Eyebright - Herb Or Complex

[Mojopoodle]

Hello All,

I saw Eyebright mentioned the other day as a possible treatment for minor eye problems. I would love to hear peoples experiences with the use of the herb or complex and any success or failures.

Thanks in advance.

MP

[sas]

Can you advise what minor eye problem you want to use it for?

[Mojopoodle]

Can you advise what minor eye problem you want to use it for?

Mild irritation/tears. Dog has seen 2 or 3 differnt vets over time and although they prescribe ointments, the problem reoccurs.

They consider cause possible irritation from environment/garden.

[JRG]

There is a herb called Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)

It is an annual and quite difficult to grow.

[*kirty*]

Has the dog been checked for extra eyelashes?

[minimax]

I use it for the pugs when they have an eye injury, or when they seem to be having issues with extra gunk etc.

It can be used for general eye health, which is really what It's for. Always helps boost eye repair and helps them recovery from injury, especially if the eye has that blue tinge from a physical injury it helps with healing.

I recommend it to anyone with eye issues, including dry eye.

[persephone]

( bit of a side track) Did the vets do all the checks for ingrown/extra lashes/blocked tearducts/small growths on inner eyelids , etc?

Is it worse at certain times?

perhaps , if it is a reaction to dust/pollen you may be able to manage the environment somehow?

Good luck with the eyebright :)

[Mojopoodle]

Thanks Minimax, that is the kind of thing I was hoping to hear. Can you please tell me what you buy, how you use it and where you get it from?

Persephone it always occurs late March / early April, but does occur at other times, it is not an everyday problem.

The regular vet I see has checked for all the above-mentioned problems. I just really hate seeing my dog uncomfortable and disfigured by these minor problems so am looking for other options.

Environmental is hard to fix, I live on acreage with a huge garden which the dogs have the run of.

[Dame Aussie]

Mosley has a recurring eye issue that starts up at the start of summer and spring like clockwork. I might give this a go. His is just allergies but he rubs his eyes and makes it ten times worse.

[minimax]

I use the tablets - I start with one tablet when I see any eye issues, but some dogs need to start on a smaller dose, like half a tablet, just in case it upsets their tummy. But I do one tablet a day until I see noticeable improvement, then I go to half a tablet a day for a few weeks, until the issue has cleared up and then for at least another week past then just to help with any further internal healing and repair.

I usually coat it in peanut butter and pretend it's a treat and my guys just take it, but sometimes need to hide it in their food or whatever. Just feed it the way they normally take tablets.

As it's "practitioner only" (which doesn't mean prescription only) I put in my vets details. No one has ever contacted her, but she knows I use her details and is fine with it.

http://www.australianvitamins.com/products/view/395

or

http://www.fourbody.com.au/mediherb-eyebright.html

Edited March 18, 2013 by minimax

[Rosetta]

Just came across this page listing herbal treatments for dogs - quite interesting.

http://www.dogster.com/dog-food/herbs-for-dogs

[Mojopoodle]

I use the tablets - I start with one tablet when I see any eye issues, but some dogs need to start on a smaller dose, like half a tablet, just in case it upsets their tummy. But I do one tablet a day until I see noticeable improvement, then I go to half a tablet a day for a few weeks, until the issue has cleared up and then for at least another week past then just to help with any further internal healing and repair.

I usually coat it in peanut butter and pretend it's a treat and my guys just take it, but sometimes need to hide it in their food or whatever. Just feed it the way they normally take tablets.

As it's "practitioner only" (which doesn't mean prescription only) I put in my vets details. No one has ever contacted her, but she knows I use her details and is fine with it.

http://www.australianvitamins.com/products/view/395

or

http://www.fourbody.com.au/mediherb-eyebright.html

Minimax, Thank you I will speak to my vet and try some.

[Mojopoodle]

Just came across this page listing herbal treatments for dogs - quite interesting.

http://www.dogster.com/dog-food/herbs-for-dogs

Thanks Rosetta, I will have a read through.

[Erny]

I use Calendula Tea that I brew and allow to cool, to bath my dog's eyes from time to time when they appear a bit irritated. Does the trick for him, it seems.

[Robbi]

I use an eye wash that is made by Herbal Horse.

It is great stuff, I use it on the horses, the dogs, myself and my son

Edited March 19, 2013 by Robbi

[FlissPrideaux]

As Minimax has been saying, I too am an HUGE fan of euphrasia- or eyebright. In fact I use it along side traditional medical creams, however I believe that it was responsible for saving the eye of my pug boy..

As Minimax Said, for minor injury one tablet a day - unlike his brother, mine refuses to eat a table or eat food with it in, so it is the "manual" method!

I also am a huge fan of Healing Herbs Eye Wash - and they also do Euphrasia drops, which my boy is now on every day..

http://www.herbal-treatments.com.au/

Of course always talk to your vet - some aren't fans of natural medicine though

[Mojopoodle]

Hi FlissPrideaux, I have talked to my vet and he is happy for me to try the alternate therapies.

Thank you for your input.