Pet Eye Care: Important Tips and How to Use the Different Products

 

source: topdogtips.com 

It's pretty normal for cats and dogs to face eye problems at some point in their lives. This can happen for a bunch of reasons, like infections from grass, dust in the air, bacteria, fur, or just getting older. The key is to keep an eye on their eyes, and if you spot any signs of trouble, get them to the vet right away. Before diving into pet eye care pets products, take some time to learn how to spot possible eye issues.

Healthy Eyes in Pets

source: puainta.com

A healthy eye in dogs looks clean and bright, without any dirt or discharge. The whites of their eyes should be a clear, pearly white, not tinged with red or yellow. Keeping your pup's eyes in good shape should be a regular part of their grooming. They should be clear, moist, and responsive to light. Cats' eyes should be bright and shiny, fully open without showing the inner lid or the whites. They should have no issues with opening and closing their eyes.

Potential Signs Of Eye Health Issues

 If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—get them to the vet right away:  

•    Closed or squinty eyelids  

•    Too much tearing  

•    Constantly rubbing their eyes  

•    Swelling or cloudiness  

•    Trouble seeing (like bumping into things or staring off into space)  

•    A third eyelid that’s sticking out  

•    Crusty stuff around the eyes

Possible Reasons  

source: vet-organics.com

Pets can easily develop eye issues, which can seriously impact their quality of life. For instance, swimming in chlorinated or salty water can irritate their eyes. In humid weather, they might even catch a fungal infection known as blastomycosis. Some causes, like genetics and aging, are trickier to manage. Certain breeds, such as English Bulldogs, American Cocker Spaniels, and Shih Tzus, are more prone to conditions like dry eyes or KCS. That’s why it’s crucial to look after your pets' eyes. A simple way to do this is by wiping their eyes with a damp cloth, feeding them nutritious food rich in eye vitamins, and taking them for regular vet check-ups. Eye care for pets are easily available over the counter, but it's always best to talk to your vet before getting anything.

What Should You Do?  

Keep the Fur Around Their Eyes in Check  

Taking care of your pet's eyes starts with keeping the fur around them tidy. They can't do it themselves, but you can lend a hand! Just use some blunt-nose scissors to trim the hair when it gets too long. This helps keep their eyes clean and lowers the risk of infections from all that buildup. It's an easy task that every pet owner can handle to help prevent any issues.

Mucus Buildup  

Dogs can sometimes deal with mucus collecting in the corners of their eyes. Some breeds are more prone to it than others, and while you can't completely prevent it, regular cleaning can help keep it in check. Just take a damp cloth and some warm water to soften the mucus, then gently wipe it away. You might also want to check with your vet about safe eyewashes for dogs. Many eye care drops for pets are available without a prescription and can benefit your furry friend's eyes. If you have a light-coloured cat or dog with eye issues, you might notice stains on their fur from the mucus.

In that case, a tear stain remover that's safe for pets can do the trick. Just make sure to choose a product that tackles both tear and saliva stains and is soap-free. Leaving mucus on your pet's eyes can lead to bacteria and infections, which might seem minor but can really impact their eye health. So, keep up with grooming and eye cleaning to ensure your pet stays happy and healthy.

Eye Drops vs. Ointment

When you're looking at eye meds for your furry friend, you've basically got two options: ointments and drops. Ointments are thicker and can be a bit of a hassle to apply. They might blur your pet's vision for a short time, but they hang around in the eye longer, giving the medicine a better chance to do its thing. Drops, however, are thinner and way easier to use. They don’t stick around as long as ointments, but they still get the job done.

How to Administer Eye Care Medicine

Start by washing your hands thoroughly to avoid any contamination of the medication. If your furry friend has some eye discharge, gently wipe it away using a warm, damp washcloth or an eye wipe. Grab a pet eye care bottle or tube with your dominant hand and rest your hand on their head for some stability. Keep the tip close to their eye, but don’t let it touch. With your other hand, gently pull down their lower eyelid to create a little pocket. Squeeze the right amount of drops or ointment directly onto their eyeball. Let them blink a few times; it’ll help spread the medication around. If your pet needs multiple eye treatments, make sure to wait at least 5 minutes between each one. Your vet can help you figure out the best order for them. If your pet seems to be in more discomfort, like scratching at their face or if their eye condition worsens, it’s time to head back to the vet. There could be something else going on.