Dogs have eyes that are very similar to ours. When healthy, a dog’s eyes see the light and transform it into images like food bowls or favorite toys. If those eyes become red, it can cause major discomfort and may even impair a dog’s sight.
Suppose your dog has developed red, itchy eyeballs (known as conjunctivitis). In that case, the first step is to consult with your vet, who may be able to determine what’s causing the problem and prescribe appropriate treatment options, so your pet does not suffer unnecessarily.
Causes of Red Eyes in Dogs
With so many reasons for dogs’ eyes to become red, it is important for owners always to be aware of the conditions that may lead to this unpleasant sight. The most common causes include:
Dry Eye
Dry Eye occurs when there is not enough moisture in the eyes due to the failure of tears to keep the cornea lubricated. Without these lubricating tears, the Eye begins to swell and will become quite uncomfortable and possibly very painful until it is resolved.
Several causes can cause dry Eye—most commonly an autoimmune disorder that targets and destroys glands in the Eye responsible for producing this moisture.
Treatment options include prescription drops or ointments used regularly to produce or regenerate tears with or without attending to secondary causes such as allergies.
Pink Eye
Pink Eye occurs when the conjunctiva the moist and pink tissue that lines the inner eyelids and the superficial surface of the front of the eyes becomes inflamed. This inflammation causes redness. Environmental irritants like dust and pollen can cause pink Eye.
Cherry eye
Cats have a third eyelid, which lies right above their normal upper eyelids. If a cat is injured, this third eyelid will come up to shield the Eye from further harm or threats.
There are times when something in the cat’s body is weakened in such a way that the ligaments don’t hold this third eyelid down, and it pops up on one Eye, looking like a cherry seed in your house plants.
Corneal damage
Anything that could damage a dog’s cornea can cause redness to its Eye. For example, if your dogs are running through tall grass, grass stalks may poke their eyes and cause any form of damage.
Pet owners need to take preventative measures by keeping an eye on their animals and avoiding places where objects like wheat can irritate them.
Other Eye Symptoms
If you experience redness, swelling or itchiness of your eyes, you might also notice one or more of the following symptoms:
1.Squinting
2.Mucus discharge
3.Excessive blinking
4.Swollen conjunctiva
5.Constant eye rubbing
6.Increased eye-watering
Mostly Eye Problems in Dogs
Eye problems in dogs are not always an emergency, but they do require prompt attention! If your dog’s eyes are red, call your veterinarian right away. You will want to try to schedule an appointment for that same day.
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When you schedule the appointment, provide a brief history of the redness, including when it started and what other symptoms you see, like if your dog is squinting or pawing at its Eye. Even if there isn’t any pus coming out of their eyes, still it can be incredibly painful for our furry friend, so do not wait for too long.
It’s recommended that you do not try to treat the redness in your dog’s eyes on your own. It is better to let a vet determine what is causing this condition, as they have the expertise and equipment needed to properly evaluate a rash or strange redness near your dog’s eyes.
Living and Management
How long your dog’s eyes will remain red after initial treatment can be determined by what caused the redness in the first place. Dogs living in low humidity or inadequate air circulation may develop a dry eye condition.
Still, you should have no reason to worry as long as you consistently administer. The prescribed medication, regularly clean your eyes using a specially formulated eyewash, and follow up with your vet every six to 12 months for a quick checkup.