Eye health can go overlooked in dogs

Though many individuals are concerned about their own eyesight, oftentimes the vision of their pets may go overlooked. However, a dog or cat who cannot see correctly can pose a significant danger to themselves. However, there are a few tips that can help pet owners identify and treat vision problems in their furry friends before it becomes a serious issue.

Perhaps the most important aspect of maintaining your pet’s eyes is being able to spot when a problem may be brewing. According to Fox affiliate WCCB, among the most telling signs is if your dog or cat is favoring one of their eyes by keeping it shut or not opening it as much as possible. This can be indicative of any number of issues, from a scratch to a piece of dirt irritating the eye.

One of the most common eye-related problems in pets is conjunctivitis. This condition is prevalent in a lot of domestic animals, and is caused by the inflammation of the mucous membranes and presents itself with redness and swelling. The best way to prevent this bothersome condition from forming in the first place is to make sure your dog is clean and help eliminate the causes.

Other bacterial infections can cause serious issues in the eyes as well, but luckily there are products available that can reduce the chances of inflammation. Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment can tackle a host of eye-related problems including conjunctivitis, inflamed corneas and corneal ulcers. The medication works by preventing bacteria from producing proteins, limiting their ability to build and multiply.

More serious, but no less prevalent, than conjunctivitis is glaucoma. This common disease can sometimes lead to blindness if not treated right away, and there are some tell-tale signs of the condition including redness, cloudiness, swelling and loss of appetite. There are several breeds of dogs that are more susceptible to develop the diseases, including Cocker Spaniels and Beagles, but all dogs can contract it. For dogs that have the disease, there are a number of treatments available including Timolol. This effective medication is easy-to-administer thanks to an eye dropper bottle and will relieve pressure on your pet’s eyes.