If you’re a dog owner, you know how important it is to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. One of the most important aspects of this is to make sure their eyes are clean and free from any infections or diseases. This is not just for their appearance but for their overall wellbeing, too. In this blog, we’ll be discussing some ways to keep your dog’s eyes clean and healthy, from regular check-ups to basic hygiene routines that you can do at home.
Regular visits to your vet are essential to ensure that your dog's eyes are healthy. Your vet will be able to identify any issues that you might have missed and prescribe the best treatment option for your pet. They can check for common eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye, which can be detected early to prevent severe complications. It’s recommended to schedule yearly check-ups or more frequently if you notice any unusual signs such as cloudy eyes, excessive tearing, or discharge.
It's important to keep your dog's face and eye area clean by trimming any excess hair that may cause irritation around the eyes. Use a pair of rounded scissors and be cautious not to trim too close to the eye, and if needed, a groomer can help with this. Regular dog grooming, including eye cleaning, reduces the risk of any infections or irritation by keeping debris, such as dirt and dust, away from your dog’s eyes. You can use a damp cloth or cotton ball with a dog-safe cleaning solution for this purpose.
Providing your dog with a nutritious meal that contains essential vitamins and minerals is necessary for their overall health. The eyes, too, can benefit from such a diet as ingredients such as Omega-3 and Vitamin E promote healthy eye function. You can include these in the form of fish, walnuts, and carrots, which are all excellent for improving vision.
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. It’s essential to take preventative measures to keep your dog's eyes healthy and clean. For example, keeping them away from harmful chemicals that may cause injury, such as gasoline, cleaning solutions, and weed killers. Moreover, always supervise your dog's playtime, to prevent accidents, and protect their eyes when necessary with dog goggles or protective eyewear such as during swimming.
Keep an eye on your dog and notice any signs of eye infections. If your dog has redness, swelling, discharge, or excessive tearing, these may point to an eye infection or condition that needs a vet’s attention. Other signs include rubbing of the eyes, frequent blinking, and bulging of the eye, which may indicate an underlying problem that needs urgent attention.
Getting into a regular eye cleaning routine with your furry friend will not only maintain their hygiene and prevent health issues but also provide you with an opportunity to bond with your pet. By following the tips mentioned above, you can maintain your dog's eye health, detect problems early on and extends their lifespans. While it's okay to do some of these things yourself, it's advisable to seek a professional grooming when it comes to trimming hair around your pet's eyes to avoid potential risks. Always remember, maintaining good eye health is crucial to ensure your dog's overall wellbeing.