Dog eye drops tips & recommendations

Why is eye care for dogs so important?

We dog lovers take great care to ensure that our four-legged friends are really well. Whether it's fur or dental care, claw trimming or parasite protection – the list of preventive measures we take is almost endless.

But sometimes we neglect an important part of the dog: this Visual organ of animals Sometimes something goes under the radar for us. This is probably because our furry friends aren't exactly known for their eagle eyes. Due to the dark color, it is not so easy for us to recognize changes and symptoms at first glance.

Complications arise quickly

And unfortunately, our four-legged friends are quite susceptible to eye diseases: almost every animal has to deal with vision problems at least once in their life.

Often these are through Environmental influences caused, but there are also congenital eye diseaseswhich definitely need to be treated.

Risk of secondary illnesses

When it comes to eye problems, the longer an illness remains unnoticed and untreated, the greater the risk that your four-legged friend will catch a nasty secondary illness.

Even initially harmless inflammations can then spread throughout the body and endanger weakened animals in particular. The prognosis for diseases such as glaucoma is even worse – if left untreated, the dog will often go blind.

Some breeds are particularly susceptible

There are some dog breeds that are particularly susceptible to eye problems. These include in particular: brachycephalici.e. short-headed animals. Examples include boxers, most bulldogs, and some terriers such as Yorkshires.

These four-legged friends are built disproportionately and their heads are basically too small. Accordingly, there is hardly any space for the eyes, which is why the visual organ is more often affected by diseases than in other breeds.

Typical eye diseases in four-legged friends

The list of eye diseases, that concern dogs is long. Unfortunately, some genetically caused conditions can hardly be treated successfully, but for many other problems it is possible to prevent or alleviate problems with good care.

Below is a brief overview.

Conjunctivitis

One of the most common eye diseases in dogs is Conjunctivitisalso Conjunctivitis called. The conjunctiva is a mucous membrane that provides a protective layer to the eyes of mammals. If it is inflamed, it partially loses its function; inflammation is also very unpleasant and painful.

Typical symptoms Red or swollen eyes are a sign of conjunctivitis. Discharge and severe itching can also often be observed, and the four-legged friend then tries to rub itself with its paws.

“Simple” conjunctivitis can often be controlled with eye drops. In particular, preparations with antibacterial or antimicrobial active ingredients are recommended. In advanced cases, however, the veterinarian must intervene with prescription medication.

Allergies

Another common cause of eye problems are Allergies: Particularly sensitive reactions to environmental influences that cause skin problems also lead to eye irritation.

One study, for example, found that 60 percent of the animal participants not only suffered from atopic symptoms, but also from conjunctivitis.

Most of the time it is about seasonal allergies, e.g. against grasses or pollen. In principle, other allergens such as Dust mites, cigarette smoke or certain ones, for example those contained in some cleaning products, Chemicals possible.

Dry eyes

Dogs also very often suffer from this dry eyes. This is actually one Tear gland disorder. It then no longer produces enough tears or no tears at all.

In many cases, such a disorder is congenital: experts then speak of it “Sicca Syndrome” or Keratoconjunctivitis sicca. But stubborn infections, for example as a result of unhealed conjunctivitis, or untreated eye injuries can also weaken the tear film temporarily or even permanently.

Then the eye must be artificially moistened: Eye drops are a proven choice in this case.

Foreign body

Also Foreign body can irritate your four-legged friend's eyes. There are many “culprits” here, e.g. sand, dust, dirt, salt (also in sea water) or plant remains such as awns.

The dog is almost entirely left without fingers Tearsto remove these uninvited guests in mind. This is not always sufficient, so in the case of larger or complicated foreign bodies, it is sometimes necessary to help, for example with drops as artificial tears.

In the broadest sense, foreign bodies also include your own Dog's hairthat get caught in the eye. This can be beneficial through hereditary or acquired Misalignments of the eyelidse.g. the so-called rolling eyelid (entropion) or a protrusion (ectropion).

Bonding & encrustations

Dogs whose eyes often water tend to do so glued eyes. The tear fluid then accumulates and the four-legged friend has problems opening or closing his eyelids. Some four-legged friends then constantly walk around with their eyes half closed.

As time goes on, the eyes even threaten to close crust. The tear fluid then solidifies or mixes with dirt or dust particles. In addition to rinsing with lukewarm water, preparations such as eye drops are particularly helpful.

Corneal problems

The cornea (Cornea) represents the front part of the eye. It consists primarily of nerve cells and is responsible for light transmission. Unfortunately, due to its location, it is very susceptible to injuries and illnesses.

One Corneal injury is caused, for example, by sharp foreign bodies or trauma. The latter occur quite often in dogs, for example due to bushes or branches that hit the four-legged friend in the eye when they go outside. If you suspect that your pet is affected, you must go to the vet immediately!

Also widespread Inflammation of the cornea. One Keratitis is usually caused by an unhealed injury that allows bacteria to enter the cornea. Eye drops can then help as first aid, but are not highly recommended: The administration can then cause severe pain in the dog.

Using eye drops made easy: 5 steps to success

For many of us, eye drops are a bit of a scary thing – there are some dog owners who are a little afraid to give them to their four-legged friends.

In a certain sense, that's true, because just like with yourself, you have to be very careful with animals proceed carefullyso as not to damage the sensitive organ of vision.

However, I can reassure you: It's not that difficult to give your dog his eye care or medicine. You just have to know how – you'll learn how in the following section in 5 steps, How to best use eye drops on your furry friend.

It is also important that you store the drops as described in the package insert. For example, a strain that requires refrigeration might lose its potency if you keep it at room temperature or in the sun.