This constant moisture can cause the eye area to swell and become infected.
What do healthy dog eyes look like.
A cataract is an opacity or imperfection in the lens of the eye says dr.
Let s take a look at some of the most common eye problems dogs experience and how pet parents.
Signs of dog eye problems include blood vessels that look engorged any bruises around the eye or a sclera which is yellow could be dog jaundice and discharge such as mucous.
Maintaining dog eye health is critical to having a happy and healthy pet.
There are many causes of eye infections in dogs.
If inadequate amounts of oxygen are being circulated through your dog s blood supply its gums may turn blue or purple this gum color is referred to medically as cyanosis.
Gums also go pale when a dog is in shock like after a road traffic accident.
Eye drops disperse across the surface of the eye rapidly and do not need to be rubbed across the eye by massaging.
Cataracts therefore are something dog owners should be able to spot and understand.
If your canine pal is exhibiting discomfort redness or even sensitivity to light it s a good idea to consult your veterinarian.
Unfortunately a number of diseases can disrupt the way a dog s eyes function.
If your dog is sick the gums can change colour.
A dog s eyes perform a nearly miraculous function converting reflected light into nerve impulses that the brain uses to form images of the world.
Just like us dogs have eyelids that protect the eye.
Cyanosis can be caused by a variety of issues.
Do this very gently using your fingers.
Check to make sure that the eye is not red and that the lining of the eye looks healthy e g.
Matthew fife owner of the veterinary ophthalmology center in orlando florida.
And finally watch for signs that may indicate an eye problem like pawing or rubbing.
When you press the gums the colour will be slow to return.
This is commonly considered to be an aesthetic problem but can also be a symptoms or sign of a foreign object stuck in a dog s eye which is why veterinary consultation is necessary.
Gum problems in dogs.
To help keep your canine companion s eyes bright and healthy keep long hair out of its eyes take your dog to a groomer or use round tipped scissors to trim the hair.
Epiphora in dogs is characterized by continuous tearing.
To do this well all the various parts of the eye must be healthy.
Your dog could be anaemic or have a circulatory problem.
No irritation cuts or debris.
Epiphora eye discharge is known as a symptom rather than an eye disease.
Return to normal colour within 2 3 seconds.
In a healthy dog eye the dog conjunctiva color should match the color of the dog s gums.
Keep irritants like shampoos soaps and flea medicine away from the eyes.
Depending upon the size of the dog s head and your hands you may rest the middle finger or heal of the hand holding the bottle or tube on the cat s head to keep your hand more steady and reduce the risk of poking the dog in the.