Red eye is a condition in dogs that often causes concern and signals an alarm to the pet parents that something unusual is happening to your dog. Redness is not always disturbing, but sometimes it may cause a serious and alarming situation if it is due to harmful and deleterious triggers. Most pet owners love and pamper their furry friends just like humans, so anything that disturbs dogs ultimately becomes concerning for owners too. In this comprehensive and information-laden article, we will discuss the causes of red eyes in dogs, their consequences, possible treatments, and preventative measures to keep dogs from being affected by such conditions. So, read it if you want to be familiar with your dog's ophthalmology and problems associated with the eyes.
Causes of red eye in dogs:
The red eye might be due to several reasons that prompt the development of redness sometimes with other signs and symptoms, giving an indication that dogs have other issues along with red eye.
Here are some causes of red eyes in dogs.
Allergic reactions or hypersensitivity:
Dog eyes, like human eyes, are sensitive and have delicate membranes that might be affected by factors. Dogs show allergic reactions to factors that otherwise cause them concern. Environmental factors like dust, pollen, small sand particles, and other innocuous things trigger allergies in dogs, which are manifested in redness of the eye. Other symptoms that might accompany redness are itchiness, watery eyes, eye swelling, etc. It causes no serious concern, but you must take your dog to a veterinarian and allergy expert so that any further complications can be averted.
Some breeds are prone to red eyes.
Some dog breeds are instinctively more prone to red eyes. They show higher sensitivity to irritations. Dogs with lengthy fur, a short face, and wide eyes are often more susceptible than, for example, pugs, bulldogs, etc. Extreme care should be taken to deal with red-eye issues in such dogs; consult a veterinarian immediately if such a problem arises, and it is recommended to get your dog checked up regularly to prevent frequent reddening of the eyes.
Dry eyes:
The technical term for dry eyes is keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), which is extreme dryness of the eye due to less or no tear production. Normally dog eyes are moist due to tears produced by tear glands within the eye; if tear glands are affected, there will be less or no tear formation, resulting in dryness of the eye, which is another cause of red eye in dogs. It causes discomfort to the dogs, and other signs that may accompany redness are itchiness, eye discharge, stiffness of the eyelids, etc.
Irritating objects within eyes:
Dogs are playful in nature during playtime; items such as dust, dirt particles, and pieces of grass, thread, or other pointed things might enter the eyes and get stuck; dogs excessively rub their eyes with paws and show signs of discomfort and restlessness. If such signs are noticed, seek veterinary consultation without delay, as this might damage the eye membrane if they are allowed to rub and paw liberally. A veterinarian will look into the matter and treat it accordingly to fix the problem.
Injury to eyes:
Injury or minor scratches to the eyes may cause red eyes in dogs; injuries may be visible from the outside or can be detected by careful examination of the eyes. Trauma or scratches may lead to dangerous consequences like eye ulcers, infection of the eye membrane, blindness, etc. Seek veterinary advice if such problems are noticed, as this might prevent your canine pal from landing in more serious situations.
Inflammation of conjunctiva:
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an inflammation of the eye conjunctiva, which is one of the reasons for red eye in dogs. Conjunctivitis can be easily noticed because it first affects one eye, then after some time the other will be affected too. Signs may include redness, swelling of the eyelids, discharge from the eyes, pain, itchy eyes, etc. Take your dog to a veterinary clinic, where doctors will diagnose it and prescribe medication that will alleviate the symptoms, and eventually the problem dies.
Ulcer of the cornea:
Sometimes a minor scratch or trauma to the cornea might lead to the development of an ulcer in the cornea of the eyes. Dogs get scratches from reckless playing, sniffing things, touching coarse items, etc. Ulcers may also develop from bacterial and fungal infections that are left untreated. A corneal ulcer is a sore in the front part of the eye that may prompt redness of the eye along with other symptoms. This should be dealt with the assistance of an expert veterinarian, who prescribes specific medicines for the ulcer of the cornea.
Prolapse of gland:
Occasionally, a gland protrudes or prolapses from the eye, appearing red swelling at the corner of the eye; this condition is termed cherry eye. This may be due to the genetic makeup of the dogs or a sudden blow to the eye side. Cherry's eye is visible as a red or pink swollen part at the corner of the eyes. If the prolapse is not serious, then it will go away on its own, but if it is of a serious nature, then a visit to a veterinary clinic is very important as it needs surgical removal or proper treatment.
Cataract or glaucoma formation in eyes:
When due to improper drainage of fluid there will be pressure buildup inside the eyes, which may cause glaucoma formation, which is a severe and alarming condition. Eye infection, physical tumor, or tumor can also lead to glaucoma formation, which is painful and disturbing for dogs with red eyes. Red eye due to glaucoma causes extreme discomfort to your pups; other symptoms include bulging eyeballs and swelling of the eyes; it usually affects only one eye. Consult a veterinarian with urgency to deal with such issues. Treatment may be aimed at decreasing pressure and smoothing fluid flow within the eyes; this soothes the dogs.
What to give dogs for red eye:
Dog eyes are sensitive organs, and any wrong thing introduced into the eyes may be dangerous for the eye membrane, and eye function may be seriously affected, so avoid giving anything without the veterinarian's permission for red eyes. Consulting a veterinarian is of utmost importance for a red eye because this organ is sensitive and delicate and can only be treated by experts and well-versed skilled persons.
When to visit the veterinarian
If you suspect that the red eye condition is severe, then schedule a visit with a veterinarian, because eye infections and problems are deleterious to a dog's vision. If any negligence is shown, it will take a toll on the dog's vision.
A veterinarian will examine and evaluate the situation and suggest possible treatment for this.
A veterinary doctor may conduct the following test to diagnose and detect the real culprit behind the red eye.
Blood work: blood tests are conducted to find illnesses and diseases causing red eyes in dogs.
Tonometry: it is a technique of measuring pressure within the eye by using a device called a tonometer.
Tear test: one of the most popular tear tests is the Schirmer tear test to determine the moisture and lubrication status of the eye.
Ophthalmic examination: by using an ophthalmoscope, the interior of the eye is examined to see the internal structure of the eye, which is a possible cause of red eye.
Conclusion:
Red eyes may be due to innocuous irritations and triggers or may be an indication of serious and alarming conditions that cause dissatisfaction and pain and sometimes lead to loss of vision if ignored. In this guide, reasons for red eye, their complications, and how to prevent its occurrence are thoroughly discussed. For pet enthusiasts, it is necessary to know about eye health and problems so that they may enjoy a good time with furry friends.
Curious about your dog’s specific health requirements? Our Dog Health Quiz or Dog Health Test can help. The quiz offers an overall evaluation, while the test helps with specific care actions. Also, try our Hip and Joint Supplement Chews to support your dog’s joint health and overall well-being.
