Understanding the Causes and Treatments of Dog's Red Eyes
Aug 26,2024 | puaintapets
If you've noticed that your dog's eye is red, it's understandable to be concerned. A red eye in dogs can indicate a range of conditions, from minor irritations to more serious health issues. In this article, we'll explore the potential causes of red eyes in dogs, when to seek veterinary care, and possible treatment options.
What Causes of Red Eyes in Dogs
1. Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of red eyes in dogs. Dogs, like humans, can be allergic to various environmental factors such as pollen, dust, mold, or even certain foods. Symptoms of allergic reactions may include redness, itching, and excessive tearing.
Also Read: Dog Allergies Eyes: Understanding Impact on the Eyes
2. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the eyelids. It can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, allergies, or irritants. Conjunctivitis often results in red, swollen eyes with discharge.
3. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)
Dry eye occurs when a dog's eyes don't produce enough tears to keep the eye moist. This condition can lead to redness, irritation, and inflammation. Dogs with dry eye may also experience a thick, sticky discharge.
4. Injury or Trauma
Physical injury to the eye, such as scratches or foreign objects, can cause redness and swelling. If your dog has been in a fight, rubbed its eye excessively, or encountered sharp objects, the redness may be due to trauma.
5. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that involves increased pressure within the eye, leading to redness, pain, and vision loss. It requires immediate veterinary attention, as it can quickly lead to permanent blindness.
6. Uveitis
Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It can result from infections, immune-mediated diseases, or trauma. Uveitis can cause significant redness, pain, and sensitivity to light.
7. Corneal Ulcers
A corneal ulcer is an open sore on the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. It can be caused by injuries, infections, or dry eye. Corneal ulcers are often painful and can cause redness, squinting, and excessive tearing.
8. Cherry Eye
Cherry eye occurs when the gland in the dog's third eyelid prolapses, creating a red, swollen mass in the corner of the eye. While not painful, cherry eye requires surgical correction to prevent complications.
9. Foreign Objects
Sometimes, a small particle like dust, dirt, or a grass seed can get trapped in your dog’s eye, causing irritation and redness. If not removed, these foreign objects can lead to more severe issues like corneal ulcers.
10. Infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause the eye to become red and swollen. Infections often result in discharge and may spread to both eyes if not treated promptly.
Related: Why Are My Dogs Eyes Red
What Should You Do Properly When Your Dog's Eyes Are Red?
When your dog's eyes become red, you should take the following steps immediately.
Observe the symptoms
Watch for symptoms such as tearing, increased discharge, frequent blinking, or attempts to paw at the eyes.
Stop using substances that may irritate the eyes
If your dog has been exposed to substances that may irritate the eyes, such as smoke, perfume or certain plants, move him or her to a safe environment immediately.
Clean the eyes
Gently flush your dog's eyes with saline or a pet-specific eye cleaning solution to help remove possible foreign bodies or allergens.
Use anti-inflammatory eye drops
As recommended or prescribed by your veterinarian, anti-inflammatory eye drops can be given to your dog to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Avoid self-medication
Do not use human eye drops or medications that have not been recommended by your veterinarian as this may further irritate your dog's eyes.
Wear an Elizabethan collar
To prevent your dog from scratching his eyes, he should be given an Elizabethan collar to wear during the application of eye drops.
Contact your veterinarian
If redness in your dog's eyes is accompanied by other serious symptoms or does not improve after initial treatment, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for further examination and treatment.
Remember, prompt treatment and professional advice from your veterinarian are vital to the health of your dog's eyes. Don't ignore any eye problems that could cause long-term damage.
You may interestred in: Dog Red Eyes Home Remedy
How to Clean Your Dog's Eyes Properly?
In order to clean your dog's eyes properly and prevent infection, you can follow the steps below.
Prepare cleaning materials
Prepare some sterile saline or pet-friendly eye cleaning solution and clean cotton balls or soft cloths.
Wash your hands
Before cleaning your dog's eyes, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid spreading bacteria to your dog's eyes.
