Expert: Becky - 1/14/2009

Question
I have an 8 month old brindle boxer. she is a professional digger at best, and i notice that occasionally she will have normal boogies in her eyes. but here lately, when she wakes up and throughout the day, she gets this thick, greenish colored type mucus all around her eyes and it is quite thick and at times i have to use warm water to separate her eyes. Her eyes are red quite often and she will itch them with her paws or rub them on our legs. i after just getting her fixed, that $30 walk in fee to go to the vet hurts, and if i have to i will go but if this might be normal or maybe something i can do at home to help...i just don't want to take her to the vet if i don't have to...any ideas???

Answer
Hi Melissa!
I have no way of knowing for sure, but your dog may have allergies. Keep using a warm wash cloth to clean her eyes. If she continues to rub her eyes, you could try giving her some Benadryl. I am going to "paste" instructions below.  Be sure to read carefully and follow directions.
I hope this helps!  God bless,   Becky

Benadryl for Dogs or Cats

Benadryl is a brand name for an anti-histamine (diphenhydramine).  Although it is considered fairly safe for use in dogs and cats,  please be aware that it does have potential adverse side effects.  It may interact with other meds that your pet is taking, so do not use it without first consulting your veterinarian. You should also use extreme caution using Benadryl in dogs that have glaucoma, prostatic disease, cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism.  

Benadryl is quite effective when used in proper dosages.  
Stops itching
Controls vomiting
Good for motion sickness
Can be used as a mild tranquilizer
Good for snake bites
Useful for vaccination reactions
Good for bee stings and insect bites

Be sure to use only the plain Benadryl formula. Giving benadryl with other combination of meds could be fatal, so be sure to read the box.

Liquid Benadryl is too high in alcohol content to be safely used for animals.  Please use capsule or pill form.  

Dosage every 8 hours
Dogs under 30 lbs and Cats :  10 mg
Dogs 30-50 lbs:  25 mg
Dogs over 50 lbs: 50 mg