Dog goggles have increased in popularity over the previous few years. These canine glasses are commonplace in dog parks, trails, beaches, and backseats across the nation. Some dog owners won’t even let their pet enter the backyard if they don’t have their sporty dog sunglasses or goggles.
Can they shield your dog from UV rays, deter flying objects, or alleviate seasonal allergies? Or are these oddball canine glasses more of a fashion statement?
This BreezeGuard guide to doggie goggles will discuss the truth and fiction surrounding canine sunglasses and eyewear.
Doggles are not required If you noticed all of the dogs in your dog’s pack suddenly running around wearing doggles, you might feel as though you missed something significant. Have you been doing your dog any harm by delaying your adoption of doggie goggles?
The short answer is no. You don’t need to be alarmed if your dog doesn’t have doggles. Dog goggles are actually only occasionally advised for health reasons, and we’ll talk more about that in a moment.
However, the typical contented, healthy dog is perfectly fine without dog goggles in general. This is due to the fact that, unlike humans, dogs do not have the same risk of sun exposure due to their shorter lifespan as compared to humans, who may experience vision-related UV damage over the course of their lifetime. Additionally, you don’t need to be concerned about sunlight harming your dog’s eyes unless they have a medical condition that is made worse by UV rays.
What about eye strain brought on by bright sunlight? Dogs pretty much have it covered even there. And we mean that literally. Dogs are prepared for sunny outdoor adventures thanks to their unique bone structure that protects their eyes from glaring sunlight.
That is not to say that doggie goggles do not have benefits. However, if you’ve been concerned that your dog has been suffering because you were unaware of doggles, you can rest easy.
The benefits of your dog wearing a stylish pair of canine sunglasses Okay, so we know that doggles aren’t absolutely necessary for a healthy canine, but what exactly are they good for?
You might want to measure your dog for a set of doggie goggles for the following reasons:
To be sure, dogs are genetically predisposed to outdoor adventure, but tinted doggles may reduce brightness and cause discomfort. But that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t mind a slight dimming of the brightness dial. Dog goggles can make it easier for our furry friends to enjoy the bright outdoors, even in the presence of blindingly fresh snow, white sand beaches, or water glare when they’re searching for their favorite stick.
#2: Doggles can help shield your dog’s eye from foreign objects If your dog has a tendency to dive headfirst into a patch of brambles for no apparent reason, you can probably appreciate the value of protective dog goggles.
This benefit explains why you’ll notice so many working dogs sporting doggles. Doggles made by companies like Rex Specs, for instance, are sturdy enough to protect dogs during rescue operations or when working on a farm. Even the most active dogs won’t ever have to worry about eye injuries thanks to these sturdy goggles’ waterproof construction and near indestructibility.
Even if your dog isn’t managing rescue missions or herding sheep, dog goggles can still shield their eyes while engaging in routine activities. Doggles can help to reduce the risk of eye injury from insects and other flying debris if your dog enjoys feeling the strong breeze from the open window in the car.
Keep in mind that installing BreezeGuards can help to further reduce the risk of accidents involving vehicles. Your dog will be able to take in all the sights and sounds of the open road thanks to these window screens while remaining secure inside the vehicle.
#3: Some breeds and canines require special eye care Some puppies’ eyes are especially sensitive to light exposure, injury, and flying objects. We are discussing brachycephalic breeds, which are breeds with short noses and slightly protruding eyes.
Eye issues like ulcers, clinical Dry Eye, scratches, and cuts are very common in boxers, shih tzus, pugs, and other so-called brachy breed dogs. These adorable doggos can actually benefit your health if you wear a pair of well-fitting dog goggles.
Dog goggles may be useful for humans as well as our short-nosed furry friends in easing the discomfort brought on by seasonal allergies. Doggles can lessen allergy-related eye irritation, but they won’t completely solve the issue because your dog is primarily exposed to allergens through their nose.
Fourth: Doggos can unwind with doggles after surgery You might discover that a vet advises canine eye protection after surgery. A pair of dog goggles with a tint can reduce discomfort during the healing process and stop irritation.
If your dog is scheduled to undergo eye surgery soon, you might want to prepare them by getting them used to the doggles. Any puppy will appreciate the doggles more if they are familiar with them because surgery can make them feel disoriented.
As it turns out, whether or not to outfit your dog with dog goggles is typically a matter of choice.
You can continue to explore the great outdoors without them if you believe your dog is content without them. Keep your dog away from extra-thorny bushes and brambles, perhaps.
Just make sure the dog goggles you purchase for your pup are wide enough not to obstruct their vision and UV protective if you think they can help your dog feel more comfortable as they swim, jump, and dive through the bushes. To ensure a comfortable fit, a variety of sizes are available, including small dog goggles.
You can choose dog goggles for your furry friend now that you are knowledgeable about them; visit the BreezeGuard Blog for more dog care inquiries.
Dog Breeds That May Benefit from Protective Eyewear
Some breeds are more susceptible than others to having problems with their eyesight when it comes to vision. Shih Tzus, Pugs, and other brachycephalic breeds have prominent eyeballs, according to Dr. Brady Beale, an ophthalmology clinical instructor at Philadelphia’s University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine “Prominent eyeballs are much more prone to cuts, ulcers, and abrasions.” ”.
