Common Dog Eye Diseases: Symptoms and Prevention
1. Allergies: Dogs can experience allergic reactions after inhaling allergens like pollen and dust. These reactions often manifest as itchy eyes, excessive tearing, and redness around the eye area.
2. Conjunctivitis: Redness and swelling within a dog's eyes, particularly around the white of the eye and on the inner eyelid, are common signs of conjunctivitis. This condition is often accompanied by red eyes, watery discharge, and a reluctance to open the eyes.
3. Excessive Tear Production: If a dog's tear production is so excessive that it affects the color of its fur around the eyes, it might be suffering from a condition known as excessive tear production. This is more common in dogs with lightcolored fur and can often be improved by adjusting their diet.
4. Dry Eye Syndrome: If a dog's eyes aren't producing enough tears, it could be a sign of dry eye syndrome. This condition can be caused by an infection in the tear glands, previous eye injuries, or thyroid disorders. Dogs with dry eye syndrome may exhibit yellow discharge, swollen eyelids, increased blinking, and are at a higher risk of eye infections or corneal damage.
5. Glaucoma: Glaucoma in dogs is similar to that in humans, where tears are unable to drain properly. Tears are essential for cleaning the eyes, and without them, dogs can face a host of other eye issues. Primary glaucoma occurs when tears accumulate in the eye due to blockages, while secondary glaucoma is the result of physical damage to the eye, such as inflammation. Symptoms of glaucoma include excessive blinking, eye swelling, increased intraocular pressure, cloudy eyes, dilated pupils, and vision loss. Breeds like the Shih Tzu, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel are more prone to glaucoma.
The eyes of a dog are crucial to their wellbeing, so if you notice any discomfort in your pet's eyes, it's important to seek veterinary care promptly. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to consult with an online veterinary expert.
