Dog owners agree that dogs are the most loyal furry friends ever. Dogs live fairly long lives when they are healthy, and well looked after. Every dog parent understands that and, therefore, invests more of everything–time, money, and love–for their dog’s wellness.
Part of this is caring for their dog’s eyes. It is typical for dogs to have eye issues, whether genetic or brought on by external factors. If you own a dog, you know this is crucial. All you want is to give your pet a long life with the best quality.
Preventive Measures
There are two ways to prevent severe issues. A proactive approach can be exceptionally beneficial if you wish to secure your dog from blindness and other eye problems. Look for the vet’s assistance for these two steps to stay on top of your dog’s eye health.
Wellness Checkups
Your furry pal requires a regular wellness checkup once a year. As your dog reaches senior age, it is necessary to bring it in at least two times a year. The vet can inspect your dog’s overall health with this, including the eyes. If any signs of problems form, the veterinarian can suggest immediate medication.
Genetic Tests
Genetic conditions are those that are handed down from parent to offspring. Several diseases and disorders that affect the eyes are genetic. Specialty veterinary hospitals offer eye screening assessments to see whether a dog will have vision or eye problems in the future. Why not follow this link to learn about this test?
Also called OFA examinations, single dogs or a puppy litter can be checked anytime. Most who take advantage of this are breeders. If hereditary problems are positive, the breeders are discouraged from breeding certain dogs to stop the possible inheritance of eye problems.
Observing Symptoms
There are common symptoms a dog may display if eye disease is occurring. You may want to be attentive and watch out if your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Discharge and tearing
- Squinting
- Swelling or redness of the eyes
- Gradual or sudden loss of vision
- Cloudiness
- Frequent eye rubbing
If you see any of these happening, do not hesitate to take the proper next steps.
Consultation
Call your veterinary ophthamologist for guidance, and bring your dog to the vet if necessary. The vet will want to examine your dog’s eyes to identify what triggers the symptom. First aid will be offered to relieve pain or swelling.
Diagnosis
The veterinarian may instruct lab work to be done. Pet veterinary diagnostics will allow the veterinarian to provide the appropriate diagnosis. Equipment is utilized during the testing to look at the eyes’ outside and inner structures. Optic nerves, blood flow, and pressure buildup in the ocular area are some aspects that are checked.
Treatment
When the diagnosis is confirmed, the corresponding treatment will be given. Some eye problems can be treated with topical ointments or solutions if the condition is caught early. For serious cases, surgical treatment may be essential to deal with the issue. This is why acknowledging signs early on is crucial so that conditions will not worsen.
The Bottomline
Keep your dog’s veterinarian schedule and always look out for symptoms. Being proactive regarding your animal’s health, including their eyes and vision, will provide a good quality of life. This will assure you that your pet dog will be alright for a long time.
