Everyone has had something in their eye before, whether it is an eyelash, a small piece of dirt, etc. While it is painful, you know you can always go to the sink and wash out whatever it is. Unfortunately, your pets do not have this luxury. On their own, they do not really have a safe or effective way to wash out their eyes. Paws are often unsanitary and have sharp toenails, and if they rub too hard on the carpet or furniture, it can lead to further issues.
Signs and Symptoms
A healthy eye ought to be clear and moist. There are very clear and specific signs that your pet is suffering from an eye problem. Look for any discharge or swelling surrounding the eye, as well as redness, for signs of an eye infection. If you see any yellow or bruising, or larger blood vessels, in the sclera or conjunctiva, this can be a sign of an eye infection. In addition, cloudiness in the pupil can be a sign of nuclear sclerosis or cataracts in older pets. Essentially, if your pet seems to be rubbing their eyes frequently, or if you notice any discoloration or signs of an unhealthy eye, bring them in to see a veterinarian.
Preventative Eye Care
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep your pets’ eyes healthy. Talk to your veterinarian about how you can clean your pets’ eyes, and perform a weekly examination to check for the aforementioned symptoms. Trim the hair around the eyes, or have your groomer do this, to prevent scratches on the cornea. You can also remove any mucus in their eyes in the morning or after exposure to wind and dirt. Without removal, this mucus can lead to infection.
Proper Eye Care at Metro Vet
As a part of your pets’ regular veterinary appointment, we will check their eyes and ears. However, once a year is not enough for proper eye care. Discuss with our veterinarians about how you can keep your pets’ eyes healthy! If your pet hasn’t had his or her annual vet appointment, or you think that they have developed an eye condition, contact us today!
Courtesy of: HALO
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