How to recognize, treat and prevent dog eye infection.
Your dog’s eyes are sensitive instruments and prone to all kinds of infections. The dog, of course, is not able to clean his eyes. It is up to you to clean the eyes daily, especially the crud that forms at the corners of the eyes and is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Dog Eye Infection Symptoms
This first sign of an eye infection is often redness and swelling, accompanied by thick, discolored discharge. The eyes may also be bloodshot and the dog may appear to be squinting. Often they will also paw at their eyes, which just makes matters worse.
If your dog has these symptoms you’ll need to take him to a vet for an examination. The vet will need to determine the root of the problem, because the symptoms of eye infection are similar to those for allergies.
Dog Eye Infection: Which dogs are at risk?
Some dogs are more prone to eye infections than others. Breeds that have tear straining, including the Maltese, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu and similar small dogs, are particularly at risk, as the damp, “tear-stained” areas attract bacteria.
Dog Eye Infection: Prevention
To avoid infections, keep your dog’s eyes clean. As part of your daily grooming routine, wipe the eyes clean with a damp cotton ball, clearing away the discharge that gathers in the corners of the eyes.
Also groom and carefully trim the fur around the eyes. And if your dog is a breed that has tear staining, wipe this area clean with a special tear stain remover, like Angels Eyes.
If your dog does get an eye infection, take them to the vet for antibiotic treatment. Also, if the dog eye infection turns out to be conjunctivitis, you may need to have other pets in your home treated as it is highly contagious.
