Dog Eye Problems - What To Watch Out For

Dog eye problems can occur at any time. You should pay close attention to your dog's eyes just as you would their teeth, so that you can catch any possible infections or injuries immediately and have them treated.

Dogs are vulnerable to several diseases and possible injuries due to the structure of their eyes. Always keep watch for signs of discharge, squinting, cloudiness, irritation and redness, or swelling. If your dog starts to bump into furniture, this could be a sign of vision loss.

The most common canine eye problems usually stem from the following:

• Cataracts - an opacity of the lens
  
• Cherry Eye - the dog's third eyelid's tear gland protrudes outward
  
• Conjunctivitis - an inflammation of the membrane that lines your dog's eyelids and the front of the sclera
  
• Entropion - eyelids are turn inward which causes the eyelashes to scratch the cornea
  
• Glaucoma - increased eye pressure caused by fluid buildup in the eye
  
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy - inherited vision-destroying diseases caused by deterioration of the retina's image-processing cells
  

This is by no means a complete list of possible eye diseases, but they seem to be the most common.

A dog's eyes may discharge for a variety of reasons. Allergies are often a major cause, as is irritation from dust or small specs of foriegn materials. Problems with tear ducks and drainage, bacteria and/or viruses may cause runny eyes, sometimes with a white or yellowish discharge.

One source of prevention and treatment is through natural, herbal and homeopathic eye washes. These natural medications are non-irritating, quite soothing and will promote natural healing of your dog's eye tissues. They are also good for removing foreign debris, clearing up the encrustation that sometimes builds up in the corner of the eyes, as well as opening tear ducts.

Be sure to always have your dog's eyes thoroughly checked at each annual veterinary visit or if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Catching possible dog eye problems before they become severe can help prevent future vision problems in your pet.

About the Author:

Copyright 2005. Rose Smith is the author and owner of Caring For Canines, a web site that provides information on natural dog health care. Please visit us at: http://www.caringforcanines.com/. Be sure to also check out the Caring For Canines - Pet Health News Blog at: http://caringforcanines.blogspot.com/

---

Facts About Rottweilers

Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More

Dog Potty Training: Can I Get My Dog to Stop Eating It?

Okay, so it's not the cleanest or most appealing of... Read More

Tips for Finding the Perfect Family Dog

If your kids have been begging you to get a... Read More

Pet Identification Tags And The Internet

The greatest fear of most pet owners is that there... Read More

Amazing Insights Of A Horse Training Expert From The Late 1800s!

Could a horse trainer, born about 154 years ago, teach... Read More

Hamsters and their quest for world domination

"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More

Here?s a Way To Make Your Dog Love Its Dog Crate!

A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More

Tips for Introducing Two Cats

Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More

Is A Premium Dog Food Really That Much Better For Your Dog?

==========The Scoop on Premium Dog Food========If you're interested in premium... Read More

Dog Trick To Cure A Nuisance Barker: Training Buddy to ?Speak? on Command

All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More

Flea Control for Pets

Flea control can be a very hard thing to do... Read More

Practical Advice for Adopting a Dog

If you are thinking of adding a dog to your... Read More

Protecting Yourself From Online Pet Classifieds Scams!

Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More

The Dreaded Vet Visit: 5 Ways to Comfort Your Dog

Uh-oh, it's that time again. The dreaded vet visit, and... Read More

Got Fleas? How to Spot and Care For Fleas on Your Dog

Your poor pooch is scratching himself all over. Plus, you... Read More

Dog Flea Control Management: How To Prevent, Treat, And Kill Dog Fleas

Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More

Correcting Cats Bad Behaviour: How To Discipline Your Cat; Youll Be Happy; Your Cat Will Be Too!

At some time or another even the sweetest cat "misbehaves."... Read More

Your Dog is a Social Animal - and Needs You!

Your dog is a social being, just like you! He/she... Read More

Herding and the German Shepherd Dog

Once other animals such as cattle, sheep and goats became... Read More

Pet Adoption: The Right Choice

Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More

Natural Approaches to Dealing With Pesky Fleas

Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & TraditionalFlea Bite Treatments***Chemicals that... Read More

A Healthy Cat Knows What Tastes Good...

As all cat owners know, a feline can be a... Read More

How Cats With Feline Diabetes Can Lead A Happy Life

"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's... Read More

Chinchillas As Pets

You may wish to consider a chinchilla as a possible... Read More

Crate Training Your Puppy

Teaching your puppy crate training is the first and best... Read More

Does Your Dog Dig?

Dear Fellow Dog Lover,I assume you love your dog, or... Read More

The Case AGAINST Raw Frozen Pet Foods

For some 25 years I have alerted the public to... Read More

Sugar Gliders: How to Select a Sugar Glider Breeder

It is important to choose a sugar glider breeder carefully.... Read More

Universal Principles For Successful Dog Training

Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More

Managing Horse Pasture

A major part of a horse's diet is hay or... Read More

How to Make Your Cats Life, and YOUR Life, Happier - Training Your Cat

Imagine that you are scolding your cat for scratching at... Read More

How Are You Treating Your Pet?

Can you comprehend a time when dog food, cat food,... Read More

The Top Five Reasons to Rescue a Boxer

What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More