How To Properly Clean The Eyes Of Dogs
Many breeds of dogs require regular eye care and hygiene to maintain eye health: Chihuahuas, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire, Maltese Bichon or Poodles are clear examples of this. In addition, this cleaning is also necessary when the animal has an ocular pathology.
By properly cleaning the eyes of dogs, we avoid the accumulation of legañas remains, dirt and that the adjacent area of the eye is constantly moistened, favoring the proliferation of bacteria and the development of eye infections. Here we show you how to carry it out effectively.
Why do some dogs tear constantly?
When the tearing is excessive or increases suddenly, we can think that the animal is showing symptoms of some pathology and it is best to go to the vet. Among these pathologies are:
- Conjunctivitis. This condition can be associated with other diseases.
- Infections. The affected eye (they can be both) has tears and can present rheum, yellowish or greenish secretions.
- Nasolacrimal tract obstruction. When this duct becomes blocked, the tear slides down the outside of the animal’s eye. To unclog this duct, a small intervention at the veterinarian is necessary. Dacryocystitis is inflammation of the lacrimal sac and duct.
- Corneal ulcers. They cause pain, blepharospasm, enophthalmia, miosis, protrusion of the nictitating membrane, redness, and excessive tearing depending on the depth of the ulcer. It needs veterinary treatment and its causes can be very varied.
- Inflammation of the eyelids or blepharitis. It is a swelling of the edge of the eyelid caused by an excessive proliferation of bacteria that are normally on the skin. Leishmaniasis can sometimes cause blepharitis.
- Allergies. They are accompanied by inflammation of the eye, redness and blemishes, in addition to other symptoms of an allergic condition.
All these problems should be diagnosed by a veterinarian, as they may require special treatments. The presence of foreign bodies , injuries, the wind, a change in weather conditions or the type of breed are also causes of a dog constantly tearing.
How to properly clean the eyes of dogs
Due to the importance of the ocular system in all living beings, avoiding the aforementioned pathologies is essential for the welfare of the animal. Here are some tips to maintain good hygiene in the eyes of dogs:
Eye cleaners
There are already specific products on the market to properly clean the eyes of dogs, they come with an applicator and are very easy to use. You can buy this type of product in any specialized pet store and it is profitable if you have to do frequent washing.
Some of these cleansers have substances in their composition that help maintain the color of the hair around the eyes, since constant tearing tends to cause oxidation.
The eyes should be cleaned daily in breeds prone to tearing to prevent ulcers and other types of problems in the eyes and surrounding skin.
Physiological serum
Another way to clean your dog’s eyes is to use saline solution on clean gauze or soft paper. The physiological saline can be purchased at any pharmacy or veterinary center and its use does not produce reaction or irritation.
First, with clean hands, remove the secretion and legañas remnants using gauze moistened with serum. Subsequently, the area is gently cleaned and dried. Gauze pads are a better option than cotton pads, as they won’t fray or leave residue inside the eye.
The homemade chamomile infusion is a common practice to clean the eyes of dogs, but it must be taken into account that they do not ensure perfect and sterile conservation as they can be the case with other pharmacy products.
The use of disinfectants or baby wipes is not recommended to clean the eyes of pets, as they may contain substances that irritate the delicate areas of the eye, eyelids and tear.
If your pet suffers from an associated eye disease, in addition to frequent eye cleaning, he will need the application of eye drops, ointments or other medications prescribed by the veterinarian.
If you suspect that your dog is tearing more than normal or the appearance of his eyes has changed, do not hesitate to go to the clinic. It is always better to treat eye problems early before they become serious.
