Eye infections in dogs are a troublesome and uncomfortable problem, but there are preventative measures owners can take to minimize their pup’s risk.
Much like how you should keep your dog’s nails trimmed and their ears clean, you should also take steps to prevent eye infections. Eye infections can be caused by lots of different factors, and they can lead to bigger problems down the line if they go untreated. There are some signs and symptoms to watch for, as well as some preventative measures every owner can take to minimize the risk of an eye infection in their dog. If you suspect your dog may have an eye infection, take them to see your primary veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
What causes them?
There are a lot of different ways dogs can end up with an eye infection. Some of them include:
- Bacteria (Lyme disease, leptospirosis, etc.)
- Viruses (distemper, canine influenza, etc.)
- Irritants (smoke, shampoo, other chemicals)
- Foreign bodies (hair, dirt, debris)
- Parasites
- Trauma
- Fungus
It’s important to take steps to prevent eye infections in your pup because these infections can spread, and they may even lead to vision loss if left untreated.
What are the signs of an eye infection?
If you notice these symptoms, visit your veterinarian to get your pup’s eyes checked out:
- Redness of the eye(s)
- Swelling of the eye(s)
- Unusual discharge (thin, thick, smells bad)
- Overactive squinting, blinking, or refusing to keep eyes open
- Sensitivity to light
- Pawing at the eyes and face more than normal
How can you prevent them?
There is something special about seeing a dog with its face hanging out of a car window, enjoying the wind in its face as it goes for a ride. Unfortunately, this is one of the more common causes of eye infections due to dirt and debris flying into the pup’s face and lodging in their eyes. A couple of ways to prevent this is to either keep the window rolled up and your pup secure in the car or invest in some doggles (doggy goggles) that protect their eyes, allowing them to continue to feel the wind in their fur.
Some other ways to help prevent eye infections are to keep their face clean and trim the fur around their eyes to keep it from irritating their eyeball. Remember – if you are unsure- always use the expertise of a seasoned grooming specialist or your veterinarian!
Trust Maryland Veterinary Surgical Services With Your Companion’s Health
Your companion’s health is important, and the team at MVSS is ready to provide the best care possible for your furry family. We are dedicated to combining comprehensive exams and assessments with informative and honest discussions of your companion’s care. Once we have worked with you to decide on the best course of action for your dog, our professionals will use their surgical expertise to work towards the goal of giving your companion an active and pain-free life. We are proud to serve loyal companions in Catonsville and Baltimore. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 410-788-4088 or visit us online. For more information and tips for pet health, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.