Understanding and Fixing Red Eyes in Dogs: Causes and S

Red eyes in a dog might seem like a minor concern, but they can actually mask a variety of underlying issues. As a pet parent, understanding these causes is crucial for providing the best care for our furry companions. Today, let's delve into the common reasons behind a dog's red eyes and offer some preventive measures and treatment options to keep our "furry kids" healthy and happy.

1. Environmental Irritants

● Causes: Environmental factors such as dust, irritant smoke, strong winds (common after exercise or blowing), can temporarily cause a dog's eyes to turn red.

● Symptoms: The dog's eyes may appear red and could tear up, but there should be no significant inflammatory discharge. The dog might also scratch at its eyes frequently.

● Treatment: Generally, no special treatment is needed. If the dog is tearing, a gentle rinse with physiological saline can help clear any foreign particles from the eyes.

2. DietInduced Heat

● Causes: A diet high in oil, salt, and sugar can lead to internal inflammation and heat in the body.

● Symptoms: Increased eye discharge, dryness, and redness, with severe heat potentially causing symptoms like halitosis and constipation.

● Treatment:

① Adjust the dog's diet to avoid highoil and highsalt foods.

② Encourage plenty of water and introduce cooling foods like cabbage, cucumbers, winter melon, pears, duck meat, and apples.

③ Use Shan Jing (Jin Yin Hua Jie Yan Ye) eye drops and oral Ka Wa Ning (Qing Wen Bai Du Pian) to alleviate the symptoms of heat.

3. Eye Infections

● Causes: Infections caused by bacteria, fungi, allergies, or parasites, leading to conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and keratitis.

● Symptoms:

Conjunctivitis: Redness in the inner eyelid and the surface of the eye (conjunctiva), along with blinking, tearing, and increased discharge.

Keratitis: Red eyes, decreased corneal transparency, pain, and photophobia.

Blepharitis: Hair loss around the eye, discharge, thickened eyelid edges, and conjunctival redness.

● Treatment:

① Gently clean the eyes with physiological saline, then apply Bei Lang Ming (Sulfamethoxazole Eye Drops). If there is a lot of discharge, apply a small amount of erythromycin ointment after 10 minutes.

② If corneal opacity is detected, use Levofloxacin Eye Drops and observe for 13 days. If there is no improvement, seek medical attention promptly.

4. Eye Injuries

● Causes: Injuries from foreign objects, fighting, or accidental collisions.

● Symptoms: The eye may become congested and swollen, possibly with bleeding.

● Treatment:

① Rinse the eye with sterile physiological saline to remove foreign objects and residual bacteria.

② Apply a clean towel with cold water for a compress if there is swelling.

③ Apply erythromycin ointment to the wound to prevent eye inflammation.

5. Eye Structure Issues

● Causes: Conditions like inverted eyelashes, entropion, or blocked tear ducts.

● Symptoms: Red eyes, chronic tearing, and tear stains.

● Treatment: Seek veterinary surgical intervention.

6. Other Eye Conditions

● Causes: Dry eye syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, eosinophilic conjunctivitis, glaucoma, and more.

● Symptoms: Varying symptoms depending on the specific eye condition.

● Treatment: Seek medical attention promptly.

Remember to maintain a clean living environment for your dog, free from excessive hair, dust, and sand. If your dog's eyes frequently become red, it may indicate a hereditary disease or a chronic allergy issue. Keep a record of your dog's symptoms and inform your veterinarian during your visit.