Eye irritation is a common concern among pet owners. Whether investigating the undergrowth, or running on the beach, dogs’ eyes regularly encounter potential hazards and this means that there are lots of possible causes of sore, itchy eyes in our canine companions.
While many causes of eye irritation in dogs are not serious, it is important that if you notice any changes in your dog’s eyes (Bullet point list), you seek prompt veterinary attention.
Read on to find out about some of the more common causes of eye irritation in dogs, including when the use of lubricating dog eye drops, or artificial tears may help.
Signs of eye irritation in dogs
- Red eye
- Holding eye closed or squinting
- Excessive blinking
- Discharge from eye
- Pawing at the eye
- Third eyelid protruding
- Cloudy appearance to eye surface
Eye infection in dogs
There are many different causes of eye infection in dogs. Sometimes an eye infection will be characterised by inflammation of the pink mucous membrane which lines the eyelid, in which case it is termed conjunctivitis.
Canine infectious conjunctivitis may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, and usually results in a sore, red eye with noticeable discharge. The infection may start in one or both eyes and may spread from one eye to the other.
If your dog suffers with frequent eye infections, your vet may recommend checking for an underlying cause, such as canine dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, KCS).
Treatment of eye infection in dogs typically involves veterinary-prescribed dog eye drops, including antibiotic eye ointment. An ocular lubricant, such as Oculeze™, may also be recommended to help alleviate any irritation.
Allergic conjunctivitis in dogs
Allergies are another common cause of eye irritation in dogs. The skin around the eyes often becomes inflamed or sore, and with dog allergies, eyes may be very itchy. Dogs with allergic skin disease, or atopy, are also more likely to suffer with canine allergic conjunctivitis than those without.
Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis includes dog eye drops containing anti-inflammatory medication and ocular lubricants, or artificial tears, to relieve eye irritation, and help remove allergens from the eye surface.
Dog eye ulcers
Dog eye ulcers, also known as corneal ulcers, may be caused by trauma to the eye surface. From grass seed foreign bodies and scratches from twigs, to over-enthusiastic paw rubbing and ingrowing eyelashes, the cornea is vulnerable to damage and needs a bit of TLC.
Corneal ulcers need immediate veterinary attention!
Dogs with a corneal ulcer will typically have a very painful eye and may keep their eye closed for some or all of the time. The cornea around the ulcer may change, appearing cloudy or bluish in colour.
Special stains are used to highlight the area of corneal damage and help plan treatment, which is likely to include canine eye drops to lubricate the cornea and support healing, alongside veterinary prescribed medication. Surgery may be needed for deeper ulcers.
Foreign bodies
Foreign bodies such as grass seeds are common culprits for eye irritation, especially in the summer. They can be challenging to spot, often lodging behind the third eyelid. Local anaesthetic eye drops or even sedation may sometimes be needed so the eye can be examined thoroughly.
Removal of the foreign body will often provide instant relief, but complications like dog eye ulcers are common, emphasising the importance of a veterinary check-up.
Age-related dry eyes
Older dogs may experience eye irritation due to a natural age-related reduction in tear production. Lubricating dog eye drops can help alleviate dry eyes and soothe eye irritation.
Summary
Whether you have noticed a discharge in your dog’s eyes, sore eyes or you suspect a dog eye ulcer, timely veterinary attention is crucial. Your vet will need to investigate the cause of your dog’s eye irritation and prescribe medication.
Many eye conditions benefit from extra lubrication. Oculeze® is an easy-to-apply glycerine-based hydrating eye lubricant for dogs, cats and other pets. The long-lasting formula is safe to use alongside veterinary prescribed medication with no contraindications and beneficial for any ocular condition where additional moisture or lubrication is indicated. Find out more about Oculeze™ dog eye drops here.
