Eye inflammation in dogs can be dangerous and irritating as your dog's eyes are sensitive organs – and eye problems such as an eye infection or an eye infection are incredibly unpleasant to deal with. Mild irritation – such as red eyes or watery eyes – is quite common – especially in young puppies whose immune systems are not fully developed. When your dog spends their days sniffing around in gravel, dirt and dirty pavements, these particles can collect in the corner of their eyes and cause discomfort. But how do you know if the eye irritation will go away on its own or if it is a serious eye infection that needs to be seen by a veterinarian? In this blog post, we will look at what you should do if your dog develops eye infection.
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What is the difference between an eye infection and an eye infection in dogs?
It is common for the terms eye inflammation and eye infection to be confused. This may be because an inflammation often occurs if the dog has an infection. It is also very common for the symptoms of different eye problems to overlap. For us veterinarians, it is important to distinguish the different terms - as the best and most effective treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. For example, if we use antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, this will not be of much use if a virus is the cause of the eye problem. For the sake of simplicity, we use eye inflammation as a collective term for the various eye problems eye inflammation, eye infection and conjunctivitis in this post.
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Causes of eye inflammation in dogs
There are many causes of eye inflammation and other discomfort in or around the eyes. For example, it can be due to poor tear quality, wounds or eyelids that are positioned incorrectly and cause irritation to the eye. It can also be due to allergies – or irritation due to wind, dust or smoke. General infections elsewhere in the body can also manifest in the eyes in the form of eye inflammation or inflammation. Whatever the cause – eye problems are troublesome for your dog and should be seen by a veterinarian. If injuries and diseases go untreated for a long time, it can, in the worst case, lead to blindness or lifelong treatment.
Symptoms of eye inflammation in dogs
Symptoms of eye inflammation in dogs overlap with many other eye diseases. Without proper examinations, it is difficult as a dog owner to distinguish between mild or more serious eye problems. If you notice that your dog shows any of the symptoms below, it is a good idea to contact a vet who can give good advice:
- Pinching of one or both eyes
- Watery eyes with clear or grey/yellow/green discharge
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Swelling around the eye or on the eyelid
- Color changes in the eyes
- Light shyness
- Changed behavior
- Frequent blinking
- The dog scratches the eye
- Sneezing or runny nose
- Signs of pain or sores in the eye
How are eye infections and other eye problems treated in dogs?
How eye inflammation and other eye problems are treated will depend on the cause, the situation and your dog. In mild cases, the vet will consider that you can treat the eye yourself at home. However, even though some eye problems may seem mild – they quickly worsen if not treated properly. If the case turns out to be more acute, the dog should be examined at a veterinary clinic with access to tests and instruments. Here, we can, for example, measure tear production, stain the cornea to look for ulcers and perform other thorough eye examinations.
Can I use salt water if my dog has an eye infection?
Many people wonder if you can rinse your dog's eye with saline if you suspect eye inflammation. If your dog only has mild irritation in the eyes or an unproblematic eye inflammation, it won't hurt to rinse their eyes gently with sterile saline or eyewash. This can be purchased in bottles or in ampoules at the pharmacy. If you notice that the condition is worsening, you should contact your veterinarian.
Other eye diseases in dogs
There are a number of hereditary eye diseases in dogs – and some dog breeds are also more prone to these diseases. It is important to be aware of potential eye problems and diseases so that they can be treated early. This way you can reduce the risk of constant discomfort, pain and in some cases blindness in your dog. An example is eye disorders in shih tzu and other brachycephalic dogs (dog breeds with short muzzles). Due to the way their eyes are positioned, they are vulnerable to damage or prolapse of the eyeball. Other hereditary diseases in dogs are progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), glaucoma and cataracts. These eye diseases can be detected by an eye exam at your veterinarian.
Taking care of the eye health of our furry friends is essential for a happy and content dog. Be aware of signs that indicate eye problems – and remember that it is better to contact a veterinarian once too many than once too few. At A-Vet Smådyrklinikk in Larvik, we have special expertise in eye diseases and eye problems in dogs. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about your four-legged friend!
