Home eye exams for your dog are very important to check for cloudiness, tearing and inflammation that may obstruct his eyesight. To check your dog's eyes, gently roll down your dog's lower eyelid with your thumb and look at the lining. It should be pink, not red or white.
Want to keep a twinkle in your dog's eyes? Follow these steps!
What to Look For According to the ASPCA, here's some symptoms that may indicate you dog has an eye problem:
- Crusty eye gunk
- Cloudiness or change in eye color
- Tearing
- Red or white tear lining
- Closed eyes
- Unequal pupil size
- Blinking more than normal
- Tear stained fur around the eyes
Cleaning Your Dog's Eyes
Gently wash your dog's eyes with a clean damp cloth or cotton ball and warm water. Do not use alcohol or peroxide. To flush the eyes, you can purchase "isotonic buffered saline" or eye drops over the counter made specifically for dog's eyes.
Wipe outward from the corner of
the eye, being careful not to touch the eyeball so you don't scratch her
cornea. If your dog constantly has a discharge, talk to your vet about
solutions. If your dog is long-haired, you need to remove the locks around his
eyes. Use scissors with rounded tips to prevent the hair from poking and
scratching his eyes.
When To See A Vet
The breed of your dog may pre-dispose him to certain eye conditions such as glaucoma or retinal atrophy. Although your dog's eyes will be checked on his annual visits, you can do some preventative maintenance. There are eye disorders your dog can contract, including Ectropion, dry eye, cherry eye, conjunctivitis, and eyelash disorders. Cherry eye and tear staining are not an emergency. However, quick treatment can lessen the severity of any condition.
If your dog is pawing at, rubbing or shows signs of pain or irritation around the eyes, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.