and tail. (Like a dry bath). Do a massage when lathering (mine love that and will stand all day long). Allow him time to learn and to trust you. Once you gain their trust, they'll let you do just about anything!

And when he is being good, be sure to tell him (Good Boy! / What a Good Boy!) so he can learn what you want him to do.

The Vet is the one that suggested me to use OTC drops, but my friend says, "no". So who is correct~? Can it cause issues later in life~? My dog is fine with me touch him anywhere, and I do constantly tell him he's a good boy. Only bath time is when I have issues with him like you wouldn't believe~!

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by veggienut

The Vet is the one that suggested me to use OTC drops, but my friend says, "no". So who is correct~? Can it cause issues later in life~? My dog is fine with me touch him anywhere, and I do constantly tell him he's a good boy. Only bath time is when I have issues with him like you wouldn't believe~!

Did your friend give you a reason? I would believe my vet but I trust my vet a lot. Is he scared of baths? Are you using a tear free shampoo? I found if I come at Callie's face with the shower head it scares her so I have to use a large cup.

[kjc]

Haha! Okay... if your dog seems to react to a specific shampoo in his eyes after a bath (itchy, redness/bloodshot), then I would use the OTC brand that your vet recommended. If he's fine with the shampoo, then I wouldn't bother with the drops.

I usually end up with dog shampoo in my eyes, lol, and it stings... same way with No More Tears baby shampoo. I keep a Natural Tears around to use as an eye rinse for me and my dogs. Some dogs may react unexpectedly to that also, so try tapwater to rinse if that's the case.

They're both right, but you dog may be sensitive to the shampoo, so follow your vet's instructions.

Also keep an eye on those eyes.... eye ulcers start out with irritated looking eyes.

[yorkiemini]

Most shampoos for dog (and people I guess) say on the bottle to not get in the eyes.

[Maximo]

I've read some sources that recommend putting something in the eyes before a bath, but I've also read that the shampoo can get under the film and it gets trapped there. Then things are much worse!

Max went through major eye problems. I use nothing but SPA fresh facial cleanser on his head. It is gentle on the eyes. I don't risk conditioner on top of his head. His hair has suffered, but his eyes are more important.

Not all tearless shampoos are gentle on the eyes. I test in my own eyes. I was horrified to find out that the first tearless shampoo I used on Max stung terribly.

Some people are able to use regular shampoo on the head, but I don't like to risk it.