Perfect peepers - Natural pet remedies for clean, clear, comfortable eyes
Sore, weepy eyes in cats and dogs is a common problem. But with simple kitchen ingredients, we can clean, soothe and help our best pals feel much happier...
Eye complaints are typically the result of bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Seasonal changes and other environmental conditions or food sensitivities can manifest in allergic reactions. And of course, as most guardians know, pets and injuries go hand in hand!
Kittens, puppies and senior cats and dogs are more prone to infections where there is developing or weakened immunity. In other cases, pets can be predisposed to such conditions. The flat-faced, brachycephalic breeds such as Persian cats and Pugs are up to 20 times more likely to experience problems with eye health, particularly ulceration.
You may notice that your pet is squinting, pawing or trying to clean the eyes more often than usual. When there is any new and persistent eye condition such as a yellow or green discharge, red bloodshot eyes, a ‘pinking’ of the skin around the eye or swelling, take your pet for veterinary diagnosis and please don’t hesitate. Even a mild eye infection can quickly escalate. Left unattended, a pet’s sight may be at risk.
Fortunately, most conditions respond quickly to conventional treatment. But sometimes the results are mixed or unsuccessful. If your vet is in holistic practice, an integrative approach is most likely with additional complementary options recommended to support recovery from viral infections, for immune support and to improve gut health.
Most eye discharges such as (clear) tears or even a reddish-brown mucus, most noticeable on pets with light-coloured fur, are generally not serious. But they can still result in crusting and when left unattended, can cause the skin around the eyes to become sore.
In situations where the issues are mild, we can help to improve and maintain eye health; clean and soothe with a number of simple, inexpensive, natural home remedies. And there are many but I’m sharing three favourites to help optimise your pet’s eye health. You’ll probably find at least one of them in your kitchen cupboards without even making a purchase.
There is much we can do in and around our homes to minimise harmful sensory overload, keep our pets healthier and much more comfortable. But when our pets are poorly, it can also affect how they feel mentally and emotionally. Bach Flower Remedies are as beneficial to animals as they are to us. So, read on because I’ve also recommended a very special Bach remedy that may improve your pet’s emotional response to bothersome eye complaints.
I hope you’ll find these natural store-cupboard remedies beneficial. Perhaps add some Bach to the mix and you’ll have safe, simple remedies to support your pet’s mind, body and spirit...
Chamomile
Properties - antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic
There’s just so much that’s good about chamomile. It’s my go-to eye health remedy and is particularly helpful in treating conjunctivitis.
A potent but very gentle herb, it’s soothing, helps with wound healing and is a natural anti-inflammatory. This means it’s not only great for the eye itself but also the surrounding skin which can become raw and sore when eyes are constantly streaming.
Compounds found in chamomile provide relief from histamine-induced reactions such as hay fever and seasonal allergies. So it’s purr-fect for sore, itchy eyes and super helpful in the spring and summer months.
Storage tip
The liquid can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours. A new batch should be made each day. But please do your kitties and pups a favour. Take the solution from the fridge about 20 minutes before you intend to apply. Application at room temperature will be much more comfortable for your pet. And that’s going to make the application a whole lot easier for you to manage.
Preparation
I always use organic, dried herbs but if you have a tea bag (organic is best), your pet will still benefit. Just brew in a clean mug and allow to cool before use.
Otherwise, take a tablespoon of German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) flowers and place in a clean, heat-proof glass, mug or small bowl. Pour 250ml boiling water over your herbs and cover. This locks in all the fabulous healing compounds.
Leave to stand for 30 minutes. You may notice the liquid has become thicker and gloopy. Chamomile is demulcent and mucoprotective which means it’s immediately soothing and provides ongoing relief by adding a protective layer to the affected area.
Remove/strain the herbs from the liquid. A fine sieve, coffee filter or muslin does the job. Store in a clean, preferably sterilised airtight container. A Mason/Kilner jar is ideal.
Application
When cooled to lukewarm or room temperature, use a lint-free, organic cotton pad or ball, a boiled soft cloth or muslin to apply the liquid to your pet’s eye.
Gently compress and/or wipe around a closed eye. Do NOT put the liquid inside the eye. The skin surrounding the eye is thin. The medicinal components are readily absorbed through the membranes and will go exactly where they are needed.
