Eye Condition:
Inflammation
& Irritation
Your pet’s eye health is essential to everyday comfort and well-being. Understanding the potential risks and conditions can empower you to ensure your pet’s longterm eye health.
Inflammation & Irritation
Your pet’s eyes can become inflamed and irritated for a variety of reasons, ranging from minor to serious conditions. Regardless of the cause, inflamed and irritated eyes can make your pet uncomfortable and, in more serious cases, damage your pet’s vision.
Scratched
cornea
Entropion
when the eyelashes are
turned inward instead of outward, causing the eye to tear, become irritated, and ultimately infected, if not treated
Causes of Inflammation
& Irritation
Conjunctivitis
The most common eye problem, this occurs when the mucus membranes of the eye become inflamed and itchy
Glaucoma
A much more serious condition caused by increased pressure within the eye itself
Foreign object
in the eye
Scratched
cornea
Entropion
when the eyelashes are turned inward instead of outward, causing the eye to tear, become irritated, and ultimately infected, if not treated
Signs of Inflammation & Irritation
The signs of irritation or inflammation are similar to other conditions that can be more serious, so consult your veterinarian if you notice these signs.
Redness
Enlarged blood vessels in whites of
eye, “bloodshot”
Squinting
Prolonged or excessive
Excessive blinking
A reflex to soothe irritation
Scratching eyes
Pawing the eyes or rubbing face
on surfaces
Holding eyes closed
A common reaction to irritation
Discharge
Mucus or pus-like
Diagnosis/Treatment
If your pet’s eyes appear inflamed or irritated, you should contact your veterinarian for advice. Many of the most common situations need medical attention in order to get better. Your veterinarian will most likely perform a complete ophthalmic examination to determine the cause of the inflammation. In more serious situations, they may send you to a dog eye expert, also referred to as a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Your veterinarian will advise you regarding the best way to care for your pet’s eye(s). One of the most common treatments is to apply medicated drops or ointment to the affected eye. Having your compadre sit still while you apply the medication can be challenging. For help with this, watch an expert apply eye drops to a dog.
In severe situations, your veterinarian may recommend you take your pet to a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist for specialty care.
