Top 7 Antimicrobial Ophthalmic Drops for Dogs in Canada (2026)

A widely used topical aminoglycoside for bacterial eye infections in dogs, tobramycin 0.3% is valued for strong gram‑negative coverage (including Pseudomonas) and rapid bacterial kill. As a generic aqueous drop it is generally more affordable and less vision‑obscuring than ointments like Terramycin or BNP, making it the pragmatic first‑line antimicrobial in many veterinary practices compared with purely supportive products (I‑Drop, Optixcare) or specialty healing gels (Remend) which are adjunctive rather than primary antimicrobials.

Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ophthalmic Gel is a market-leading non-antibiotic antiseptic gel designed to reduce microbial load while being gentle on ocular tissues, giving it a technical advantage for contaminated wounds or when avoiding traditional antibiotics. Compared with Polysporin's antibiotic strategy this gel emphasizes a broad-spectrum, non-antibiotic mechanism and longer ocular contact time, and while typically pricier, it serves as a versatile first-line antiseptic that pairs well with rinsing or lubricating drops like I-Drop Vet Plus or Remend.

I‑Drop Vet Plus is a preservative‑free lubricating eye drop designed for canine tear support and surface comfort rather than direct antimicrobial action, making it a best‑in‑class supportive product for dry, irritated eyes. It is often used alongside prescription antimicrobials to improve comfort and drug contact time; while it does not replace antibiotics like tobramycin or Terramycin, it is typically lower cost than specialty corneal gels and avoids the blurring associated with ointments.

Terramycin combines oxytetracycline and polymyxin B in an ointment base to provide broad‑spectrum coverage with prolonged ocular contact, making it a market‑leading choice for overnight therapy and situations where sustained antibiotic presence is desired in dogs. Compared with aqueous agents like generic tobramycin it trades some gram‑negative potency for longer retention and convenience, and it is often priced competitively against other ointments such as BNP while offering a well‑established veterinary track record.

Optixcare Eye Health uses hyaluronic acid for high‑viscosity, long‑lasting lubrication aimed at chronic dry eye and surface protection in dogs, making it a top supportive product for corneal health. Although not antimicrobial, its superior retention and comfort can reduce the frequency of instillation and support healing when used alongside antibiotics like tobramycin or Terramycin; it tends to command a premium versus simple tear solutions but can lower overall treatment burden through better symptom control.

BNP is a widely available triple‑antibiotic ointment for dogs that combines bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin B to deliver broad coverage in a low‑cost, over‑the‑counter format with long contact time. Financially attractive for routine, mild infections and post‑procedural prophylaxis, BNP is a practical alternative to branded ointments like Terramycin, though clinicians may prefer tobramycin for severe gram‑negative infections and must consider neomycin sensitivity in some patients.