Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Eyedrops are specifically created and prescribed for canine eye problems, such as conjunctivitis, infections, glaucoma, inflammation and cataracts. Saline solutions, which do not require a prescription, are usually used for mild eye conditions or cosmetic reasons. However, saline solutions still must be used cautiously. It's best to get a veterinarian's OK before putting saline solution in your dog's eyes.
The saline you use to rinse your contacts can make a good emergency rinse for your dog as well. It's just as safe for your dog as it is for you. You can use contact lens saline to flush debris or hydrate your dog's dry eye. The Foundation Against Companion-Animal Euthanasia (FACE) of Indiana even recommends using contact lens saline to rinse surgery incisions as they heal. The biggest challenge may be getting your dog to accept the saline.
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common eye infection in dogs and occurs due to inflamed mucous membranes and soft tissues surrounding the eye. This inflammation produces an easily discernible pink-colored irritation in the affected eye. Conjunctivitis can stem from bacterial or viral infections, allergies, trauma, foreign bodies and insufficient tear production. While more serious cases warrant a visit to the vet and usually require antibiotic eye drops, minor bouts of pink eye can be treated with home remedies that are safe, soothing and effective. If, however, a seemingly minor case of pink eye does not subside after a few…
Canine red eye, or dog conjunctivitis, is one of the most common dog eye infections. It is an inflammation of the tissue lining the eyeball and eyelids. Symptoms of canine red eye do not cause a change in vision and usually last a few days to a week.
If your dog has allergies, he probably experiences annoying and painful allergy symptoms frequently. Some of these symptoms include sneezing, hives, excessive itching, swollen ears and irritated eyes. The effects of allergies on your dog's eyes can be the most worrisome, causing impaired vision, inflammation, redness, itching, eye infections and eye disorders. If your dog's eyes are affected the most by allergies, several eye ointments can help relieve his symptoms.
When a dog suffers from an allergic response, the allergens that stimulate production of antibodies can include animal dander, human dander, certain bacteria, fleas, feathers, chemicals and food. Chemicals or histamines release into tissues and may cause inflammation and burning sensations. Always check with the veterinarian to determine the cause of this itchiness. Two eye diseases related to allergies include blepharitis and conjunctivitis.
Humans aren't the only ones to be hit hard by allergies. Dogs can suffer as much as their human companions. Signs of dog allergies include squinting, redness and swelling of the eyes, clear discharge and in some cases excessive itching. Although you should consult with your veterinarian about allergies, it is very easy for you to treat your dog.
Dogs often have allergies that affect their eyes. The reaction may be to dust, dry weather, pollens, carpet cleaners, lawn treatments, food, insect bites and immune system problems. In dogs the reaction almost always results in conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva is the inside lining of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis in dogs and humans is often called "pink eye" because of the red or pink swelling of the eye area. The eyes may also have a clear discharge.
Dry, itchy eyes can make humans miserable, and dogs are not immune from this same condition. A dog with eye dryness or irritation should be treated right away, though reaching for Visine is not likely to be the answer.
Dogs can suffer from allergies, much like their human counterparts do. Among the long list of annoying and sometimes painful allergy symptoms can be problems with the eyes. Allergy symptoms that affect a dog's eyes should be promptly addressed to prevent damage to the eye.
Dog allergies are more common than you might think. Signs of an eye allergy in dogs include a clear discharge, swelling and redness, and may be accompanied by other signs of allergy such as excessive itching. In most cases it is fairly easy to treat eye allergies in dogs. That said, it is important to have your veterinarian diagnose your dog before you assume that your dog has an eye allergy.
Ocular discharge from your dog's eyes is a symptom of allergies. There are also eye infections your dog can contract that are related to allergies. If you notice anything unusual about your dog's eyes, make an appointment with a veterinarian right away. Most veterinarians prioritize calls about eyes because what you assume might be harmless allergies could be an infection or a disease like glaucoma.
