Our sense of sight should never be taken for granted; the same goes for our dog’s sense of sight. One of the responsibilities of dog ownership is maintaining optimum eye health in your dog. While your dog might be at a greater risk for eye health issues because of his breed or age, there are some things you can do on a regular basis to keep his eyes healthy and strong. Read the steps below for the actions you need to take with regard to your dog’s eye health.
Step 1: Get informed about the eye health issues that are common to your dog’s breed. Whether it’s genetics, poor breeding history or some other factor, some dog breeds are more prone to eye health issues than others. Do some research on the eye conditions that your dog might be prone to based on his breed. Being more informed will allow you to identify possible problems before they become more serious. It is especially important to do your research if you have a puppy, as puppies are susceptible to even more eye health issues than you might think.
Step 2: Prevention is the key. One way to prevent your dog from getting eye infections or corneal scratches is to never let him hang his head out the window while you’re driving. While it may look like the dog is enjoying this small act, it is the cause of many eye health issues. Also, do not allow him to sit in the back of a truck, as he will be constantly exposed to the dust and debris that circulates through the air while driving.
Step 3: Trim his bangs. Keep the area around your dog’s eye nice and neat. Some breeds naturally have longer hair around their eyes; dog owners should not be afraid to trim this hair. If you don’t like the idea of having a pair of clippers or scissors so close to your dog’s eye, make regular appointments for him at the groomer.
Step 4: Keep your dog’s eyes clean. Mucus tends to build up in the corners of many dog’s eyes. Rather than pick at it with your fingers, take a cloth that is moistened with warm water and simply rub it over the eyes. There are also several eye wash products on the market that are safe to use on your pet’s eyes on a regular basis. (Eye cleansing should only be used to maintain regular eye health; do not do this if you suspect your dog has an eye issue, as you could irritate the eye further.)
Step 5: Wipe those tears away. Many breeds have an increased tear production that results in stains beneath their eyes. These are usually referred to as tear stains or eye drainage stains. If your dog is prone to these stains, purchase a tear stain remover and work it into your dog’s regular grooming routine.
Step 6: Check for cloudiness. Some dog owners fail to recognize the symptoms that can indicate Glaucoma, as many of the symptoms are similar to those found in conjunctivitis. Dog owners need to make an appointment with a veterinarian immediately upon noticing a cloudy look to their dog’s eyes.
Step 7: Be alert for discharge or reddening. Conjunctivitis is one of the most commonly treated eye health issues in dogs. If you notice your dog’s eyes are red, irritated and have increased discharge, make an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian.
Be vigilant about any changes in your dog’s appearance or behavior. If your dog is squinting, swollen, or pawing at his eyes this might indicate an eye health issue. Be alert for any discoloration or haziness of the eye, as well as an increase in tear or mucus production. Sometimes even a loss of appetite or lethargic behavior can indicate an eye health issue. You know your dog better than anyone. If he has any of these symptoms and/or he doesn’t seem like himself, get him checked out immediately.
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