I've noticed my dog’s eyes have been pretty red and watery lately—any recommendations for safe eye drops I can use, or should I take him to the vet first? Not sure if it's allergies or something else.

Hi there! I'm glad you're reaching out. Red and watery eyes in dogs can sometimes be a sign of allergies, but they might also indicate other issues like conjunctivitis or even a foreign object in the eye. Here's what you can keep an eye on:

• If you notice a lot of redness, swelling, yellow or green discharge, or if your dog is pawing at their eyes frequently, it's a good idea to visit the vet. These could be signs of an infection or something more serious.
• If there's any noticeable injury to the eye or if your dog is unable to open it, seek veterinary attention right away—those are emergencies.
• If it's mild and seems to fluctuate with the weather, it could be allergies. In that case, you can try using a sterile saline solution to very gently rinse your dog's eyes. Make sure it's just plain saline—no medications or additives.

While brushing up on what appears in their environment might help (like dust or possible allergens), it's wisest not to use any over-the-counter eye drops designed for humans unless specifically instructed by a vet. They can sometimes do more harm than good if there’s an underlying issue.

Keep monitoring for any change or worsening of symptoms. If there's more discharge, squinting, or your pup seems in pain, don’t wait to get them checked out.

If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.