A healthy and hearty dog should have clear eyes free from dirt, dust, and signs of inflammation, redness, or discharge.

Generalised signs and symptoms of eye diseases

  • Inner eyelids become red
  • Material gets stuck on the outer surface or at the corner of eyes
  • Cloudiness inside eyeball
  • Dry and dull eye surface
  • Problem of third eyelid over the eye
  • Atypical discharge from the eyes
  • Excessive tears
  • Tear stained fur around the eyes

Tests to Diagnose Different types of Eye Problems

  • Fluoresceint Stain, to check for the presence of ulcers in cornea
  • Schirmer Tear Test, to verify the tear production capacity
  • Ocular Pressure for the detection of Glaucoma
  • Ophthalmoscope to observe inside the eye chamber

Common Eye Diseases and Symptoms

Conjunctivitis

is the inflammation of the membrane that envelops the inner lining of the eyelid as well as the white part of the eye. It can be the result of an allergy caused by any of the bacterial, viral or fungal infections, or insufficient production of tears.

Kerato Conjunctivitis Sicca or Dry Eye

is the result of the inability of tear glands to produce tears. It is commonly the result of damage to the lacrimal gland caused by the immune system. Other causes can be a viral disease, reaction to a drug, allergy or trauma. If the disease becomes persistent, it may result in the loss of sight. Some specific breeds are more susceptible to it.

Corneal Ulcers

are caused by the rubbing of the cornea surface by any foreign object. It can be result of damage caused by bacterial infection. Another cause can be reduced tear production.

Epiphora

is the constant oozing of tears from a dog’s eyes. A sign of this is staining of the fur around the eyes. The regular flow of tears may be hampered.

Cataracts & Glaucoma

are eye conditions dogs suffer from, just as humans do. Cataracts are more common in older and diabetic dogs and involve the inside of the lens becoming cloudy. Consult a veterinarian because surgery is the only treatment for this problem. Often, treatment by a vet is effective. Glaucoma is the result of too much pressure being exerted on the interior of the eye due to decreased fluid from the eye.

Administration of Eye Drops

  • Prevent your dog from barking or sniffing
  • Soak a cotton ball in warm water and clean any discharge from outside of the eye
  • Follow the eye drop instructions carefully and shake well
  • Use the thumb and index finger of one hand to hold the bottle tightly, and the other hand to hold dog’s head
  • Slightly tilt the head backwards, using the free fingers open the eyelids wide open so that the dog may not blink
  • The bottle should not touch the eye or eyelid and should not be too far from the eye
  • Squeeze the bottle to release drops directly on the eye and when done, free the head
  • Immediately the dog will blink and the medicine will spread covering the entire surface of the eye

Application of Eye Ointment

  • Prevent your dog from barking or sniffing
  • Soak a cotton ball in warm water and clean any discharge from the outside of the eye
  • Read the dosage instructions mentioned on the tube
  • Softly pull away both the upper and lower eyelids to open the eye
  • Place the tube at an angle of 45 degrees to the lower eyelid and press out gently to apply the ointment on the border of eyelid
  • Rub the eyelids together to spread the ointment
  • Let the dog go so that he can blink and that will spread the medication overall

Important note: Always administer the entire dose of medicine so that it can produce the desired effects. To administer efficiently, you have to stay cool and composed, otherwise your pet can make the application more complex if he senses you are panicky. When the application part is over, praise your dog and give him a treat.