Red Eyes and Closed Pup: How to Soothe Dog's Eye Irrita
More often than not, it's the pet parent who bathes their furry friend, using a popular, budgetfriendly "bestseller" shampoo from Taobao. This can lead to an interesting reaction when the shampoo gets into the dog's eyes.
When a dog's eyes become red and swollen after a bath, there are typically two causes: one is due to a physical bump or collision, and the other is an allergic reaction to the shampoo. This occurs when the product gets into the eyes and isn't promptly rinsed out.
Dr. Oxygen Pet has found that this situation is quite common when pet owners bathe their dogs. So, how can we prevent such occurrences?
1. While all shampoos have the potential to enter the eyes, those with chemical ingredients are more likely to cause allergic reactions. Dogs are more sensitive than humans and often don't "understand" to close their eyes or rinse out any foreign substances promptly. This is another reason why it's not advisable to use human cleaning products on them. Human shampoos, soaps, detergents, and even shampoos are not suitable.
Additionally, those who are familiar with facial and hair care products might know that surfactant technology in cleaning agents is categorized into three generations. The first generation is based on soap, the second is sulfates (SLS), and the third is amino acidbased shampoos (which do not necessarily contain amino acids). Technological advancements mean they are gentler and more natural. If the shampoo you buy is formulated with poor technology, issues are more likely to arise.
2. Too much foam lingering around the eyes can also cause redness and swelling. It's important to rinse the foam from sensitive areas thoroughly and avoid overfoaming.
3. Not knowing how to properly bathe a dog.
For instance, during a bath, it's crucial to protect the dog's eyes, follow the correct order of washing different parts, ensure the water angle and direction are right, recognize signs of discomfort in the dog, and know how to handle these situations. While these might seem like common sense to a groomer, they are essential skills that not everyone possesses.
Redness and swelling in a dog's eyes due to improper bathing can be treated with pet eye drops for mild cases. For severe cases, it's best to seek veterinary care for eye washing and allergy shots.
It's best for pet parents to opt for highquality pet shampoos or, for convenience, leave the bathing to the professionals.
