

Signs that Your Dog Needs to See a Veterinarian If your dog's symptoms are mild and he/she has a normal appetite and energy level, and does not have any other symptoms of illness, it is okay to monitor him/her for a few days. Eye discharge may be clear and runny, or it may be green/yellow and thick. Protect the eyes with goggles designed for dogs.Executive Leadership, Foster Caregivers, Public, Shelter/Rescue Staff & Volunteers, Veterinary TeamĮye discharge in dogs is a symptom rather than a disease itself, and has a variety of causes.Trim hair around the eye so that it won't irritate the eyeball.Dust, seeds, and other foreign bodies can fly into the eye on the wind. One good way to protect them is to close the window when you are driving. Avoid trauma to the eye or the introduction of foreign bodies.There are a few steps you can take to prevent eye infections in your dog: (Do not use over-the-counter eyedrops designed for humans, such as Visine.) In many cases, eyedrops or ointments are required. Issues related to the eyes alone may require both systemic (involving the whole body) and topical medications. Sometimes this will involve treating an underlying condition, such as an allergy, autoimmune disease, or tumors. Your vet will pinpoint the cause of your dog's eye discomfort and create a treatment plan. Steps for Applying Your Dog's Eye Medication Corneal staining with a fluorescein dye that will reveal ulcers or other breaks in the surface of the cornea.Dilation with special eye drops allow the vet to examine the back of the eye, including the condition of the optic nerve and retina and the reflectivity of the tapetum, a layer of tissue in the canine eye that reflects light and improves night vision.Intraocular pressure (IOP), measured with an instrument called a tonometer, to look for signs of glaucoma.Visual examination with a focal light source of the eyelids and front half of the eye.


Abnormalities in the eyelids and tear glandsĪs in humans, there are many causes of dog eye infections.Uveitis, which is inflammation in the interior portion of the eye, consisting of the iris, ciliary body (a circular structure just behind the iris), and the choroid (tissues behind the iris).Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye or red eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin mucous membrane covering the front of the eye and lining the inner surface of the eyelid.These are some of the basic types of infection, including: Left untreated, eye infections can spread or lead to vision loss. If your canine pal is exhibiting discomfort, redness, or even sensitivity to light, it's a good idea to consult your veterinarian. There are many causes of eye infections in dogs.
