Inflamed eye in your dog: recognition, care and prevention

An inflamed eye in your dog can be distressing, but it is important to act quickly. Your dog can experience a lot of discomfort, so the sooner you intervene, the better. In this blog, we’ll explain how to recognize an inflamed eye, what the possible causes are and how to help your dog. From first aid to recognizing when to go to the vet, we’ll tell you more!

What is an inflamed eye in a dog?

An inflamed eye in your dog can often be recognized by red eyes, tears that won’t stop, or even pus. Sometimes your dog will keep his eye closed or squeeze it because it hurts. The eye may also be swollen or a small lump may be visible.

How do you recognize an inflamed eye in dogs?

The symptoms of an eye infection are usually readily apparent. Dogs often show clear signs of pain or discomfort. These are the signs to watch for:

• Your dog regularly rubs his paw over his eye
• The eye stays closed or your dog squeezes the eye together
• The whites of the eyes are red or the eye is completely red
• There is discharge ranging from clear to greenish or even pus

Can eye infections in dogs be contagious to other pets?

Yes, eye infections in dogs can be contagious, especially if they are caused by a bacteria or virus. Do you have more than one pet? If so, it is wise to keep your dog separate temporarily to prevent the spread of infection. Wash your hands thoroughly and use separate towels.

What are the causes of an inflamed eye in your dog?

There are several causes for an inflamed eye in your dog. The most common are:

• Infections: Like humans, dogs can get an eye infection from bacteria or viruses, such as conjunctivitis, in which the conjunctiva becomes inflamed.
• Allergies: Dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust or certain substances, causing eye irritation.
• Trauma or injury: A foreign object in the eye or moving through grass or nettles can cause inflammation.
• Sebaceous gland problems: In dogs with clogged sebaceous glands, the eyes may become watery and inflamed.
• Glaucoma: This condition causes too much pressure in the eye and can cause inflammation and pain.

What if my dog suffers from chronic eye inflammation?

Some dogs suffer from frequent eye infections, which may indicate a chronic problem. In this case, always contact your veterinarian so that the cause can be treated and recurrence avoided.

What can you do if your dog has an eye infection?

If you notice that your dog has an inflamed eye, it is important to start taking care of your dog’s eye quickly. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Clean the eye

Use a damp gauze or special dog eye wipes to gently clean the eye. Remove any dirt or discharge every day until the inflammation improves.

2. Use eye drops or eye ointment

Your veterinarian may prescribe eye drops or eye ointment to relieve the inflammation. These medications help heal the infection and reduce pain.

3. Keep an eye on your dog

Pay close attention to your dog. If he seems to be in pain, such as by squeezing the eye or exhibiting unusual behavior, consult your veterinarian.

4. Consult your veterinarian

If you are not sure what is causing the inflammation or if your dog’s condition is not improving, it is important to consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can I treat my dog’s eye infection myself?

For mild inflammation, you can clean the eye and use eye drops. But if the symptoms worsen or the inflammation does not improve quickly, always contact your veterinarian.

How to prevent an eye infection in your dog?

If your dog is prone to eye infections, there are several measures you can take to prevent recurrence:

• Keep eyes clean: Clean your dog’s eyes regularly with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust.
• Avoid irritants: Try to avoid bringing your dog into contact with substances such as pollen, dust or smoke, which can irritate the eyes. Does your dog get itchy easily from irritants? FlexRex Aller Relief is a natural supplement for dogs to support itching and irritation from outside substances.
• Healthy diet: A healthy diet has a contribution in keeping your dog fit and vital which reduces infections and bacteria at the eyes.

Can my dog go blind from an eye infection?

If an eye infection is not treated in time, it can lead to permanent damage, such as vision loss or even blindness. It is therefore crucial to take action quickly, especially if pus or pain is present. Therefore, clean your dog’s eyes regularly, be alert to signs that indicate an inflamed eye and react quickly when you suspect your dog has an inflamed eye.