When your dog blinks excessively
Eye injuries in dogs can range from mild to severe. It can be hard to tell if it’s a serious injury or just a minor infection, and deterioration can be rapid.
When your dog blinks excessively
A good rule of thumb for eye issues is that if your dog is squinting with one or both eyes, you should treat it as an emergency and get them checked out as soon as possible. This allows treatment to start quickly. It can be difficult to spot eye damage yourself, but a vet can use a special dye to check the cornea for damage that might otherwise be hard to see.
There are also other signs of serious eye damage to watch out for. Seek veterinary attention immediately if you notice:
Your dog has suddenly gone blind.
Your dog seems to be in a lot of pain, or won't let you examine the eye.
Your dog's pupils are different sizes.
The eye has changed colour, or looks different in colour from before, or compared to the other eye.
Swelling around the eye's conjunctiva (the pink membrane).
When your dog's eyes are watering
Sometimes a dog’s eyes might water a little more than usual. This can be for several reasons. Something irritating the cornea, like a stray hair or a bit of dirt, is a common cause. Tears keep the cornea moist and protect the eye.
When you can treat at home
If your dog's eyes are watering a little more than usual, but the eye is fully open and they don't seem uncomfortable, rinsing the eyes with saline solution for a few days and using lubricating eye drops (like Comfort-shield) might be enough. If the condition doesn't improve or gets worse, you should contact a vet. Also, seek help if the eye discharge is thick and persistent, or if the eye is sticky.
If you're unsure about your dog's condition, you can always consult a digital vet. As a customer ofLassie dog insurance you have unlimited calls to our veterinary care team.