Gentle Cleaning
Gently pull your dog's eyelids apart, dip a cotton ball or cloth in a small amount of cleaning solution, and gently wipe from the inside to the outside of the eye to remove discharge and impurities. Be careful not to let the cotton ball or cloth touch your dog's eyeball.
Replacing the cotton ball or cloth
Use a new cotton ball or cloth to clean the other eye to avoid cross infection.
Checking the eyes
After cleaning, check your dog's eyes for redness, swelling, increased discharge, or other unusual symptoms.
Reward your dog
After cleaning is complete, give your dog a reward, such as a pet or a small snack, to create a positive association.
Regularly cleaning your dog's eyes can help prevent infections and other eye problems. If you notice persistent redness or other symptoms in your dog's eyes, consult your veterinarian. During the cleaning process, make sure you move gently to avoid additional irritation or damage to your dog's eyes.
How to Prevent Infections and Inflammation in Your Dog's Eyes?
Keep the eyes clean
Gently wipe around your dog's eyes with a cotton ball moistened with warm water on a regular basis to remove dirt and discharge. Avoid using human cleaning products as they may be harmful to your dog's eyes.
Avoid exposure to irritants
Minimize your dog's exposure to irritants such as dust, fumes, chemicals and foreign objects that can cause eye inflammation or damage.
Regular Veterinary Checkups
Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular eye exams so that potential eye conditions can be detected and treated in a timely manner.
Provide a balanced diet
Make sure your dog's diet contains enough vitamins and antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C and E, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for eye health.
Cut eye hair short
If your dog has long eye hairs, trim them regularly to prevent them from coming into contact with the eyes and reduce the risk of infection.
Also Read: How to Groom A Dog
Indoor environmental hygiene
Keep your dog's living environment clean, clean your dog's shelter and toys regularly, and avoid contact with other sick pets.
By taking the above measures, you can effectively reduce the risk of eye infections and inflammation in your dog and keep his eyes healthy.
What to Do When Your Dog Has a Foreign Body in His Eye
When your dog has a foreign object in its eye, you can follow these steps.
- Immediately stop your dog from scratching the eye, you can wrap your dog's paw with cotton or a strip of cloth to prevent further damage to the eye.
- Flush the eye with saline, you can gently prop open your dog's eyelid with your index finger and thumb and then flush the eye with saline from the inside to the outside to help flush the foreign body out.
- Check the eye to make sure all foreign bodies have been removed. If the foreign body is difficult to remove or you are concerned about injury to your dog's eye, stop doing it yourself immediately and take your dog to a veterinarian.
- Avoid using a hard object to remove the foreign body on your own as this may injure your dog's eyes.
- Remain calm during handling and make sure your hands are clean to minimize the risk of infection.
If your dog's eye continues to show redness, swelling, increased discharge, or other unusual symptoms after treatment, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for further examination and treatment. Safety and promptness are key when dealing with foreign objects in your dog's eyes.
When to Visit the Veterinarian
You should take your dog to the hospital immediately when any of the following conditions occur
Red eyes accompanied by discharge
If your dog's eyes are not only red, but also have a pus or bloody discharge, this could be a sign of a serious infection.
Swollen or closed eyes
Swelling around the eyes or frequent rubbing of the eyes by the dog may indicate a foreign body, serious infection or other eye damage.
Behavioral changes
Dogs exhibiting unusual behavior such as restlessness, pain response, or sensitivity to light can be a sign of an eye problem.
Breathing difficulties
If your dog is having difficulty breathing due to eye discomfort, this may be an emergency and needs immediate attention.
Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea
Dogs with persistent vomiting or diarrhea may become dehydrated quickly and require prompt medical intervention.
Loss of appetite and weight loss
If a dog suddenly becomes reluctant to eat and loses a significant amount of weight, this may be a sign of a health problem.
Decreased mobility
Dogs that appear unusually tired or unable to walk properly may have a serious health problem.
Altered level of consciousness
Dogs that appear to be unconscious, fainting, or lethargic are an emergency and require immediate medical attention.
