You notice your dog’s eyes looking a little red lately and you start to worry. As a responsible pet owner, you know that eye redness can be a sign of an eye infection or other issue, and you want to get your furry friend the care they need. Before you rush off to the vet, take a breath and consider some of the possible reasons for those red eyes. Maybe they were out playing in the yard and got some dust or pollen in their eyes. Maybe they have dry eyes from the heat in the house. Or it could be an eye infection like conjunctivitis.
The good news is most causes of red eyes in dogs are easily treatable. Read on to determine why your dog’s eyes are red and what you can do to relieve their discomfort and get those eyes back to bright and clear.
Common Causes of Red Eyes in Dogs
The most common causes of red eyes in dogs are:
1. Conjunctivitis:
This is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelid. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. You’ll notice red, swollen eyes with discharge. Antibiotic eye drops from the vet can clear it up.
2. Dry eyes:
If your dog’s eyes don’t produce enough tears, it can lead to irritation and redness. Artificial tears or cyclosporine eye drops can help relieve dry, red eyes.
3. Eye injuries or ulcers:
Scratches, ulcers, or foreign objects in the eye can cause redness, pain, squinting, and discharge. See your vet right away for diagnosis and treatment like antibiotic eye ointment.
4. Glaucoma:
Excessive pressure in the eye can lead to red eyes. Glaucoma needs emergency vet treatment to prevent vision loss. Medicated eye drops are usually prescribed to control pressure.
5. Allergies:
Airborne allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander can irritate your dog’s eyes and cause redness and itching. Antihistamine medication or allergy shots may help reduce symptoms.
Keeping your dog’s eyes clean and watching for other symptoms like squinting, pawing at the eyes, or loss of vision can help determine the cause of red eyes. If redness persists for more than a day or two, it’s best to have your vet examine your dog’s eyes to avoid complications and get the appropriate treatment. Your dog’s eyesight is worth it!
When to See the Vet for Red Eyes
If your dog’s eyes are red, swollen, or irritated for more than a couple of days, it’s time to call the vet. While some minor eye issues can clear up on their own, red eyes can also signal an eye infection, injury, or other condition that requires treatment.
Conjunctivitis:
This is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelids and whites of the eyes. It’s usually caused by an infection and results in red, swollen eyes with discharge. You’ll need eye drops from the vet to clear it up.
Eye injury or ulcer:
If your dog’s eye looks painful, swollen shut, or has a cloudy or bloody appearance, it could be due to an injury like a scratch, ulcer, or foreign object trapped under the eyelid. See the vet right away for diagnosis and treatment like antibiotic eye ointment to prevent infection and promote healing.
Other causes:
Additional possible causes for red, irritated eyes in dogs include dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, eye tumors or growths, and allergies. It’s best to have the vet examine your dog’s eyes to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment to relieve discomfort, avoid damage to the eyes, and support eye health.
Don’t delay if your faithful friend’s eyes seem painful or their vision appears affected. Red, swollen eyes can worsen quickly without proper diagnosis and care. Call your vet right away for an exam and to get your dog started on medication if needed. Their vision and comfort are worth the trip.
Home Remedies and Treatments for Red Dog Eyes
There are a few home remedies and treatments you can try to relieve your dog’s red, irritated eyes before taking them to the vet.
Eye Rinse
A simple eye rinse can help flush out any irritants and soothe red eyes. Make a saline solution of 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Use an eye dropper or syringe to gently rinse your dog’s eyes with the solution. Tilt their head back and lift one eyelid at a time, rinsing for a few seconds. Repeat 2-3 times a day until the redness clears up. The salt helps reduce inflammation while the water washes away any debris.
Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the eyes can reduce swelling and provide relief from irritation. Wrap some ice cubes or a cold pack in a towel and hold it gently against your dog’s closed eyes for 10-15 minutes at a time, a few times a day. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, decreasing fluid buildup. Make sure not to apply the compress directly to the eye.
OTC Eye Drops
Over-the-counter drops for humans, such as Visine-A, can be used on dogs to help with redness and irritation. Administer 1-2 drops in each eye 2-3 times a day. Look for drops that contain redness relievers like oxymetazoline hydrochloride. Be very careful not to touch the dropper to your dog’s eye to avoid contamination. See a vet first if your dog has any injuries or ulcers in the eye.
If your dog’s eyes do not clear up in a couple of days or you notice any pus, swelling, squinting or rubbing at the eyes, it’s best to have your vet examine them. Eye issues can sometimes become serious rapidly, so don’t hesitate to call your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s eye health or comfort.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the possible reasons why your dog’s eyes are red and irritated. Don’t panic, it’s usually not an emergency, but you’ll want to monitor your pup and schedule a vet visit if the redness persists or worsens, or if their symptoms seem severe. Otherwise, try some at-home remedies to soothe their eyes and make them more comfortable.
Give them some extra love and treats too while their eyes heal. Our furry friends can’t tell us what’s wrong, so we have to be their advocates. Staying on top of your dog’s health and wellness is part of responsible pet ownership. Hopefully, with some time and TLC, your dog will be back to their usual happy, energetic self with bright and clear eyes.
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