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Dog has red, runny eye. Can I use my human steroid eye drops?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 77 lbs

My dog has a runny eye and its blood shot. I have some steroid eye drops, Presidone, that my doctor gave me a few weeks ago for my eyes. Is it safe to use those drops on my dog?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on March 29th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to an eye injury or conditions such as a corneal laceration, corneal ulcer, conjunctivitis, dry eye (also known as KCS), among many other conditions. It is not safe to use human medications without knowing the exact medical condition as some treatments can actually worsen the patient's condition when used inadequately. I highly recommend that you have Hershey evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Further therapy would be based on the findings. Good luck and best wishes!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Maria DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 31st, 2019
Unfortunately, I do recommend a veterinary visit. The reason for this is the medication has a steroid in it and can actually make the eye worse if there is a scratch on his cornea. Your veterinarian will look at his eye and may stain it to determine if a different medication is needed. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on July 1st, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to an eye injury or conditions such as a corneal laceration, corneal ulcer, conjunctivitis, dry eye (also known as KCS), among many other conditions. I do not recommend that you use any medications especially the one for glaucoma before having him evaluated by a veterinarian as all these conditions are treated differently and medications for glaucoma can actually exacerbate other conditions if that is the case. I highly recommend that you have Redd evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Further therapy would be based on the findings. Good luck and best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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