Pet Eye Health
The eyes are not necessarily the organs we most associate with our furry friends, at least not for use. We know that dogs and cats often use their noses as a primary way of finding their way around, even if it’s their eyes that may most frequently elicit an “aww” from us. But our pets still use their eyes, and pet eye health still matters to your pet’s overall well-being.
While there’s no substitution for regular checkups from your friendly Troutville vet, as the pet owner, you’re their first line of defense. Here are some pet eye health concerns to monitor in your dogs and cats.
Eye Goop
You may call it boogers, mucus, or goop, but no matter the name, most of us who’ve owned a pet (especially a dog) have come in contact with discharge around our dogs’ eyes. It can mean many things and can be harmless or a sign of something more serious.
A certain amount of discharge, especially in the morning, is fairly normal (much like we humans sometimes awaken with “sand” in our eyes. However, there are certain things that can raise concerns.
Firstly, if the color of the eye goop is yellow or green, that may be a sign of an infection. Secondly, if your dog is showing any other signs of problems, such as lethargy, shivering, or anything out of the ordinary, you should schedule a vet visit.
Excessive Squinting or Blinking Can Be Sign of Pet Eye Health Problems
Is your cat or dog squinting at you? While environmental stimuli can cause our pets to squint or blink, if the behavior lasts longer than a few moments or there doesn’t appear to be an environmental reason, it may be a sign of a pet eye health problem.
Typical reasons for squinting and blinking include:
- Tiredness—Just like us, our pets’ eyelids droop as they relax and start to fall asleep. Also, just like us, you may see them fight it.
- Bright Light – Pets squint their eyes when they move from a darker to a brighter environment to avoid discomfort.
- Looking at something further away. Have you ever noticed yourself squinting at something in the distance? That’s because it changes the shape of your eye’s lens, helping it to focus. Pets sometimes do the same.
If your pet keeps squinting outside of the above circumstances, they may have an eye injury, allergies, or an infection.
Red Eye
Redness around the eye can result from many things. Often, it comes from allergies. Some dogs, such as Bassett hounds, have droopy eyelids showing red beneath them. As in all things related to pet eye health and overall health, it’s vital to know your pet’s baseline so you can spot deviations from it.
Glaucoma
As animals age, you may notice their eyes appear to get more filmy or white. Glaucoma is a fairly common vision issue that affects several vertebrate species but is most common in mammals.
Several treatments are available for glaucoma, but the earlier you catch it, the more likely treatment will be effective. Sometimes, diet and lifestyle modifications are enough to make a difference. Other times, medication or surgery may be necessary.
While we can treat glaucoma, you may be unable to restore lost vision.
Taking Care of Pet Eye Health
Pet eye health is a complex topic. It’s impossible for us to discuss every possible affliction that affects your pet’s eyes and vision, and even if we could, it would not be a substitution for professional veterinary care. So, as you look into your sweet friend’s eyes, make a mental note about how they look. Then, monitor for changes and let your vet know about them right away!