What's the most important thing when it comes to taking care of my dog's eyes?
The biggest thing is to know what normal looks like. If you know what a normal eye looks like, then you can always tell what an abnormal eye may look like.
Dr. Rebecca McIntosh
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
What are some signs and symptoms that my dog may have eye issues?
Any changes to discharge, any changes to color or cloudiness of the eyes, anytime your dog is squinting when they shouldn't be or rubbing at the face, those are all indications of an eye problem.
How does proper eye care impact the health and well-being of my dog?
Depending on the dog and how much hair it has around its eyes, and where the eyes are set in the face, can impact the eye health. Dogs with squishy faces and giant eyeballs, like French Bulldogs and Pugs, tend to be a little bit more prone to eye issues because their eyes are just more exposed.
Should I bring my dog to see a veterinarian if I suspect a vision problem?
Absolutely, 100%. Eyes can deteriorate really quickly, so it doesn't take a lot for an eye to be more of a problem than it first appeared. It's always best to have it examined. If it's not a problem, great. If it is, we can get it taken care of.
Why is it important to avoid self-diagnosing dog eye issues?
Self-diagnosing is risky. If there is a scratch or an ulcer you can't see from the outside that we can only detect by staining the eye and flashing a light on it, certain medications may worsen the problem. Eyes can deteriorate quickly, so if we are administering something that we shouldn't be doing for an eye because it's a particular type of problem, we can actually make the problem worse.
How will a veterinarian diagnose a problem with vision or other eye issues in my dog?
We conduct some eye testing that can test the amount of tears your dog produces. We can stain the eyes and ensure there isn't a scratch or an ulcer on the eye that we need to treat. We also check the eye pressure and things like glaucoma, which can cause vision problems. We have a few tests that we can conduct and then there's checking to see if the dog actually physically sees and if we have any cranial nerve problems.
Why is early detection and diagnosis of problems with a dog's eye so important?
It's crucial to diagnose eye problems early and correctly. If you notice a problem with your dog's eye and it is left untreated, it can get a lot worse even within 24 hours. Sometimes, we'll even see an eye problem that we start to treat and within 24 or 48 hours we find that it needs to be seen by an ophthalmologist. So it's always best to have it examined sooner than later. If it's not a problem, that's great. If it is a problem, we can get it taken care of.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Eye Care - FAQs 1
Dr. Rebecca McIntosh
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
Can I treat my dog's eye infection at home?
You can, but it is not recommended. It's always best to have your veterinarian examine your dog's eye, especially if there's something wrong. Dog eyes can deteriorate very quickly, and something that started out as a small issue that could have been treated easily can quickly become a major problem that requires a visit to the ophthalmologist.
When would I need to seek the help of a veterinarian for a dog eye issue?
If your dog's eyes look different, if your dog's eyes appear uncomfortable or if they are rubbing or squinting, it is best to have your veterinarian examine them. Any behavior that's not normal is cause for concern.
Will a dog eye infection eventually resolve on its own?
It depends on what is causing the eye infection. Some dogs have hairs that grow in the wrong places and rub the eye, causing persistent problems. There are other reasons for eye infections or problems, some of which are due to systemic issues, while others are specific to the eyes. All of these issues are cause for concern and warrant a visit to the vet.
Can I give my dog eyedrops?
Yes, if they are prescribed by a veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist. It is perfectly fine to give your dog the drops that they are recommended or prescribed. However, it is not recommended to give your dog eyedrops without the recommendation of a veterinarian.
Is there such a thing as a vision test for dogs?
Technically, yes. We don't test things like focusing or reading, but we do assess depth perception, blinking reflexes, and whether or not your dog can follow an object. These tests help us determine if a dog can see.
What are some causes of a dog's blindness?
There are many reasons for a dog to go blind. These include cataracts, glaucoma, detached retinas, blood pressure issues, as well as injuries to the eye.
What should I do if I notice my dog is losing their sight?
Immediately take them to the vet so that the underlying problem can be diagnosed.
Can regular cleaning of my dog's eyes prevent eye issues?
It depends. If your dog has a lot of hair around its eyes, grooming that area, making sure the hair stays short, and cleaning away any eye discharge can help prevent skin infections and reduce watering or tearing.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Eye Care - FAQs 2
Dr. Rebecca McIntosh
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital
How can I tell if my dog's eye is injured?
Identifying eye injuries in your dog can depend on their behavior and the physical appearance of their eyes. Signs of an eye injury can include your dog squinting or rubbing at their eye, redness in the eye, or unusual discharge from the eye.
Are certain dog breeds more prone to eye issues?
Yes, certain breeds are more prone to eye issues. Dogs with a lot of hair around their face, such as Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, and Pugs, tend to be more prone to scratches and ulcers due to their exposed eyeballs and constant interaction with their facial hair.
How will cataracts be diagnosed in my dog and what is the treatment?
Cataracts, which are a thickening and crystallization of the lens, make the lens opaque and can lead to blindness in dogs. Diagnosis is made based on these symptoms, and treatment typically involves surgical intervention. Eye drops are not effective in treating cataracts. Depending on the visibility of your dog, a referral to an ophthalmologist may be necessary.
What is the best way to give my dog their eye medication?
Administering eye medication can be a challenge, as coming at dogs from the front can be intimidating and uncomfortable for them. It's best to sit them on the floor with their rear end up against you, opening their eye from behind and gently applying the medication.
Can my dog get pink eye and is it contagious to other pets and people?
While dogs can get conjunctivitis, often referred to as pink eye in humans, it's usually a result of an injury or another health issue rather than a contagious disease. Therefore, it's unlikely that your dog will spread it to you or other pets.
What can I do for my dog that has a cherry eye?
A cherry eye is a prolapse of the gland in the third eyelid of the eye that produces tears. This condition can affect your dog's tear coating on the eye and can lead to irritation or ulcers due to debris getting behind the gland. It typically requires surgical intervention, so a consultation with your veterinarian is recommended.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram