My dog has an eye problem
The eye is a complex and sensitive organ. It is therefore important to contact the veterinarian if your dog shows any of the following symptoms:
- Thick, red eyelids
- The dog is squinting
- Crusts on the eyelids
- Increased eye discharge, such as tears or pus
- The dog is sensitive to light
- The eyes are more bulging than normal
- Your dog tries to rub its eyes against everything
- Vision has deteriorated
My dog has an eye infection
When a dog's eyes become inflamed, this is often caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the mucous membrane lining the inside of the eyelid. In healthy mucous membranes, it looks smooth, pink, and moist. The fold of mucous membrane in the corner of the eye is also called the third eyelid. It is usually not visible. If an eye is inflamed, the conjunctiva becomes red and swollen. The third eyelid also becomes more visible because of the swelling, and the eyeball retracts because of the pain. There is also a lot of eye discharge, which may consist of tears and thick green pus. Discharge can dry on the eyelids and form crusts. The cornea can also become inflamed, causing a light-blue haze with small blood vessels. The dog will squint and try to rub its eyes against anything because of the irritation.
The most common causes of an eye infection are:
- Dust
- Wind
- Bacteria
- Viruses and fungi
- Damage to the cornea
- Hairs in the eyes
- Abnormal positioning of the eyelids
- Dry eyes
Each of these causes requires a different approach. A visit to the veterinarian is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Mucus in my dog's eye corners
If there is mucus in your dog's eye corners, this is not necessarily harmful. If the eyes otherwise look fine, you can simply wipe the mucus away with your finger.
You can dip a cotton pad in cooled or lukewarm organic chamomile tea to clean mildly irritated eyes. Dab from the outer corner of the eye toward the nose. You can then care for and protect the eye with vitamin A ointment. If the eyes remain irritated for an extended period and there is a haze on the cornea, or if the discharge becomes pus-like, schedule a visit to the veterinarian. Dogs with a strong immune system are less likely to develop inflammation.
My dog has tear stains
Tear stains are dark streaks under the eyes and are caused by increased tear production or blocked tear ducts. When there is too much tear fluid, the tears can no longer drain through the tear duct toward the nose, but instead run down the cheeks. This eventually causes the hair to turn brown, creating tear stains. Visit the veterinarian so they can determine whether the cause can be treated. If the cause is an allergic reaction or hereditary predisposition, it is best to keep the fur under the eyes as clean and dry as possible. This can help prevent tear stains and possible skin irritation. Special cleaning products have been developed for tear stains. It also helps to apply petroleum jelly under the eye after cleaning, so the tear fluid does not stick to the fur.
Does my dog have cataracts?
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye lens. This appears as a gray-colored pupil. The cornea still looks clear and transparent. As the eye lens becomes cloudy, the dog may eventually become blind. Most dogs develop cataracts when they get older. It can also be hereditary, or cataracts may develop at a younger age if the mother received poor nutrition during pregnancy. Cataracts can also develop as a result of diseases, such as diabetes. In some cases, surgery by a veterinary eye specialist may help.
Dry eyes in your dog: causes and treatment
If too little tear fluid is produced, the eyes can become chronically irritated. The eyes may look dull, the nose becomes dry, and small bits of discharge occasionally stick to the center of the eye. If you think your dog is suffering from insufficient tear fluid, you are advised to make an appointment with the veterinarian. They can provide treatment consisting of artificial tears and a special eye ointment that stimulates tear production.
