When your dog’s eyes are healthy, they should be bright and clear. They should not be swollen, inflamed or have any type of discharge. Any eye problems in your dog can be very painful and irritating for them and so it is important to make sure that they receive proper care if they begin having problems.
Some things to look for when you suspect your dog is having problems with their eyes, is a change in coloration. There eyes may turn red and they may swell. They also may have discharge or matter that's either right on the eye or around it. If the eyes have a dull appearance or they begin tearing a lot, these are all signs that something is wrong. These are all signs that you will need to take your dog to the veterinarian.
There are various types of tests that your vet can perform on your dog when they believe that there is a problem. A couple of these tests include the Schirmer tear test which measures the amount of your dog’s tear production. The vet can also test to see if your dog has glaucoma by checking their ocular pressure. Corneal ulcers can be discovered with a fluorescein stain.
Common eye problems in dogs include cataracts, epiphora or glaucoma. Cataract problems in dogs is similar to what human beings experience. Their eyes will become cloudy and it can lead to blindness. For some breeds, this is a common occurrence. However, your vet will need to determine if this is what it is. Epiphora is when your dog has an excessive amount of tearing. This could be due to some type of blockage.
To remedy common dog eye problems, your vet will likely prescribe some type of drops or ointment. If you have to give your dog drops, you may want to use a muzzle. Be sure to clean the area around the eye with cotton and use some type of saline solution to clean around the area. Follow the directions and then administer the drops to your dog. The same things need to occur if you need to use ointment. Again, your dog may require a muzzle. Clean the eye area and then follow the directions on the medication. Make sure that the tear dropper or the ointment container does not touch the dog’s eye. Also, give your dog their medication for as long as the prescription dictates so that the condition will not come back prematurely. Giving your dog a treat after you have given them their treatment will make it easier for you to administer it to them in the future.
