Eyesight is a precious commodity for both you and your dog. Take a moment and think what it would be like if you didn’t have hands to take care of itching eyes. Fido doesn’t have hands and his nails are far from the ideal grooming tool. That’s why it is important that you take caring for your dog’s eyes seriously. Be sure to check them at least once a week to make sure there are no changes.
When healthy, a dog’s eyes are clear and moist. If you see signs of redness or inflammation, a discharge of mucus or if you dog squints, there could be an infection. Make an appointment with the dog’s vet so that eye problems can be caught early.
There are some things you can do to prevent your dog from developing eye problems. One of the most important things is to keep the eyes free of hair because hair can scratch the cornea, which is the clear membrane across the eye’s surface. While it is important to keep hair trimmed back from the eyes, use extreme caution for this grooming procedure. Use a pair of blunt-nosed scissors and cut parallel to the edge of the dog’s eyelid.
It is important to keep dogs’ eyes clear of mucus, which bacteria thrive on. Ask the dog’s veterinarian to recommend a sterile eyewash product that can be used to safely clean Fido’s eyes.
Although you know your dog is as happy as a butterfly amongst a field of nectar-producing flowers when he or she hangs their head out the window, it is best to discourage this practice. Airborne particles can enter the dog’s eyes, causing severe injury. Larger objects such as hanging tree limbs or roadside bushes can easily scratch a dog’s eyes.
When bathing, grooming or applying insecticide treatments for fleas and ticks on the dog, start by applying a protective ophthalmic ointment. Even mild shampoos can cause eye irritation. Harsher shampoos contain chemicals and strong detergents that will burn and sting the dog’s eyes. The dog’s veterinarian can recommend the best protective products to use. Many pet stores also carry protective eye ointments.
Tearstains are a hotbed for the growth of bacteria, so be sure to clean the area around the dog’s eyes to help prevent infections.
Allergies can have a detrimental effect on your dog’s eyes. If you suffer from any allergies, you know how uncomfortable it is when your eyes begin to itch. It is pretty unpleasant for Fido too. If your dog suffers from allergies, keep his or her eyes moist with eye drops that are available at pet stores or the vet’s office.
It is particularly important to monitor older dogs’ eyes closely. Aging can cause the eyes to become a bit hazy or opaque. However, haziness or opaqueness can be a sign of cataracts, which are a common eye problem among all breeds of dogs. It is best to let the dog’s veterinarian diagnose and treat the problem.
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- Options for Canine Dental Care – Alternatives to Brushing Teeth
- Canine Food Allergies
- Canine Ear Infections
- Canine Intestines
