Posted by Holistic Pet Info on 10/24/2019 to General Topics

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membranes lining the eyelids in cats and dogs. The conjunctiva serves as a protective barrier for the eye by trapping debris and helping to prevent invasion of viruses and bacteria.

Keeping the eye clean and treating the infection are the first steps to take when your dog or cat has conjunctivitis. Eye-Heal from PetAlive contains a combination of herbs and other nutrients for soothing and healing infections of the eyes and conjunctiva. Eye washes and wipes help remove debris and soothe irritated, itchy eyes.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis in Dogs and Cats

  • Redness
  • Watery and runny or thick green or yellow discharge
  • Swelling of the conjunctiva
  • Squinting or excessive blinking
  • Pawing or rubbing the eyes

Conventional Treatments

  • Wash the eye out to remove any foreign particles.
  • Medication or surgery is given for some eyelid infections and abnormalities.
  • Antibacterial eye ointment is usually prescribed for secondary bacterial infections.
  • Anti-inflammatory eye medication may also be prescribed.

Natural Remedies for Conjunctivitis

Because conjunctivitis is often linked to allergies and viral infections, it is important to strengthen your pet's immune system with antioxidants and other nutrients. CoQ10 is a vitamin-like compound that acts as an antioxidant protecting cells against free radical damage. Lysine strengthens the immune system and is particularly beneficial for cats with Feline Herpes Virus.

The following vitamins, botanicals and other nutrients have been shown to fortify the immune system and/or nourish eye tissue:

Vitamins A, C and E have antioxidant properties which fight free radicals that can damage the lens of the eye.

Bilberry extract (Vacciuium myritllus) derived from a fruit similar to the blueberry, contains active ingredients for eye health and proper vision. The berries are rich in the antioxidant anthocyanosides -- the red pigments that are beneficial in ophthalmology and vascular diseases. Nicknamed "the vision herb" bilberry has a substantial body of research that confirms its benefits for human eyes. This herb is very helpful to animals with early stage eye disorders, or for animals that have a genetic predisposition to eye problems.

Zinc is a mineral linked to good vision and may protect eye tissue from damaging light and inflammation. Zinc is found in healthy retinal tissue.

Lutein, a carotenoid found in dark, leafy greens, is also found in the retina of healthy eyes where it acts as a shield against harmful light and may help protect the eyes against damage from ultraviolet radiation.

Quercetin is a natural antioxidant bioflavonoid that protects cells from damage by free radicals.

Astragalus is considered by many to be the most powerful immunity-boosting herb. Astragalus has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects, and works by increasing white blood cell production of your pet's own antiviral compounds alpha-and gamma-interferon—which help protect against viral invasion

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that is especially beneficial for aging pets in that it helps support the immune system, cardiovascular system and eye health.

Coenzyme Q-10, commonly called CoQ10, is a vitamin-like compound that acts as an antioxidant protecting cells against free radical damage. It exists in every cell of your pet's body. Besides being essential to heart health, CoQ10 enhances immune function, and is important to your pet's overall health.