Dog Eye InfectionHealth & Diet

Dog eye infection that you must know

Like humans, dogs can suffer from eye infections and inflammation. Bacteria or viruses can infect your dog’s eyes, while irritants can cause inflammation. It is crucial to collaborate with your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause of your dog’s eye infection. They can also determine if any other underlying conditions led to the infection. 

Providing appropriate treatment and care for your dog’s eye infection, as well as any underlying conditions, is crucial for preserving your dog’s comfort and eye health. 

Symptoms of Dog Eye Infection 

If your dog has an eye infection, you might observe one or more of these symptoms. Eye infections must be treated, and they can become severe if left untreated. If your dog exhibits any signs of an eye infection, contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment. 

The indications of eye infections in dogs include: 

  • Discharge or tearing of watery consistency 
  • Discharge that is thick and foul-smelling 
  • Keeping the eye closed 
  • Light sensitivity 
  • Redness in or around the eye 
  • Scratching or rubbing the eye with their paw. 
  • Squinting and frequent blinking 
  • Swelling surrounding the eye 

Types of Eye Infections Common in Dogs 

Dogs may experience distress, light sensitivity, or redness due to several types of eye infections. Here are four of the most prevalent types of eye infections in dogs: 

  • Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye – swelling in the mucous membrane that covers the exterior of the eyeball and interior of the eyelids. 
  • Corneal inflammation 
  • Tear gland problems or physical deformities of the eyelid 
  • Uveitis – inflammation of one or more internal structures of the eye, such as the iris, ciliary body, or choroid. 

Dog Eye Infection Causes 

The reasons for several types of eye infections in dogs can vary. When your dog is down with an eye infection, the underlying causes may include the following: 

  • Bacteria (such as leptospirosis, canine brucellosis, Lyme disease, or canine ehrlichiosis) 
  • Foreign substances or debris (such as dirt, grass seeds, or even your dog’s own pelt) 
  • Fungal spores 
  • Irritants or allergens, such as smoke or shampoo 
  • Parasites 
  • Scratches or cuts on the corneal surface 
  • Trauma 
  • Viruses (such as distemper, herpes, hepatitis, or canine influenza) 

Treating Dog Eye Infections at Home 

Some of the most effective home treatments for eye infections in dogs include using homemade remedies to alleviate symptoms, such as artificial tear drops or ointments to soothe and moisturize affected areas, as well as colloidal silver and aloe vera – powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant remedies. 

Although veterinarian advice should always be sought if your pup develops eye issues, there are some home remedies and anti-inflammatories you can try at home to improve an eye infection until an appointment with the vet becomes necessary. Here are a few: 

  • Terramycin Antibiotic Ointment 

The Zoetis Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment (Oxytetracycline HCl and Polymyxin B Sulfate) is a sterile, ophthalmic antibiotic product intended to be applied directly on superficial eye infections caused by organisms resistant to both antibiotics. 

This ophthalmic ointment is intended for the treatment of superficial eye infections in dogs and cats, such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, pink eye, corneal ulcer, and corneal erosion. Additionally, it can also be used as preventative and local treatment against superficial ocular infection in livestock. 

To use Terramycin effectively, apply a thin film of medicine two to four times daily on any affected eye(s) by cleansing them prior to application to avoid contamination of the medicine and increase effectiveness. 

  • Nutri-Vet Eye Rinse for Dogs 

Nutri-Vet Eye Rinse Is Here to Keep Your Dog’s Eyes Free from Irritants and Prevent Tear Stains! 

This sterile ophthalmic eye wash for dogs will provide relief from dried mucous, foreign material, and pollen that could otherwise lead to a dog eye infection. Packed with boric acid for fighting infections as well as air pollution-related irritation and particles entering their eyes from abroad, this solution will soothe even sensitive eyes while remaining safe for cats as well. 

Use to safely remove dry mucous and foreign materials before bathing. Apply 2-3 drops in each eye for thorough cleansing that helps eliminate tear stains. 

  • Tomlyn Sterile Eye Wash 

Tomlyn offers an outstanding eye wash to keep your pup’s eyes clear, healthy, and bright with their wide range of products for pet health and well-being, including this eyewash. 

Tomlyn Sterile Eye Wash provides an effortless way to keep your dog’s eyes healthy without the use of harsh stingers or saline solutions; plus, its 4 oz bottle should last quite a while! Plus, it is convenient, user-friendly dispenser makes dosing effortless! 

The eye wash is composed of purified water, sodium borate, and sorbic acid, and is visually appealing! With an easy-to-use screw cap design and attractive packaging features. 

When to See Your Vet for Your Dog’s Eye Infection 

A dog’s eyes are delicate structures that must be examined and treated promptly when signs of eye infection, such as redness and discharge, appear. In these instances, seeing a vet immediately is imperative to start treatment immediately and protect their sight. 

Infections can be caused by various things, including bacteria, viruses, foreign objects, or even glaucoma. Your veterinarian will conduct various tests to diagnose the source and recommend appropriate treatment solutions. 

1. Conjunctivitis: 

When infected conjunctiva membranes of dogs become infected, they can quickly turn red and swell up, leading to inflammation. This is a common eye infection that can be treated using antibiotic drops or creams. 

2. Green Eye Discharge: 

If your dog exhibits green discharge from its eyes, this could be indicative of an infection caused by bacteria. A simple test to identify this type of bacteriological illness involves cultivating samples taken directly from where it occurred. 

3. Pain: 

If your dog is constantly blinking or squinting, this could be a telltale sign of an eye infection requiring professional treatment immediately. An infection in this sensitive area of their bodies is particularly painful and should be given top priority as soon as it is present. 

4. Eye Pressure: 

If your dog is showing any sign of discomfort or his eyes become dry and discolored, it is vital that they see their vet immediately, as this could be a warning sign of glaucoma, a potentially blinding condition that requires rapid treatment to avoid blindness. 

Conclusion 

Your pet’s eyes provide a window into their health. When infected, this can be terrifying both for them and their pet parent. 

Understanding the signs and causes of eye infections will enable you to quickly detect them early so they can be treated efficiently and safely.