The eyes of the dog
Because dogs can hear and smell much better than humans, it seems logical to think that they can also see better. But that's not necessarily the case! They see the world in a very different way than we do. Dogs are a bit nearsighted and their vision is somewhat blurry. However, they can detect the slightest movement and see well in the dark. It is said that the eyes are 'the mirror of the soul.' Pharmacy4pets is happy to help you take good care of your dog's eyes.
The vision of the dog
How dogs perceive the world is completely different from how human eyes do. Dogs are 'colorblind'; they do not see certain colors or see them differently than humans. Red is a color that dogs cannot see. Within the color spectrum, the colors red and green blend together in the dog's vision to create a mustard-yellow color. However, they can distinguish yellow and blue well. You can imagine that your dog may therefore have difficulty finding a red toy in the grass compared to a yellow or blue one.
Dogs see few colors and details, but they are particularly alert to movement. Dogs see moving objects much better than stationary ones, and they have a 10 to 20 times greater motion sensitivity than humans. As a result, they can pick up on small changes in posture and movement. This is one of the reasons why dogs can be trained using hand gestures.
Contrary to humans, dogs can see very well in the dark. Dogs have many so-called 'rods' in their retinas, which allow them to see even in low light. Additionally, dogs have larger pupils than we do, allowing them to capture more light. They also have a layer of light-reflecting cells in their eyes that reflects incoming light; the tapetum lucidum. This tapetum lucidum creates the reflective eyes of dogs and cats.
Eye problems in dogs
Every dog wakes up occasionally with a bit of 'gunk' in their eyes: a thicker, mucus-like discharge. Fortunately, this is often harmless. In the case of an eye infection, we often see red, watery eyes. In addition to inflamed eyes, there are many other eye conditions. Symptoms of eye problems include:
- Eye discharge: from clear tears to thick, white, or yellow-green discharge.
- Squinting with one or both eyes.
- Red eyes/eyelids.
- The third eyelid becoming visible.
- Clearly visible blood vessels in the whites of the eyes.
- A blue/gray/green/red/white haze over the eye.
- A bulging eye.
- Bumps on the eyelids.
- Brown spots in or on the eye.
- Dull spots on the eye.
- Uneven pupils.
- Sudden blindness.
- Headaches: keeping one eye half closed, being unable to tolerate head touches, holding the head low, withdrawing, being irritable.
If you notice changes in your dog's eye that go beyond clear eye discharge and mild redness, it is always advisable to show this to your veterinarian. It is important to intervene early in eye problems.
Eye infection in dogs
It would be too much to discuss all eye conditions in dogs. However, inflamed eyes are relatively common, so they will be discussed in more detail. Fortunately, you can do a lot yourself to clean and care for your dog's eyes.
The causes of eye infections in dogs
Eye infections are often caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergic reaction. It may also be that something was or still is in the eye, causing irritation. A speck of dust, plant particle, or a grain of sand, for example. Eyelid tumors (bumps on the upper or lower eyelid) can cause considerable irritation by constantly rubbing against the eye. Another possible cause of an inflamed eye is damage to the cornea caused by, for example, a sharp branch or a cat's claw. Reduced tear production, a condition known as 'dry eye,' is also relatively common.
In breeds with short snouts such as French and English Bulldogs, Pugs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, we see inflamed eyes and damaged corneas more often than average. These breeds have relatively large and bulging eyes that are more prone to inflammation and damage.
What can you do yourself for mild eye infections?
If your dog wakes up every morning with 'gunk' in the corners of their eyes or suffers from watery eyes, you can clean the eyes with a special eye cleaner such as Bogacare Perfect Eye Cleaner or Clean Ocular. These eye cleaners are gentle and effectively remove the so-called 'tear stains' (discoloration of the fur from the corner of the eye to the nose due to tear fluid). A convenient way to use the eye cleaners is in combination with the Bogacare Micro Cleaning Pad.
If your dog suffers from dry eyes (a condition diagnosed by your veterinarian by measuring tear production), you can give your dog artificial tears such as Duodrops or Lacriforte several times a day to keep his eyes moist and comfortable. If the inside of your dog's eyelids is slightly redder than normal or if he has sensitive eyes, a vitamin A eye ointment such as Ophtosan helps protect your dog's eyes.
When to see the vet for inflamed eyes?
If your dog's eyes are severely inflamed, simply cleaning the eyes may not be enough. If your dog squints with one or both eyes, the eye discharge is yellow-green, the pupils are uneven in size, or the eye itself looks different than normal (for example, a different color, reflection, haze, dull or brown spot) or if your dog also feels unwell or withdraws, it is very important to go to the vet. The vet will examine the eye with a special magnifying glass and check for damage to the cornea using a dye (fluorescein). Additionally, tear production and eye pressure can be measured if necessary. The vet may also prescribe an antibiotic ointment and possibly painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or antibiotics.
Pharmacy4pets helps you care for and keep your dog's eyes clean. After all, the eyes are the mirror of the soul and deserve the best protection! If you have any questions about our products or about eye infections in dogs, please contact us.
