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Dog Care | Eye Care

Eye Care

For your dog to maintain healthy eyesight, their eyes should be free from dirt, discharge, and inflammation.

Common Symptoms of Illness:

  • Red, inflamed inner eyelids
  • Debris trapped in the corners of the eye
  • Cloudiness in the eye
  • Dull eyes
  • A “third eyelid” appearing across the eye.
  • Excessive tears or strange discharge coming from the eye
  • Tear stains around the eyes

Eye Tests:

Your vet will be able to perform a number of different tests to diagnose eye issues with your dog:

  • Fluorescein stain to identify the presence of corneal ulcers
  • Schirmer Tear Test to determine the level of tear production
  • Ocular pressure to detect glaucoma
  • Ophthalmoscope to see in the eye chamber

Common Eye Conditions and Symptoms:

Conjunctivitis is when inflammation occurs in the membrane that covers both the inner lining of the eyelid and the white of the eye. It can be caused by infections, allergies, irritation or tear production.

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or Dry Eye, can happen when the cornea’s surface is damaged by a foreign object or is damaged by a lack of tear production. Bacterial infection can also be responsible. This can be very painful to dogs and causes them to squint. Certain breeds are more susceptible, such as bulldogs or older dogs.

Corneal Ulceration occurs when the surface of the cornea is scratched or damaged, either as the result of a fight with other animals or more seriously, a bacterial infection.

Epiphora is caused by constant tear production, or if the fur around the eyes causes normal tear flow to be blocked.

Cataracts & Glaucoma is a serious eye illness in both humans and dogs. Cataracts cloud the lens inside the eyes and are the most common cause of blindness in dogs. Mostly hereditary, early examination by your vet can be an excellent preventative. Glaucoma stems from too much pressure being applied to the eye’s interior. This is caused by a decrease in the amount of fluid draining from it.

How to Give Your Dog Eyedrops:

Here are some simple steps to giving your dog eye drops:

  • You may want to consider muzzling your dog.
  • Remove any debris or discharge from their eye with a cotton ball and warm water.
  • Be sure to follow the instructions on the medicine.
  • Use one hand to hold the bottle and place the other hand under the dogs jaw to support the head.
  • Tilt the head back, and to prevent blinking, use your free fingers to hold the eyelid open.
  • Hold the bottle close to the eye and do not touch the eye surface.
  • Squeeze the drops onto the eye and once the drops are in, release the head.
  • Your dog will blink, spreading the medication safely through the eye.

How to Apply Eye Ointment:

The steps for applying ointment (similar to eye drops):

  • You may want to consider muzzling your dog.
  • Remove any debris or discharge from their eye with a cotton ball and warm water.
  • Be sure to follow the instructions on the medicine.
  • Gently pull back the upper and lower eyelids.
  • Holding the tube parallel to the lower eyelid, squeeze the ointment on to its edge. Do not touch the tube to the eye surface.
  • Lightly massage the eyelids together to spread the medication.
  • Release the head, and allow your dog to blink.

It’s important to use the medication as fully directed by either the bottle or veterinarian. Always praise good behavior after with treats.