Even the slightest eye trauma, like a tiny scratch, can result in an infected wound and blindness. Never risk your dog’s vision; always get them help right away if they sustain even minor eye injuries.
Examine your dog’s eyes if you notice that she is blinking excessively, avoiding bright lights, or squinting. Tear production is another common indicator of issues, as is discharge that is watery, green, or yellow. The eye might even be out of its socket, at worst.
Eye injuries frequently occur when a small object enters or becomes embedded in the eye, just like in humans. Eye injuries can also result from eyelid inversion, abnormal eyelash growth, and scratching or pawing of the cornea.
1. Treatment for an emergency situation should be given if the eye is out of its socket. If the canine’s sight is to be preserved, every second counts.
2. There may be something in your dog’s eye if he blinks or squints excessively and avoids bright lights:
3. The most common sign of a scratched eye in dogs is excessive squinting, excessive crying, or red eyes. Check for foreign objects in the eye area. If nothing is found, follow these guidelines:
4. If the dog’s eyelids are damaged (usually as a result of trauma or a fight):
Fighting, infection, or mishaps with chemicals or other dangerous substances can all result in eye injuries. Some breeds, like the pug, are more prone to eye issues.
Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to care for a dog with an injured eye. It is probable that damage-prevention measures (like an Elizabethan collar) or some follow-up care, either at home or in the clinic, will be required.
Although obedience training, which reduces the dogs’ propensity for fighting, helps, there is little that can be done to prevent the majority of causes of eye injuries. Additional caution is also required when handling chemicals; if at all possible, keep your dog in a different room when using bleach or other similar liquids. Visit the “Burns and Scalding” article for additional treatment and prevention suggestions.
Common Eye Injuries Seen in Dogs
Eye injuries can happen at any time and range in severity from minor to serious, endangering your dog’s vision. Dogs frequently suffer from the following types of eye injuries:
There are countless potential causes of dog eye injuries, including the following:
If you notice discharge, this may be a sign of an infection, such as pink eye or conjunctivitis. The following symptoms are more severe: bleeding from the eye, shifting of the eye in the socket, or any changes in color. These signs of an emergency demand that a veterinarian be consulted right away. It’s critical to comprehend how dog insurance interacts with emergency clinics in these situations. 2.
Depending on how bad the injury is, your dog’s eye may require different treatments. To treat pain and/or prevent infection, your veterinarian may prescribe eye drops. In many instances, your dog will also require the use of a cone collar to stop them from scratching the eye and aggravating the injury.
Your dog’s eye will be examined by your veterinarian to ascertain what’s wrong and the extent of the damage. The veterinarian will also inquire as to whether you have observed any of the aforementioned symptoms. Your veterinarian may perform additional testing and examine your dog’s pupils if the issue is not immediately apparent (such as a foreign object that is visible in the eye).
Dogs may also sustain injuries from fireworks or even from sticking their heads out a car window. The eye of your dog might become infected or develop a corneal ulcer if a pebble or insect strikes it. Your dog’s face could become dry and irritated from the wind.
Symptoms of Eye Injuries in Dogs
Many different eye diseases can affect dogs. Ocular symptoms can arise even without an injury. Visit the veterinarian, though, if your dog’s eye has a visible wound on it or around it, possibly with blood.
Signs of a problem may be as subtle as squinting, twitching, or spasms of the eyelid even if you cannot see an obvious wound or irritant in your dog’s eye. Your dog might rub its paw over the hurt eye, blink quickly, or shed a lot of tears.
Some wounds may make it difficult for your dog to fully open its eye. The white of the eye may appear bloodshot if there has been trauma or irritation. An infection, which may happen as a result of an injury, can be detected by a yellow or greenish discharge.
The mucosal membrane around the eye can become red, and other eye conditions can also cause cloudiness, prolonged pupil dilation, an asymmetrical appearance of the eyes, and light sensitivity. The presence of signs in one or both eyes can sometimes distinguish between an injury and another problem.
You should get your dog to the vet as soon as you can if you notice any of these symptoms. Unless instructed to do so by a medical professional, avoid attempting home care for eye issues. Don’t risk your dog’s vision or pain threshold because eye problems can be much more serious than they appear and can advance very quickly.
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FAQ
How do I know if my dogs eye injury is serious?
- General discomfort.
- Twitching or spasming of the eyelid.
- Squinting.
- Blinking rapidly.
- Unable to open eye.
Will a dog’s scratched eye heal on its own?
Eye drops may be prescribed by your veterinarian to hasten the healing of superficial corneal abrasions; these wounds typically mend on their own in a few days. Applying serum eye drops more frequently to aid in corneal healing may be necessary for deeper corneal ulcerations.
What can I give my dog for an eye injury?
An Elizabethan collar will be used to prevent your dog from scratching simple wounds, along with a prescription antibiotic and/or atropine eye drops. Atropine eye drops widen your dog’s pupil and help with pain relief, whereas antibiotic eye drops treat and prevent bacterial infections.
What does eye injury in dogs look like?
It can hurt when the eye socket or the area around it is swollen, and the dog may be hesitant to open its mouth or eat as a result. The third eyelid may be more noticeable than usual, the insides of the eyelids may turn red and swell, and any swelling may push the eyeball forward.