The Most Common Dog Eye Problems and How to Prevent Them

Dog eye problems have a myriad of causes, and can range from simply annoying, to life threateningly dangerous. Some common eye problems that you may or may not have heard of include red eye, pink eye (conjunctivitis), cataracts, corneal ulcers, ingrown eyelids, prolapse of the third eyelid, viral and bacterial infection and injury. The following guide is a helpful starting point and reference guide for avoiding and treating dog eye problems, but remember to always seek the advice of your veterinarian.

It is usually pretty obvious if your dog is suffering from some sort of eye problems. Symptoms to look for to help determine if your dog is suffering from an eye problem include: squinting, excessive blinking, bulging eyes, closing or rubbing of the eyes, cloudiness, discharge and redness.

The following steps may help prevent dog eye health problems:

1. Make sure you dog is eating a healthy diet, including supplements. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, blue or purple berries, carrots, sesame or sunflower seeds are all beneficial for dog eye health. Supplements that are good for eye health include Bioflavonoids, Pycnogenols, Zinc, and Vitamins A, D and C. (Please seek the advice of your dog's veterinarian before introducing any foods or supplements, especially if your dog is prone to allergies).

2. Clear the discharge or "gunk" away from their eyes. Use a warm, wet washcloth or cotton ball and wipe away any discharge. Wipe outward from the inside corner of the eye. You want to do this on a regular basis, daily is ideal.

3. If the fur around your dog's eyes gets too long it can actually scratch the surface of his eyes which could lead to irritation or infection. Fur around the eyes can also allow the eye gunk to build up making it more difficult to clean. Keep the fur around his eyes trimmed to avoid these problems. If you trim the fur yourself, always point the scissors downward, away from your dogs eyes.

4. Don't tell your dog I told you this - but don't let her stick her head out the car window while you're driving. I know, this is one of a dog's favorite things, but it can be quite dangerous. The wind can irritate a dog's eyes, or debris could blow into his eyes and cause injury. A safer alternative is to open your windows just enough to allow your dog to enjoy the wind and the scents, but not get her head out.

5. Try to avoid products that are irritating to your dog's eyes. When looking for items such as shampoo, it's a good idea to get on-line and search for dog shampoo reviews to find out what other dog owners are saying. You might also want to try an organic dog shampoo made with natural ingredients, so you know you are using the healthiest options for your dogs grooming.

6. Dog goggles are a great option to protect your dog's eyes during potentially hazardous activities like hunting, or when riding in the car so you can let them stick their heads out the window. Dog goggles can also be helpful after surgery or an injury as they can shield the eyes from further irritation from foreign objects, wind and sun.

So, you clean your dog's eyes out every day, feed him the healthiest diet possible, use only the most natural, organic dog shampoo and your dog still has eye problems! Don't beat yourself up, it is bound to happen to just about every dog. Below is a list of possible treatments your vet may suggest, as well as some things you can do yourself before and after you see your vet.

1. The first thing to do is call your vet. He or she will probably have some questions for you over the phone, and then schedule an appointment to see your dog.

2. If there is a foreign object floating on the surface of your dog's eye you can try washing it out with artificial tears or saline solution.

3. Do not try to pull anything out of your dog's eye! If there is something lodged or stuck in your dog's eye get to your vet immediately. If you try to pull it out yourself you could cause further damage. Once the foreign object is removed, the area is susceptible to bacteria, so you want to be at the vet's office for proper treatment.

4. A damp warm compress may be helpful to soothe inflamed, sore eyes. Apply the compress to each eye for five minutes. You can alternate eyes if your dog doesn't like having both eyes covered at the same time. Be sure to use a clean cloth every time.

5. Protect your dog from fleas and ticks. There are many reasons to keep your dog free of fleas and ticks, and one of those reasons that you may not know about is eye health. Fleas and ticks can cause pink eye, or conjunctivitis.

6. If your dog does have an eye irritation or injury, you will need to protect her by wearing an Elizabethan collar, commonly known as a cone. Otherwise your dog may continue to rub or scratch her eye causing further injury and irritation.

Taking care of your dog's eye health is very important. By following these prevention guidelines and taking the necessary steps if your dog does have an eye health issue, you can ensure your dog a long, happy life of playing fetch and chasing rabbits!


Joy Randel is the owner of Dazzle Dog Delight, an online store that offers a variety of high quality dog products. You can find everything from designer dog bathrobes to organic dog shampoo reviews. We are passionate about dogs and would love to send you a FREE e-Guide on how to solve barking problems and other great info. Get your FREE e-Guide now at www.DazzleDogDelight.com.

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