This is what I do for eyes... and I have to say if it smells, there
is some type of infection, usually bacterial or yeast. Even though there may be no infection in the eye, it may be around the eye. You do want to use an AB for the eye in the eye and allow a little bit to saturate around the eye. If both are not treated at the same time, it'll continue to be a problem.
Any one of the top 3 below and either one of the last two products.
The first product is an ointment and will stay in the eye longer, but the dog may not be able to see too well after using it bc it's a bit thick. Great for bathtime protection though.
I get whatever triple AB ophthalmic ointment
without steroids from my vet ($8-$12 for a teeny tiny tube) or I believe Drs Foster and Smith carry it, or Terramycin Opthalmic ointment is good also. I don't know if Petco or Petsmart carry it, they may. I only use that when the eye looks questionable, colored goop, and/or smelly and stuff. Once it's looking better consistantly, then I use the plain drops or ointment. Mine have woken up with funky eyes and after one cleaning and AB ointment it had cleared up. My Peek got bit once on his lower lid on the inside, it swelled as I watched it... grabbed my rinse, cleaned it and by the time the vet saw it that morning it was almost all healed!
If you can't find these products, look for an eyewash, and an eye lube ointment or drops that don't contain preservatives, or are for sensitive eyes, and is as close to Natural Tears as possible. No red out, antihistimine, or extra garbage allowed. It can get confusing... if you're still not sure ask your vet for a product that would be safe to use for everyday eye care, to rinse out a foreign body or pollen and dust from the eye. And lubricant drops to soothe and protect after rinsing, or for bathtime.
Either way, the main thing is to only use products made for the eye, and always watch for signs of a reaction. I always try any eye products in my own eye first to see how it feels. Sometimes warming the eye wash to a little above room temp will make it more comfortable when you use it in a pet's eyes.
Sorry about the extraneous printed matter... I copied my shopping cart! I'm leary of using most of the stuff they make for tear staining too. Many say not to get into the eye... that's close to impossible to not do!
ItemSizeWeightUnit PriceActionsTears Again Sterile Lubricant Eye Ointment
https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/images/fs...1571890635.jpg
Brand
Tears Again Title Tears Again Sterile Lubricant Eye Ointment Related FREE standard shipping eligible
Details. FSA Eligible ONLINE ONLY 0.12 OZ 0.03 LBS $5.99 OUT OF STOCK
https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/images/co...dd_tocart1.gif Remove
CVS Sensitive Solution Lubricant Eye Drops
https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/images/fs...5042812752.jpg
Brand
CVS/pharmacy Title CVS Sensitive Solution Lubricant Eye Drops Related FREE standard shipping eligible
Details. FSA Eligible 70.0 EA 0.41 LBS $15.99
https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/images/co...addtocard1.gif Remove
Tears Again Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops
https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/images/fs...1571890430.jpg
Brand
Tears Again Title Tears Again Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops Related FREE standard shipping eligible
Details. FSA Eligible ONLINE ONLY 1.0 OZ 0.10 LBS $5.99
https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/images/co...addtocard1.gif Remove
Ocufresh Eye Shower Single Use Vials
https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/images/fs...6410831112.jpg
Brand
OcuFresh Title Ocufresh Eye Shower Single Use Vials Related FREE standard shipping eligible
Details. FSA Eligible ONLINE ONLY 60.0 EA 0.15 LBS $32.99
https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/images/co...addtocard1.gif Remove
Ocufresh Eye Wash
https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/images/fs...6410831111.jpg
Brand
OcuFresh Title Ocufresh Eye Wash Related FREE standard shipping eligible
Details. FSA Eligible 6.0 CT 0.45 LBS $5.79
https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/images/co...addtocard1.gif Remove
I also use sterile saline to soften the goop, then I use a wide toothed comb, then a narrow toothed comb to remove any knots and goop. Then I go through the hair with a flea comb, before and after cleaning with the saline solution. Sometimes this needs to be done a few times, then I apply the AB ointment to the eye and the skin around the eye.