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Whether they glitter with mischief or shine with love, your dog’s eyes give a glimpse into their emotions and personality, while acting as your dog’s window onto the world. But dog eye infections and other issues can cloud that vision. Knowing what to watch for can help you keep your dog’s eyes healthy. Start with this overview of five common dog eye problems.
Cataracts in dogs
What are cataracts? Cloudy or opaque patches on the lens of the eye that can cause blurry vision or blindness.
Causes of cataracts in dogs: Genetics, eye trauma or an underlying illness, such as diabetes.
Cataract symptoms: White, bluish-gray or cloudy appearance to the eye. This can also result from aging, so consult your vet to determine the actual issue.
Treatment for cataracts in dogs: Cataract surgery for dogs, where the damaged lens is removed and replaced with an acrylic or plastic lens.
Corneal ulcers in dogs
What are corneal ulcers? Any type of injury to the delicate, clear outer layer covering the front of the eye.
Causes of corneal ulcers in dogs: Infections, chronic dry eyes, anatomical eye issues or injuries — a scratch from your pet’s own paw, a piece of dirt in the eye, fights with another animal, cuts from branches and so on.
Corneal ulcer symptoms: Tearing, redness, squinting, blinking, rubbing at the eye and possibly blood in the eye.
Treatments for corneal ulcers in dogs: Ointment or antibiotic drops, or may require eye surgery. Left untreated, dog corneal ulcers could result in dead tissue that limits vision and could cause blindness.
Entropion in dogs
What is entropion? The upper or lower eyelid folds inward, so the eyelashes rub against the cornea, causing irritation, injury, infection and scarring that impacts vision.
Causes of entropion in dogs: Genetics or other issues, such as conjunctivitis (see below), injury or corneal ulcers.
Entropion symptoms: Squinting, excessive tearing, eye redness or sagging skin around the eye.
Treatments for entropion in dogs: May include artificial tears and antibiotics; temporary stitches to pull the eyelid into place; special contact lenses that act like bandages for the cornea; or entropion surgery for dogs to remove a piece of skin and permanently turn the eyelid outward.
Glaucoma in dogs
What is glaucoma? When fluid within the eye doesn’t drain properly, builds up inside the eyeball and causes painful pressure. It can lead to blindness.
Causes of glaucoma in dogs: Trauma, tumors, eye abnormalities, infection or inflammation.
Glaucoma symptoms: Dilated pupils, eye pain, redness, tearing, cloudiness and enlarged, bulging eyes.
Treatments for glaucoma in dogs: Medications to decrease fluid production in the eye, improve drainage and manage pain; treatment of any underlying problems; possibly eye surgery or ongoing medical management.
Conjunctivitis in dogs
What is conjunctivitis? Inflammation of the tissues lining the eyeball; also known as dog pink eye.
Causes of conjunctivitis in dogs: Viral or bacterial infection, or allergic reaction to irritants such as a particular perfume, cigarette smoke or outdoor allergens.
Conjunctivitis symptoms: Sticky eye discharge, pink or reddish coloring of the tissues around the eye, swelling and pain.
Treatments for conjunctivitis in dogs: Saline eyewash and/or antibiotics. There is a small chance you could catch conjunctivitis from your dog, so make sure to wash your hands after applying medications or petting your pal.
Get help from your vet
Many symptoms of dog eye injuries are similar, but your vet can diagnose the true problem and recommend a treatment plan to get your dog comfortable and seeing the world clearly again.
Remember, you can use your CareCredit credit card to pay for veterinary exams, products and services.* Use the Acceptance Locator or the CareCredit Mobile App to find a participating veterinary practice near you.
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