Last Updated on September 3, 2021 by admin
Why does my dog blink with one eye is a prevalent question among dog owners. Here’s everything you need to know about dog winking.
Canines may not be able to talk, but they’ve certainly mastered non-verbal communication. Dogs try and communicate with their families through body language and various sounds, so much so that sometimes, we look for meanings behind their every action – no matter how small.
For example, pet parents often wonder what it means when their canines blink with one eye. If you’re the same – we’ve got some good news. This feature is entirely devoted to understanding why do dogs wink at you and what the gesture means. Ready? Let’s get to it!
Why Does My Dog Blink With One Eye – The Reasons
First off, let’s settle the issue of whether a blink and a wink are the same things. Winking is when you briefly close one of your eyes for a brief period of time before opening your back again. On the other hand, blinking usually involved closing both eyes briefly before opening them again. The primary difference between a blink or a wink is the reason behind the action. For instance, people generally wink at each other to greet or show friendliness or affection.
However, what does it mean when a dog winks at you? Are dogs cognizant enough to utilize facial expressions to communicate? Unfortunately, at this point, there’s nothing backed by science that proves dogs wink to communicate with humans. However, dog parents will tell you that their canines will often blink at them when they’re happy or imitating their owners.
Aside from all that, here are some rational reasons why your pet may be blinking with one eye.
-
Trauma
Your pet may be blinking with one eye due to trauma. If a scratch or a laceration somehow damages your canine’s eye surface (thin tissue), its cornea can become irritated. Trauma to the eye can occur due to multiple reasons. For example, if your pet likes running around in the garden, it’s at risk of eye injury due to grass blades or even leaves. This is especially common for toy or small dog breeds. However, eye injuries will be also be accompanied by symptoms like watery discharge and redness. You’ll also notice your pet trying to rub the injured eye with its paw to relieve the pain or irritation.
-
Dry Eye
Canines with dry eye or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca can experience eye irritation because their tear glands don’t produce enough lubricating tears. Like humans, dogs also require their eyes to be lubricated with these natural tears to ward off eye problems and keep foreign substances out. However, when your pet has dry eye, it’s vulnerable to developing infections, ulcers, and other eye-related concerns.
Read more about: Why Do Chihuahuas Cry: Ways To Calm Your Chi
-
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis occurs when the mucous membranes become inflamed due to eye irritation or infection. Allergies can also cause the condition. If your pet keeps one of its eyes closed for prolonged periods, has watery eye discharge and a crust around its eye – it’s likely your doggo has conjunctivitis.
-
Foreign Bodies
One of the most common causes for the ole’ one-eye doggy blink is foreign bodies. Even though your pet has eyelids and lashes to protect its eyes and keep debris like dust out – sometimes tiny particles can enter the eyes, causing your dog to blink continuously to get the irritant out.
What To Do If Your Dog Keeps Blinking With One Eye
If your canine blinks with one eye a few times a day – it’s nothing to be concerned about. However, if your dog’s behavior is consistent enough to cause you to ask why does my dog blinks with one eye – it’s best to take your pet to the vet for a quick visit.
Not only will the veterinarian assess your pet’s eye to look for infections, but they’ll also be able to help in case of trauma or foreign bodies. If an infection is the cause of your pet’s discomfort, the vet will likely prescribe a topical antibiotic to help eliminate it.
Conversely, the vet may also run a tear test to check if your canine’s tear glands work as they should and rule out conditions like dry eye. If your doggo has a foreign body in its eye, the vet may flush the affected eye with saline to wash the irritant out.
To put it simply, your veterinarian will be able to help your canine and offer relief – no matter the reason behind its one-eye blinking.
How To Prevent Problems That Cause Your Dog To Blink With One Eye
What can you do to keep your dog safe from problems like conjunctivitis, eye trauma, etc.? While infections and injuries can’t be avoided 100% – here are some pointers to help you reduce the chances of your pet suffering such concerns.
- If you’re the proud owner of a small or a toy breed dog, it’s best to allow your pet to play or run in areas with trimmed or no grass to ensure there’s no chance of eye-related injury. Aside from that, ensure there are no sharp or pointed objects around at eye level when you’re playing with your canine.
- If you live in an area that’s dry and dusty – it’s best to monitor your pet’s eyes regularly to ensure they’re irritant-free. You can also consult with your vet about natural tears eye drops to ensure your canine’s eyes remain well-lubricated and free of debris.
- Eye infections are generally quite easy to identify. If you notice your dog’s eyes are becoming inflamed or red, it’s best to consult with the vet as soon as possible to get your canine the medication it needs.
Conclusion
If your canine winks at you without accompanying signs like eye discharge, redness, or rubbing of the affected eye – it’s possible your doggo is trying to imitate you or sharing its happiness. However, it’s still best to keep checking your furry best friend’s eyes on a regular basis for signs of irritants or infections to avoid eye-related problems. If you suspect if your pet is suffering through some eye issue, book a visit to the vet as soon as you can to get your pet the help it requires.
Learn more about: I Think My Puppy Is Deaf: How To Handle Hearing-Loss In Pets
