When you look at your dog and suddenly discover that he is a swollen eye then your heart will definitely slip into your pants at first sight.
Then comes the question: What happened? In order to answer this question as best as possible, we have written this article.
Here you will not only find out what could be the reason why your dog’s eye is swollen, but you will also get tips on what you can do about it.
Eye swollen in the dog – possible diseases
The most common cause of a swollen eye in your dog is foreign objects that irritate the conjunctiva and can result in conjunctivitis.
Does your dog have one? swollen Eye and eye dischargethis is a symptom of a beginning or existing eye disease or one overstimulation.
1. Conjunctivitis
Even our four-legged friends stay in front of one conjunctivitis unfortunately not spared. conjunctivitis occur relatively often in dogs.
The main causes of conjunctivitis are bacterial infections or a foreign body that got lost in the eye.
What you will notice first about conjunctivitis in your dog: He has a red eye on one side, heavy tearing, which is partly mixed with pus.
Conjunctivitis can also be caused by Viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites develop.
Important!
Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is passed on via the eye fluid.
Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after each contact with your dog. Conjunctivitis can be transmitted from humans to animals and
vice versa (zoonosis).
2. Parasites
eyeworms are rather rare in Germany. Unfortunately, it affects many dogs from the Animal Welfare Abroad.
This parasites are transmitted by flies that lay their eggs in the dog’s eye. Puffy eyes and tears are the first signs. If you pull the dog’s eyelid down, you can see the worms in his eyes.
eyeworms should urgent of a vet be treated to any consequential damage like ruling out blindness.
3. Curled eyelid
Some dog breeds have a tendency to curl the eyelid. Unfortunately, this condition often affects short-nosed dog breeds.
The main symptoms of a curled eyelid are: The Eye tears constantly and is swollen.
4. Eyelid inflammation
By a bacterial infection or one allergy eyelid inflammation often occurs.
swelling, lacrimation and increased itching are in this case the symptoms that are in the foreground.
Short-snouted dogs are more prone to eyelid infections than long-snouted ones.
5. Allergy
About 20 percent of all dogs worldwide suffer from an allergy. Especially if your dog has one pollen allergy has, this leads to swollen, itchy eyes.
6. Injuries
Will the eye through a foreign body injured, swelling often develops. Eye injuries are an emergency, depending on their severity, and should always be attended to by one vet to be controlled.
7. Vascular dermatitis
This is one inflammation inside the eye. Dogs suffering from diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure or an autoimmune disease are predestined for inflammation of the vascular skin.
8. Glaucoma
Green Star often begins with tear flow and redness of the eye.
The earlier glaucoma is diagnosed, the bigger it is changes that vision loss can be prevented or mitigated.
9. Corneal ulcer
The cornea is very sensitive. corneal ulcers are therefore usually caused by a Injury the cornea. However, corneal ulcers can also be triggered by diseases.
mucuswhich comes out of the affected eye, and frequent blinking are the first visible symptoms of a corneal ulcer.
Danger!
Inflammation and injuries to the cornea extremely painful. If you suspect that your dog has injured its cornea or is ill, a visit to the vet is strongly recommended!
10. Injury to the nictitating membrane
Short-snouted dogs are more prone to one nictitating gland prolapse. A red blister forms on the inside of the eye and the dog is unable to close its eye fully.
11. Tumor
eye tumors are a not uncommon disease, especially in older dogs.
Black spots in the eye, redness and swelling are often the first signs. In addition, a heavy flow of tears can occur.
The same applies here: the sooner an eye tumor is detected, the higher is the change on cure.
Other causes of swollen eyes in dogs
1. Insect bite
insect bites are common causes of a swollen eye. If your reason howls out of nowhere, rubs an eye with its paw and this swells up rapidly shortly after the bite, the culprit is often an insect.
If your dog does not suffer from an allergy to insect bites, this is enough local chilling. After a few hours, the swelling should subside.
2. Foreign body in the eye
This usually happens after a walk. You arrive home, the dog has a swollen eye and it’s watering. Foreign bodies often get lost in an eye on a walk and do not wash themselves out with the tear fluid.
grass seed or awns are often the cause here.
If you do not trust yourself to remove the foreign body, please make an appointment with your veterinarian.
If the foreign body is not removed, the conjunctiva can become inflamed.
3. Tooth abscess
A abscess in the throat or on a tooth can cause swelling under the eye.
Again, your vet is the only right person to contact to prevent worse. Abscesses are extreme painful and should treated as soon as possible become.
4. Drafts / Dust
is your dog draft exposed, it may be that Dust or pathogenic pathogens get into the eyes, causing inflammation.
What to do if the eye is swollen
If your dog’s eye is swollen, something is wrong.
Before you touch your dog’s eyes, wash them hands and pay attention to hygienein order to avoid any possible spread of germs.
If possible, use your thumb and forefinger to gently open the dog’s eye by gently pulling the lids apart.
Watch out for foreign bodies. Foreign bodies are usually not in the center of the eye. They often slip into the corners or even under the songs.
If you spot a foreign object, try to gently remove it if you feel able.
1. Wash around the eyes
If your dog’s eyes are sticky due to the increased tear flow, you can go to the cleaning warm water use. This allows the dried tear fluid to be easily removed.
Make sure that you don’t «rub» but «wipe», rubbing causes additional irritation of the eye, which stimulates the flow of tears.
Use only lint-free materialsto avoid any new foreign bodies in the eye.
2. Cool the swelling after the sting
If your dog was bitten by an insect and now has a swollen eye, you can also go through the swelling cooling the affected area support and even accelerate.
Cool, but please properly!
Swellings must not be cooled by simply placing a cooling element on the affected area.
This excessive cooling can damage to the lymph vessels develop.
wrap up cooling element in a Hand towel and hold it 10 to 15 minutes to the affected area. You can repeat this several times.
3. Can I give my dog human eye drops?
No. If you would like to administer eye drops to your dog on your own, please consult your veterinarian in advance.
Not all eye drops that are suitable for humans are suitable for your dog.
4. Prevent drafts
As long as your dog has eye problems, you should not expose him to drafts.
This prevents additional irritation and the possibility of additional dust or bacteria getting into the already diseased eye.
When should I see the vet for a swollen eye?
If your dog has a swollen eye, the first action to take is this Eye and the eye area in detail to regard.
Is a change the conjunctiva or the retina As you can see, a trip to the vet is essential.
Visible injuries require quick action to prevent further consequential damage such as loss of vision.
Any foreign object stuck in your dog’s eye is always an emergency.
Conclusion
If your dog’s eye is swollen, this is a symptom that an injury or irritation has occurred in, on, or around the eye.
Whether it is a harmless insect bite or a complicated conjunctivitis is decisive for the further procedure.
A lot of attention should be paid to eye health. Many diseases can be detected at an early stage and targeted treatment often prevents worse things, such as blindness.
Does your dog have eye problems or do you have an exciting experience on this topic? Then let us share your story with a comment.