To avoid cross contamination, your cotton pad or cloth should be dipped into the liquid and applied to one eye only. Then discard. Repeat for the other eye with a new pad and so on.
Clean the eyes 3-4 times per day until symptoms clear. If there is no improvement or if the condition worsens, discontinue the remedy and seek veterinary intervention
Coconut Oil
Properties - antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary
A favourite ingredient in my own kitchen pantry. Not only do I cook with it, it also moisturises my cats’ paws and I recommend coconut oil regularly as a natural remedy to help with minor wound healing, hairballs and constipation in pets. It’s great for eye complaints too!
Coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties which kill off harmful viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. The anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce swelling and irritation.
Studies have shown that coconut oil has a faster wound healing action than mineral-based oils such as Vaseline. Another study found that coconut oil is a safe and effective ocular rewetting agent for conditions such as dry eye helping to soothe and hydrate.
Preparation
With this treatment method, there’s no preparation. Take it straight from the jar. Easy!
However, if you regularly dip your utensils into the oil, consider buying a fresh, uncontaminated jar for your pet.
Organic coconut oil can be purchased for less than a fiver in most supermarkets.
Application
Clean your hands and fingers between each application working on one eye at a time to avoid transferring any infection.
Like the Chamomile remedy, apply to the area around the eye and NOT inside the eye.
Take a very small amount of oil onto your fingers. It will be solid when you remove it from the jar but it quickly melts and becomes workable.
Gently apply it to the skin around the closed eye three to four times per day.
If there is no improvement or if the condition worsens, discontinue the remedy and seek veterinary intervention.
Salt and Water
Properties - antiseptic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary
When the larder is bare, these two ingredients provide the simplest of all home remedies.
Useful for mild irritation and discomfort and for flushing out foreign bodies such as dirt, dust and other pollutants. Even warm tap water can help to clean the eye area and make your pet more comfortable.
The addition of salt has further benefits. A homemade saline solution is cleansing, mildly disinfectant, kills some bacteria and is great for wound healing.
Salt water is very close to the natural composition of tears and works well to soothe, lubricate and hydrate the eyes.
Top Tip:
If your pet has swollen eyes, boil some water and cool until comfortably warm. Dip a cotton pad into the liquid and dampen, fully removing excess water. Gently hold the compress over your pet’s closed eye for 10-15 seconds or as long as your pet will tolerate. Repeat with the other eye. The warm compress is extremely comforting and a very helpful technique to bring down swelling.
Preparation
I use filtered water in my kettle. But tap water is fine too.
Application
Boil water and pour into a clean, preferably sterilised glass or small bowl.
If you wish to create a homemade saline solution, add one teaspoon of salt per 250ml water. Add at this stage to ensure the salt is fully dissolved before applying to your pet’s eyes. Allow to cool.
The solution should be no warmer than room temperature as the liquid is applied directly to the eye using this method.
Using a clean cotton pad, syringe or sterile dropper, carefully drip or place 3-4 drops into your pet’s eye to clean and reduce inflammation. As per previous advice, take care not to cross contaminate.
Repeat 3-4 times per day. If there is no improvement, discontinue and seek veterinary intervention.
Bach Flower Remedies
Crab Apple
The cleansing remedy…
Crab Apple is also known as the cleansing remedy. It’s helpful to human patients when there is a noticeable physical symptom such as acne, eczema etc or even a perceived flaw in appearance. When there is disease or infection, the patient can feel unclean. In extreme or chronic cases, there can be associated feelings of self-disgust.
The remedy is particularly helpful for our pets when there is excessive grooming, something we see when animals are trying to clean or soothe unpleasant or uncomfortable physical symptoms. When this escalates, it can become stressful and exhausting. Your pet may seem withdrawn or depressed.
Crab Apple helps balance the emotional response to the ailment. When your pet is less stressed, the healing process is significantly enhanced.
Preparation
In acute situations or for passing moods, a single remedy can be used directly from the bottle.
Application
Add two drops of Crab Apple to your pet’s food or water until the stress behaviours cease.
Two drops, four times per day is recommended. If your pet’s appetite is affected, you may find the method below ensures the recommended dosage has been given.
If dosage in food or water isn’t possible, the remedy can be stroked directly into the fur or paw pads. It can also be gently rubbed inside the ears. Two drops, four times per day is required for this method.
I recommend glycerin-based Bach remedies for animals available from The Bach Centre shop.