Brachycephalics are more likely to run into plants or other objects that could harm their eyes because their eyes are larger and located closer to the ground, claims Stine, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist. In order to prevent self-trauma to the eyes, they may benefit from wearing protective eyewear when they’re outside. ”.
Particularly in German Shepherds and Greyhounds, exposure to the sun can worsen the autoimmune condition chronic superficial keratitis (or pannus), according to Dr Lucien Vallone is a clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology at Texas A&M University in College Station’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
He claims that while pannus is typically not painful, if left untreated, it can lead to blindness. “While topical anti-inflammatory medications are the mainstay of treatment, limiting exposure to the sun can also be beneficial.” For canines with this particular condition, protective eyewear is frequently advised. ”.
Eye protection may be beneficial for active dogs who work in environments where there is a higher risk of trauma to the eyes, such as search and rescue dogs, police dogs, and those who work in challenging conditions, as well as blind dogs who have persistent ocular trauma. “They may aid in preventing ocular trauma such as foreign bodies like plants, punctures and abrasions, as well as other potential irritants,” says Dr. Veterinary ophthalmologist Peter Accola practices at Waukesha, Wisconsin’s WVRC Emergency and Specialty Pet Care.
Eye Protection After Surgery or Trauma
Protection is essential for vision health when a dog is recovering from eye surgery, such as cataract removal or a procedure to correct a corneal defect, says Vallone, who is board-certified in veterinary ophthalmology. “Dogs with ocular irritation who are not wearing eye protection have a propensity to itch, rub, or scratch at their face, which can cause serious damage to their own eyes.” This behavior can exacerbate corneal ulcers and make it more difficult to recover from eye surgery. ”.
Most of the time, veterinarians use Elizabethan collars (e-collars) to prevent damage, according to Vallone These plastic collars in the shape of cones are intended to stop dogs from traumatizing their eyes by scratching or by pressing their face and eyes forward onto sharp or abrasive surfaces. ”.
Dr. However, occasionally, myself or other veterinary ophthalmologists will use goggles or visors, says Jessica Meekins, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. ”.
According to Beale, who practices at Pet Emergency Treatment Services in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and is board-certified in veterinary ophthalmology, one of the main issues with eyewear is that it can dislodge and cause more harm to a dog’s eyes. “I have experimented with some goggles and visors and have been thrilled, but I want to be careful that we’re not doing more harm than good,” ”.
Dogs should avoid ultraviolet light, but not in the same way that humans should. According to Meekins, a board-certified veterinarian, “UV light is the most common cause of cataracts in people, but dogs develop cataracts due to heredity or as a side effect of diabetes.” “They simply don’t live long enough for cataracts to develop as a result of cumulative UV exposure.” ” So, should dogs wear sunglasses?.
She claims that additional negative effects of UV light for dogs include a worsening of pannus. And “although squamous cell carcinoma is a rare form of surface ocular cancer in dogs, UV light can also raise the risk of its occurrence.” ”.
The most frequent reason Accola, a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, suggests eyewear in cases of pannus is sun protection. Although pannus is thought to be inherited, according to him, sun exposure from UV rays causes the disease. “Wearing eye protection is one reasonable way to reduce exposure to direct sunlight in the hopes of lessening the severity of this condition. ”.
If youre looking to purchase dog goggles wholesale, Rex Specs offers wholesale accounts. There is an application form on their website and you can purchase the goggles directly online once your application is approved. Doggles are also available for wholesale via the WholesalePet website.
Putting a pair of goggles on your pet may seem like just a fashion statement, and they do look cool. However, a good pair of goggles can also protect your pets eyes from damaging UV rays and debris. They can even be beneficial for dogs that suffer from eye injuries or certain eye conditions.
Dog goggles were once considered a “novelty product” for dogs, but today there are many manufacturers offering options made for both style and genuine eye protection. To ensure your dog’s goggles fit properly when you purchase them, you should have some measurements on hand.
Dog goggles may appear to be a silly dog accessory, but they have a variety of useful functions.
Consult your veterinarian to ensure this is the best decision for your pet before deciding to purchase a set of goggles for them. Next, compare prices because a single pair of goggles can range by about $5. 00 from one shop to the next. There is some overlap in the sizing, so if at all possible, try a pair on your pet to make sure you have the right fit. You can save yourself the hassle of having to make a return by following all of these instructions. Related & Popular.
FAQ
Do I need to protect my dogs eyes from the sun?
Dog Goggles Because harmful UV rays from the sun can result in eye conditions like pannus, sunburn around the eyes, and cataracts, we need to think about eye protection for dogs just like we do for humans.
Why do some dogs have goggles?
When running through a dense forest, such as in the case of a hunting dog or a Search and Rescue dog, the dogs’ eyes should be shielded from trauma or punctures.
Do dogs need goggles in snow?
Doggles or other protective eyewear is undoubtedly beneficial to dogs who enjoy a comfortable indoor lifestyle. When they are outside, you will notice them squinting a lot because they are not used to the bright sunlight. This is especially valid for sunlight reflected off of snow or sand.
Why do dogs not need sunglasses?
Why? UV rays don’t harm dogs as much as they do people. The Weather Channel claims that dogs’ lifespans are too short for UV-related eye damage to manifest in the same way as it does in human eyes.