Eye Infections In Dogs- What You Need To Know

Eye infections in dogs occur when harmful micro-organisms — bacteria, fungi and viruses — invade any part of the eyeball or surrounding area. If you suspect an eye infection in your pet, you should always visit your veterinarian for an eye examination. Trying to self-diagnose their condition can delay effective treatment and potentially harm their sight. Eye Infection Symptoms In Dogs: Common signs and symptoms of an eye infection in dogs include: • Squinting: Increased eyelid blinking or sensitivity to light. • Pawing at the eye: can indicate pain or itchiness. • Swelling of eyelids: puffy eyelids. • Redness: The eye looks pinker or redder than normal. • Discharge: varies with the type of infection. > Clear discharge is typically the cause of respiratory infections or allergies. > Cloudy or yellowish discharge can be a dry eye disease. > Purulent or thick yellowish-green pus may be a bacterial infection rnYou will usually see multiple signs appearing at once, like a red, squinty eye. This is because if the eye is infected with bacteria, the immune system will react with inflammation, discharge, redness, or swelling) which may also be painful and cause pawing and squinting. It is vital to have your dog undergo a complete ophthalmological examination if you are concerned with your pet having allergies, corneal ulcers, dry eyes, or wounds that look alike. Causes And Types Of Eye Infections In Dogs:rnExamples of viral, fungal and bacterial eye infections in dogs include: • Cataractsrn• Ectropionrn• Entropionrn• Conjunctivitisrn• Dry Eyern• Pannusrn• Irritationsrn• Lacrimal Duct Issuesrn• Cherry Eyern• Lenticular Sclerosis The most common cause of eye infection in dogs is a bacterial infection caused by injury, such as a scrape or ulcer on the eye. Dogs sometimes scratch their eyes with the paw while playing, and that cut on the cornea is filled with bacteria that prevent it from healing. Eye Infection Treatments: Fortunately, the most common bacterial eye infections clear up, particularly with prompt care, antibiotic eye drops or ointments and cold compresses. Most common viral eye infections are usually healed on their own. The antiviral eye drops are recommended in cases of severe viral eye infections. Some viral eye infections require careful diagnosis of steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation. Your doctor can also recommend antibiotics or antiviral drugs that are taken orally, depending on the underlying cause of your eye infection. If your symptoms worsen or change, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. How To Prevent Eye Infections: You can help prevent eye infections by following a good eye care routine and incorporating it into your regular dog grooming routine. Use clean cotton balls soaked in lukewarm water to gently wipe away dirt and muck that naturally gather around the eye and may contain harmful bacteria.