How to treat eye infections in dogs. Eye infections in dogs are among the most painful and irritating types of disease because they hinder one's ability to see things clearly and comfortably. Dogs tend to get eye infections quickly, so protecting their eye health is important. In addition, taking preventive measures to avoid eye complications is essential.
Dogs can get many eye infections that cause severe redness, itching, and discomfort. There are four main types: inflammation of the cornea, abnormalities of the eyelids, inflammation of the inner eye, and pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis.
Why Does My Dog Have an Eye Infection?
Eye concerns are something you need to be aware of when adopting a dog because this is something dog owners face the most. Dogs can run into various types of bacteria and viruses. They also come across so much dirt and parasites in their routine.
However, some infections are easy to handle, while others can be difficult to cure. So, taking your dog to the vet is vital when you find something wrong with its eyes, especially if you are a new dog owner.
Do not wait for the infection to get better on its own. Eye infections may get worse when left untreated. However, not every eye infection requires surgery, so there is no need to fear them.
Causes Of Eye Infections In Dogs
There are multiple reasons why your dog has an eye infection, and it can be one of the following;
- Bacteria causing leptospirosis, Lyme disease, etc.
- Fungus spores
- Allergens such as shampoo, soaps, smoke, etc.
- Viruses are causing hepatitis, herpes, influenza, etc.
- Trauma
- Parasites
- Scratch on the cornea along with cuts
- Dirt in eyes
- Hair in eyes
People usually confuse eye infections with every other eye problem without knowing that every eye problem in dogs does not mean it is an eye infection. So, for example, if your dog has dry eyes, tear duct issues, or any structural problem with its looks, etc., that does not mean it is an infection of the eyes.
What Are The Symptoms Of Eye Infections In Dogs?
There are many ways to check whether your dog has an eye infection. It is crucial to diagnose an eye problem before it becomes chronic. The following are the symptoms of eye infections in dogs:
- Swelling around your dog’s eyes
- Redness in eyes or near it
- Smelly Discharge
- Teary eyes
- Constant blinking
- Closed eye
- Light sensitivity
- Constant rubbing of eyes
How To Treat Eye Infection In Dogs?
Treatment for dog eye infections varies from infection to disease. You cannot rely on one cure for all eye infections. Other oral medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics, can be used.
- If bacteria cause eye infections, antibiotics and eye drops can help your dog’s eyes. But do not forget to consult your dog’s doctor before administering the medications.
- If allergies are causing eye infections in your dog, the veterinarian may prescribe an antihistamine medicine to help ease and soothe its eyes.
- If teary eyes or discharge is the cause of your dog’s eye infection, then the doctor may suggest surgery for your dog’s eyes. Eye drops and antibiotics may be the medications after the surgery.
- Suppose dirt and debris are irritating your dog’s eyes. In that case, it is essential to take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can remove the debris from its eyes by giving your dog some anaesthesia to avoid pain.
- If your dog has KCS or dry eye, the vet may prescribe medications like tacrolimus or cyclosporine to help with tear production. However, consult the vet before giving these medications to your dog. You never know what may affect your dog’s eyes if you are not a veterinarian.
- Sometimes, dogs have abnormalities in their eyelids or eyelashes, which may rub your dog’s lashes with the eyeballs, causing extreme discomfort. The treatment available for this problem is surgery because the abnormality in its eyelashes or eyelids needs to be fixed.
These are some general infections and their treatments, but as a caring and responsible dog owner, you should never rely on someone else’s experience; instead, you should always take your dog to the vet to better examine the problem it is dealing with.
What Is The Best Antibiotic For Dog Eye Infection?
Medicines with anti-inflammatory ingredients like ophthalmic prednisolone can be in your dog’s prescription. Terramycin is another excellent antibiotic for a dog’s eye infection, mainly covering the dog’s eye as an ointment. It has ingredients like Oxytetracycline and Polymyxin, which are very effective for eye treatments.
The vet may suggest eye drops containing flurbiprofen sodium, a very effective ingredient in dog eye medicines. These drops may not contain steroids and are anti-inflammatory.
The doctor may also suggest a medicine- Ketorolac, which is very good for inflammation and pain in dogs’ eyes.
Tobramycin is another great medicine to use as an antibiotic for your dog’s eye infection. The susceptible bacteria may cause your dog’s eye infection, and this antibiotic is best for it.
Final Thoughts
Eye infections in dogs are prevalent. You must know enough about your dog and the most common diseases that occur according to your living conditions. Being aware of the situation gets half of the job done.
You only need to take your dog to the vet whenever anything like this (eye infection or any problem in the eyes) happens. In this way, the doctor may treat the disease and help you prevent such conditions from happening again.
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