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait to contact your veterinarian or go to the nearest animal hospital.
FAQs
What are Common Eye Diseases in Dogs?
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, which may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or a foreign body, is characterized by redness and swelling of the eye and increased discharge.
Cataracts
Clouding of the lens, resulting in vision loss, which may be secondary to genetics, aging, or other eye diseases.
Glaucoma
Increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve and may lead to blindness, with a high genetic predisposition in certain breeds.
Corneal Ulcer
Damage to the surface of the cornea, which may be caused by trauma or infection, manifesting as pain, tearing and clouding of the cornea.
Hyperplasia of the third eyelid
Prolapse of the third eyelid, possibly due to eye irritation, commonly known as “cherry eye”.
Inverted Eyelashes
Eyelashes that grow inward and irritate the eye, common in some breeds, such as the Chow Chow.
Blepharitis
Inflammation of the eyelids, which can lead to increased eyelid discharge and eyelid swelling.
Tear stains
Tears spill out of the corners of the eyes due to excessive tearing or blockage of the tear ducts, creating tear stains.
These conditions may affect your dog's vision and comfort, so prompt diagnosis and treatment is important. If you notice any eye abnormalities in your dog, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for an examination.
How to Know if Your Dog Needs Antibiotic Eye Drops?
To determine if your dog needs antibiotic eye drops, you should observe the specific symptoms and behavior of your dog's eyes. If your dog's red eyes are accompanied by increased discharge, tearing, eye pain, or photophobia, this may be a sign of a bacterial infection and antibiotic eye drops may be necessary. The most important thing to do before administering any medication is to consult your veterinarian first so that a proper examination and confirmation of the diagnosis can be made. The veterinarian may recommend a culture of the eye discharge or other tests to determine the type of infection and the appropriate treatment.
Antibiotic eye drops can help treat eye infections caused by bacteria, but antibiotics may not be effective or may not even be indicated if the inflammation is caused by a virus, allergies, or other non-bacterial factors. For this reason, antibiotic eye drops should not be given to dogs without a veterinary diagnosis. Following your veterinarian's instructions and following the recommended dosage and treatment regimen can be effective in controlling the infection and promoting healing in your dog's eyes. Also, ensure that you supervise your dog during treatment to prevent him from scratching his eyes with his paws to prevent the infection from worsening or causing further damage.
What Foods are Good for Your Dog's Eye Health?
Dog eye health can be maintained and promoted by specific nutrients in food. Here are some foods that contain nutrients that are beneficial to your dog's eye health.
Blueberries: rich in anthocyanins, which help to revitalize the retina, strengthen vision, prevent myopia and improve eyesight.
Carrots: rich in carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A, helping to improve your dog's eyesight.
Broccoli: rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, which can prevent macular degeneration while protecting the retina from oxidative damage.
Pumpkin: good for your dog's urinary system, it also aids in digestion and is good for your dog's eyes.
Sweet potatoes: rich in beta carotene and antioxidant anthocyanins, which are great for your dog's eyes.
Fish: especially salmon, tuna and cod, rich in EPA and DHA, which are good for your dog's coat and eye health.
Purple potatoes: rich in vitamins, the anthocyanins in them also have the effect of unclogging the tear ducts, which is helpful in managing tear stains.
Eggs: rich in glutathione, lutein and zeaxanthin, which can prevent macular degeneration and cataracts and protect the retina from oxidative damage.
These foods can be part of your dog's daily diet to help maintain his eye health. When feeding, make sure that the food is appropriate for your dog's age and health, and that it is offered in moderation. If your dog has specific eye problems, you should consult your veterinarian for individualized dietary advice.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Conclusion
Red eyes in dogs can result from various causes, ranging from mild irritations to severe conditions requiring immediate attention. Monitoring your dog’s symptoms and seeking prompt veterinary care when needed is crucial in protecting their eye health. Always consult your veterinarian for any concerns about your dog’s eyes to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment and care.
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