Last Updated on January 30, 2022 by Marco
My puppies eyes are red! What are the next steps that should be taken to ensure the health of your pet dog’s eyes?
If you have noticed that your dog has red eyes, you know that this is not a normal occurrence. Sure, they may go away after a while, but when it is a recurring incident and stays around for much longer, then you might start having more serious concerns.
What could red eyes signal in your dog? Read on to learn what it could be and what can be done about it!
What Are Red Eyes Like?
Normal dog’s eyes should be bright and clear. What should you look out for when inspecting your dog’s eyes? Here are some symptoms of a problem.
Red tinge in eyes. The part of the eye that is normally white, called the sclera, can be pink or red.
Bloodshot look. Red veins would be visible on the surface of the sclera. There are typically a few of them, but when there is a large number this might be the symptom of a more serious underlying problem.
Inflammation of the corners of the eyes. Aside from the eye, you might notice redness and inflammation in the corners of the eyes. If the tear glands are infected, they may swell and prolapse from their original position.
Possible Issues For Red Eyes
So, why are my dog’s eyes red? This is what you are probably asking yourself. When a dog’s eyes are red, here is a list of issues that your dog may have run into.
Foreign Object In Eye
Your dog’s eye could have been irritated due to a foreign object landing in it. They may even squint in an effort to comfort their eyes. Other symptoms may be some discharge, excess tears, and your dog making an effort to scratch their eyes with their paws.
You can flush the eye with clean water so that the foreign object can get dislodged. Let your dog’s eyes rest and check again to ensure it’s out.
Eye Injury
There are a lot of ways your dog could get injured in the eye in everyday life, even just at home. They could have been hit by an object or ran into something solid. They may have even gotten into a fight, or accidentally scratched their eye themselves.
Allergies
Did you know that dogs can also get allergies? When dogs get allergies, it also affects their eyes. The eyes typically become itchy and runny. They also sneeze, break out in hives, and they might also vomit or have diarrhea. There is an itchy feeling in the eyes, and sometimes your dog may try to scratch it to relieve itself.
Their eyes may become watery. When you see a discharge that isn’t clear and is colored something else, then you should consult with your veterinarian.
Learn more about: Puppy Eye Color Change: A Complete Guide
Conjunctivitis Or Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis is the infection of the eye’s membrane called the conjunctiva. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, irritants, allergies, and parasites. It needs to be treated before it can go away – don’t ignore this symptom and consult a professional.
You can use veterinarian-approved eye drops or anti-inflammatory medication to help relieve the pain. You can also use a cold compress against your dog’s eyes to help calm down the skin.
Cherry Eye
Cherry Eye is the inflammation of the tear gland in dogs. The tear gland, once inflamed, protrudes from the eye and develops into painful, red circles, thus earning its moniker.
It is likely to be a hereditary condition. This problem should be brought to your vet as soon as possible, and they will advise what to do with the prolapsed gland.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the damage in the eye’s retina optic nerve due to the failure of fluid drainage in the eye. The undrained fluid builds up in the eye and causes dangerous pressure, which can result in blindness. The early signs of glaucoma are usually very hard to miss die the subtlety of the damage, so you need to go to your regular checkups to avoid progression of the condition.
Corneal Ulcer
The cornea is the eye’s clear outer layer that is responsible for focusing light. This helps humans and dogs to see clearly.
A corneal ulcer occurs when the top part of the cornea is damaged, whether through trauma, scratches, or foreign objects. When it sets in, there is a cloudly appearance in the dog’s eye. Abrasions to the cornea can heal within a week, but when it progressed to a corneal ulcer, you may need to get surgery for your dog.
How To Avoid Red Eyes and Eye Problems In Dogs
Thankfully, there’s a lot that owners can do so that they can prevent serious eye problems in their dogs.
Clean your dog’s eyes in the bath. Puppies can’t take a bath immediately after being born – you need to wait until they are six to eight weeks old.
During these bathing sessions, you can take a clean cloth and wipe the area around their eyes to release any potential foreign objects or bacteria.
Long hair and long nails can be a liability when they contact the eye.
Invest in a professional groomer and commit to keeping your dog’s hair short around the face. Make a habit out of brushing back your dog’s hair if they are a long-haired breed that is in danger of getting hair in their eyes.
Go to your regular veterinarian check-up. Have a trusted veterinarian that you visit often. Have them on your phonebook so that you can book remote sessions too if you cannot leave your house.
Conclusion
If you are discovering “my puppy’s eyes are red”, you should not panic and think of the most efficient way to handle the situation, given the guide above.
One thing is for sure, you should never ignore problems with your pet’s eyes. A simple mistake in treating eyes could lead to permanent blindness. These sensitive organs need professional care, and owners should be equipped with more scientific knowledge and a preemptive attitude to address these concerns.
Did your pet dog ever have an eye problem where they appeared red? What did you notice upfront, and what did the condition end up being? Let us know about your story in the comments below.
Read more about: My Dog Won’t Open One Eye – Issue Or Not?
