Dogs don’t depend on their vision as much as we do, but their vision is still a major way they interact with the world around them. As the master you are in charge of their health and checkups so eye care is very essential in their living a long and healthy life.
Dogs Commonly Have These Eye Problems
Eye Infections
There are a variety of ways a dog can get an eye infection. Sometimes they just get something in their eye that has bacteria. And other times they may come into contact with another dog that’s infected.
Signs of a canine eye infection include excessive crying and whining, light sensitivity, redness, and yellow or green discharge that builds up over their eyes. Dog breeds prone to eye infections include: Cocker Spaniels, Maltese, Pekingese, Poodles, Pugs, and Shih-Tzus.
Cataracts
This is mainly a genetic condition that will make the lens of your dog’s eye appear increasingly white or cloudy, coinciding with a progressive deterioration in his vision and eventually blindness.
All dogs can develop cataracts, and it’s also possible to get them from disease, immune system disorders, or an injury. But there are still some other breeds that are also susceptible including: Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Havanese, Minature Schnauzer, Minature and Standard Poodle, Silky Terriers, and Smooth Fox Terriers.
In-Grown Eyelids
Also known as entropion, with this condition, your dog’s eyelids will actually grow or roll inwards, rubbing up against the cornea and causing damage and discomfort.
Again this condition can occur in any dog, but entropion is a leading health concern in breeds such as the Akita, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bloodhound, Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, English Bulldog, English Mastiff, Great Dane, Neapolitan Mastif, Rottweiler, Spaniel, Vizsla, and Weimaraner.
Third Eyelid Prolapse
Most of us don’t know this but all dogs have a third eyelid. The gland of this eyelid protects the cornea by secreting tears. But sometimes this gland can become swollen and exposed.
When that happens, you may see yellow mucus indicating the irritation. Brachycephalic or “flat faced” breeds like the Pekingese, Pug, and Shih-Tzu commonly have this problem.
Steps To Taking Care Of Your Dog’s Eyes
While each of the problems above are likely to require a visit to a veterinarian for consultation, there are still a number of general things you can do to keep your dog’s healthy and to catch problems in the beginning stages.
Look Into Your Dog’s Eyes
Check your dog’s eyes regularly by taking her to a bright area and looking for crust, discharge, or tearing, and making sure that there’s white around the eyeball.
Also look for cloudiness, unequal pupil sizes, a visible third eyelid, a change in eye color, closed eyes, or rubbing of the eyes. These are signs your dog needs to see a vet.
Check The Lining
Look at the inner lining of the dog’s eyelid by rolling the lid down. You want it to be pink, not white or red.
Clean The Eyes Out
Keep the dogs eyes free of gunk and crustiness, by using a damp cotton ball and wiping outward from the corner of her eye, being careful not to scratch the cornea. Use dog eye wash if you see redness, which is common during dry winters.
Keep Your Dogs Hair Clipped
Long hair can scratch and poke your dog’s eyes, so trim the bangs using round-tip scissors.
Close Your Windows
Dog’s love putting their head out the window of your car when driving, but wind and debris can actually cause serious eye problems.