How to Treat Eye Discharge in a Dog

Your dog’s vision is an important part of his life. Since a dog's iris is larger than a human’s, he has a greater field of vision and sensitivity to light. Some dog experts believe dogs see in color just as people do. As much as your dog depends upon his vision, it’s important to protect his eyes. Here's how to clean your dog's eye discharge.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Look for tiny eyelashes that grow near the inside corner of your dog’s eyes and extend into the eye itself. This causes tearing and staining on his face. Since trimming these eyelashes is dangerous, your vet may want to remove them surgically to improve his vision health.
2. Observe a large red, swollen tear duct. Known as “cherry eye,” this condition is a result of other conditions, such as dental problems or dehydration. The eye may crust over with dried matter. Your veterinarian will prescribe medication but if that does not relieve the swelling and discharge, surgery will correct the problem.
3. Notice if your dog develops a sudden aversion to brightly lit rooms and exhibits an inflammation of the white of the eye. A foreign body, such as grass or pollen, may lodge under the eyelid and irritate the eye. The discharge will be clear. Your pooch may need surgery to remove the objectand restore his vision health.
4. Roll up your car windows when your pet dog is traveling with you. Some dogs love to feel the wind on their face but if they are prone to eye infections, this behavior could be harmful to their vision health.
5. Keep moist eye wipes handy to remove matter and clean tear stains from your dogs face often. Wiping will also remove dust around the eye that acts as an irritant. Use only wipes made for a dog's eyes.
6. Apply your dog's eye drops to the inside corner of his eye and let him blink his eyes to spread them. Avoid dropping the medication directly onto the iris.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit your veterinarian if your pet dog exhibits eye discharge that does not go away with treatment.