What's the most important thing when it comes to taking care of a dog's eyes?
The most important thing is ensuring that there's no hair trapped around the eyes and that they're clean. For instance, a dog with nice, bright, and shiny eyes is a sign of perfectly healthy eyes.
Dr. Noel Lucas
Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
How does proper eye care impact the health and well-being of a dog?
Just like us, dogs only get two eyes, which are their windows to the world. There are a lot of nerve endings around the eyes, so ocular pain, discharge, or discomfort can seriously impact a dog's general quality of life and daily comfort.
Should I bring my dog in to see a veterinarian if I suspect some real vision problems going on?
Absolutely. If you have any concern about your dog's ocular health, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. Eye diseases can worsen quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. If you notice winking or tearing, that means there's pain in the eye, and we would want to see your dog as soon as possible.
What are some symptoms of eye problems or diseases in dogs?
Symptoms could range from mucoid discharge, which may change from a milky white and clear (which is normal) to a yellow or green discharge. Dogs with eye problems may rub their eyes with their paws or rub their faces on the carpet or furniture. Dogs may tear excessively and keep their eyes closed if something scratches their cornea. They can also get foreign bodies - for example, we had a pet that had a blade of grass stuck in its eye- in and around their eyes, causing discomfort, redness, and tearing. Other common issues include eyelid tumors, changes with the lens like cataracts, aging-related changes called lenticular sclerosis, and retinal problems.
How important is it to avoid self-diagnosing?
Self-diagnosing can be difficult and dangerous as the eye can present with a variety of symptoms. It often requires veterinarians to perform some special tests and close observation with bright light magnification to accurately diagnose the issue.
Early detection and diagnosis of problems is important, isn't it?
Yes, early detection is crucial. Delaying treatment for serious eye problems could potentially lead to the loss of the eye. If you have any concerns about your dog's eyes, reach out to your veterinarian immediately for an examination. If you're in the local Mount Juliet area, you can reach out to us here at Blue Oasis Pet Hospital. We're here to help.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (615) 975-2583 , or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Eye Care - FAQs 1
Dr. Noel Lucas
Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
Dr. Lucas, how can I tell if my dog's eye is injured?
Usually, your dog will show signs of discomfort. They may wink at you, keep their eye closed, or have excessive tearing. Tears may spill down the nasal area, and they may even sneeze due to the tears running into their nose. The eye might also appear red and irritated.
Are there certain dog breeds that are more prone to eye issues?
Yes, dogs with bulgy eyes like Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Bulldog breeds (Frenchies and Old English Bulldogs) are more prone to eye injuries. They have more ocular surface or eyes that are forward-facing, so their eyelids are back, exposing more of their eyes. However, other breeds, like the German Shepherd, also have distinct eye diseases associated with them. You should consult your veterinarian for more information about breed-specific ocular diseases.
How will cataracts be diagnosed in my dog, and what's the treatment?
Cataracts in dogs are similar to those in humans. The lens in the middle of the eye becomes white, solid, and opaque, making it impossible to see through. We diagnose cataracts by examining the eye with a light. Sometimes cataracts are due to aging, but they can also occur in diabetic dogs or as a result of an eye injury. Treatment options include leaving the cataract untreated, though this can lead to inflammation and secondary glaucoma, or referring your dog to a veterinary ophthalmologist who can remove the cataract and potentially restore some sight.
What's the best way to give my dog eye medication?
It's best to use a food reward since dogs are food-motivated. Have your dog look up, then bring your hand up and around the back to apply the medication from the top down. Use one drop or a grain-of-rice-sized amount of ointment between the eyelids, then gently massage the area. It could be helpful to place a treat, like peanut butter or squeeze cheese, on a wall to have the dog look up while you apply the medication.
Can dogs get pink eye?
Yes, dogs can get pink eye, which is a bacterial infection. We tend to see it from pet to pet in daycares where they play and are in close contact, but it's not highly contagious from dog to dog, and it's not contagious to humans. It causes a red, inflamed eye and usually a green mucoid discharge.
What can I do for my dog that has a cherry eye or a red eye?
Dogs actually have 3 eyelids. Cherry eye is a term for when a dog's third eyelid, which is usually tucked up into the inner corner of the eye, pops out. The gland in that eyelid can look like a red, inflamed cherry. There are various treatments for this condition, so you should consult your veterinarian.
For any other questions about dog eye care, please reach out to your veterinarian or, if you're in the Mount Juliet area, feel free to contact the Blue Oasis Pet Hospital.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (615) 975-2583 , or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Eye Care - FAQs 2
Dr. Noel Lucas
Blue Oasis Pet Hospital
Can I treat my dog's eye infection at home?
Dr. Noelle Lucas advises strongly against this. A proper diagnosis and prescription from a vet is crucial before starting any treatment. She warns against applying any substance into the dog's eyes without a vet's recommendation.
What signs should I look for that may indicate a problem with my dog's eyes?
Signs that warrant a vet's attention include excessive matting around the eyes, frequent winking or tearing, itchiness around the face or eyes, and any other concerning behavior. In these cases, call your vet for an eye examination.
Can I use eyedrops for my dog's eyes?
Eyedrops can be used if prescribed by a vet. Buying over-the-counter eyedrops from local stores without a vet's approval is discouraged. It is important to examine the dog's eyes to determine the appropriate treatment.
Are there vision tests for dogs?
While there isn't an eye test similar to what humans undergo, there are some vision tests conducted at the vet's office. These include tracking a laser pointer or cotton balls, and checking pupil reactivity to bright light.
What causes blindness in dogs?
Severe corneal disease caused by dry eye or chronic keratitis, dense cataracts, and retinal detachment are some causes of dog blindness. If you suspect vision loss, take your dog to a vet as it could be due to age-related changes. Eyesight cannot be maintained just by applying substances to the eyes, as vision loss is usually due to a biological process.
How can I take care of my dog's eyes?
Regular cleaning can help keep a dog's eyes healthy by removing excess mucus or matting, but it will not prevent blindness. Anyone with specific questions about their dog's ocular health should reach out to their vet.
For further inquiries, feel free to reach out to Blue Oasis Pet Hospital and Dr. Lucas..
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (615) 975-2583 , or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram