PET EYE CARE
Eyesight is an important sense for both cats and dogs and the early detection of eye disorders can prevent serious damage. Check your pet's eyes every day and clean them if required. If you notice any change in their size, shape or odour, or any discharge, consult your vet as soon as possible.
Routine eye care can start with cleaning the tears and other discharges that accumulate in dog's eyes. These discharges should be gently removed each day with a cotton swab dampened in a saline solution.
It is normal for the eyes to have tear discharge - this keeps the eye moist and lubricated, but if the discharge increases and sticks to the eyeball, or appears yellow, there may be a problem.
Dogs and cats have a third eye lid which normally sits neatly in the inner corner of the eye. This piece of skin functions much like a windscreen wiper and keeps the cornea free from dust, dirt and irritants. Reddening of the third eyelid is a sign of irritation.
Routine eye care can start with cleaning the tears and other discharges that accumulate in dog's eyes. These discharges should be gently removed each day with a cotton swab dampened in a saline solution.
It is normal for the eyes to have tear discharge - this keeps the eye moist and lubricated, but if the discharge increases and sticks to the eyeball, or appears yellow, there may be a problem.
Dogs and cats have a third eye lid which normally sits neatly in the inner corner of the eye. This piece of skin functions much like a windscreen wiper and keeps the cornea free from dust, dirt and irritants. Reddening of the third eyelid is a sign of irritation.
CATARACTS
A cataract is a clouding of the lens. Light is unable to penetrate the cataract, so the eyesight progressively deteriorates. Most cataracts result from diseases such as diabetes, from eye disease, or from injury. Your pet should be examined by a vet as there may be an underlying cause which can be treated.
It is most important to realise that your pet can cope exceedingly well with impaired vision. A few simple precautions ensure that life continues as usual.
For your dog, secure all gates and fences around your home. Your pet must not be allowed to leave the safety of home unless on a lead. A blind dog will still enjoy daily walks by your side - his sense of hearing and smell will tell him about the environment.
Do not make major changes to the home or garden. If he cannot see the new path or sofa, he will follow his established route and bump into things.
Finally, make rue strangers are introduced to your dog before patting. Any sudden movements may frighten a cat or a dog with impaired vision.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens. Light is unable to penetrate the cataract, so the eyesight progressively deteriorates. Most cataracts result from diseases such as diabetes, from eye disease, or from injury. Your pet should be examined by a vet as there may be an underlying cause which can be treated.
It is most important to realise that your pet can cope exceedingly well with impaired vision. A few simple precautions ensure that life continues as usual.
For your dog, secure all gates and fences around your home. Your pet must not be allowed to leave the safety of home unless on a lead. A blind dog will still enjoy daily walks by your side - his sense of hearing and smell will tell him about the environment.
Do not make major changes to the home or garden. If he cannot see the new path or sofa, he will follow his established route and bump into things.
Finally, make rue strangers are introduced to your dog before patting. Any sudden movements may frighten a cat or a dog with impaired vision.
CONJUNCTIVITIS
Conjunctivitis results from an irritation of the delicate lining membrane of the eye. The most common causes are allergies to grass, pollen and dust - eye injuries and foreign matter such as grass seeds lodged in the eye.
Some dogs with loose, drooping eyelids - such as Bassets and Bloodhounds - are prone to chronic conjunctivitis. It is also common in breads which have extra eyelashes or 'turned in' eyelids like Chows, Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, Saint Bernards and Irish Setters.
Treatment may include an antibiotic ointment. Conjunctivitis should not be ignored as it may lead to more serious problems, such as corneal ulcers.
Conjunctivitis results from an irritation of the delicate lining membrane of the eye. The most common causes are allergies to grass, pollen and dust - eye injuries and foreign matter such as grass seeds lodged in the eye.
Some dogs with loose, drooping eyelids - such as Bassets and Bloodhounds - are prone to chronic conjunctivitis. It is also common in breads which have extra eyelashes or 'turned in' eyelids like Chows, Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs, Saint Bernards and Irish Setters.
Treatment may include an antibiotic ointment. Conjunctivitis should not be ignored as it may lead to more serious problems, such as corneal ulcers.