Do you think that your dog may be suffering from an infection in the eyes? Canine eye infection is a very common occurrence in dogs. Your pet’s eyes may get infected, because of exposure to bacteria, viruses, fungus and foreign material.
Injuries and medical conditions like lyme’s disease in canines could also lead to eye infections.
Which are the most common types of canine eye infections?
Conjunctivitis or the Pink Eye happens to be the most common eye infection in dogs.
However, some of the other types of canine eye infections and diseases include –
• Entropion: This is an eye condition in which the dog’s eyelid rolls inward, exposing the eye to an infection • Corneal ulcers: Lesions may appear in your dog’s eyes, usually, as a result of an injury • Blepharitis: Factors like nutritional imbalance, allergies, hypothyroidism and insect bites could lead to this serious eye infection. Your pet’s eyelids become inflamed and crusty if he is suffering from blepharitis. • Eye worms: Tiny parasites can live on the surface of your pet’s eyes, after being transmitted by houseflies. If left untreated, these parasites could lead to a serious infection. • Cherry Eye: In this type of infection, your dog’s eyelid moves out of position, leaving the tear glands open to an infection.
What are the symptoms of eye infection in dogs?
If your dog suffers from an eye infection, the dog will probably blink excessively, squint and have a runny eye. Some of the other common symptoms of canine eye infections include:
• Swollen eyelids
• Constant scratching and pawing of the area around the eye
• Pain
• Bulging in the eye
• Discharge that is yellow or green in color
• Redness in the whites of the eyes
• Intolerance towards bright lights or the sun
• Cloudiness
• Twitching in the eyelid
In case you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, set up an appointment with the vet as soon as possible. Early treatment of the infection is important, so that your dog stands a better chance of recovery.
What is the treatment for eye infections in dogs?
The treatment path recommended by your vet may vary, depending upon the type of infection your pet is suffering from. The vet will probably have to identify the cause of the infection too, before treating your dog.
• If the infection is caused by a virus, your doctor may prescribe some drops or ointments to soothe the eyes and reduce the discomfort.
• In case the infection is caused by bacteria, the vet will prescribe antibiotics that need to be administered orally or through drops.
• Some conditions like Cherry Eye and Entropion may require your pet to undergo surgery.
Are home remedies for eye infection in dogs effective?
Some pet owners prefer using natural methods of treatment for eye infections in their dogs. Home remedies are said to be beneficial in the treatment of canine eye infections, especially if they are used right from the beginning. Most home remedies are not scientifically proven however, and sometimes the delay in treatment can prove costly. Only use home treatments as an emergency measure until you can get your dog to a veterinarian. A few remedies that you could try at home include –
• Saline water eye rinse: Take a glass of mineral water and mix half a teaspoon salt in it. Splash this water gently into your dog’s eyes and clean the area with a piece of cotton.
• Lemon juice: Take half a lemon and squeeze out the juice into a clean bowl. Wash your dog’s eyes with the juice to flush out the debris. Use this remedy two to three times a day.
• Apple cider vinegar: A mixture made of diluted apple cider vinegar helps ease the discomfort and pain caused by eye infections. Mix a small amount of apple cider vinegar in water and apply the solution to your pet’s eyes and the surrounding areas.
• Herbal eye drops: Take equal amounts of eyebright, chamomile, calendula and red clover and mix them all up properly. Use a clean eye dropper to pour a few drops of this solution into your pet’s eyes.
• Chamomile tea: Prepare a cup of chamomile tea (as per the package instructions) and allow it to cool down completely. Dip a piece of cotton into the cool tea and clean your dog’s eyes with it.
These remedies may help alleviate the symptoms of eye infections, but should not be used as a substitute for medical care. Moreover, there is inadequate research into the effects of these remedies, and likewise we don’t know enough about possible side effects. Exercise great caution and if you do find yourself in a situation where you must depend on home remedies, do consult with a veterinarian at the earliest.
References
• http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title21-vol6/pdf/CFR-2011-title21-vol6-sec524-1200a.pdf
• http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/petcols_article_page.php?OLDPETCOLID=65
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