Eye allergies in dogs
Why is my dog’s eye red? can dogs get styes on their eye? Your Dog’s eye can be red due to Eye allergy. Eye allergies are a common problem in dogs, causing discomfort and irritation to their eyes. Allergens such as pollen, dust, and mold can cause allergic reactions in dogs, leading to red, itchy, and watery eyes. In this article, we will discuss eye allergies in dogs, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
According to a study published in the journal Veterinary Ophthalmology, eye allergies are a common problem in dogs, with approximately 20% of all canine patients presenting with ocular allergy symptoms. The study found that environmental factors, such as pollen and dust, were the most common causes of eye allergies in dogs, with food allergies accounting for a smaller percentage of cases.
When a dog’s eyes are irritated, he produces excessive tears. Most dogs have small holes in the eye that drain tears away and down the throat. Some dogs cannot properly drain away these tears, causing the dog eye discharge to spill out of the eye and create reddish-brown streaks down the face. Inward-turning eyelids, excessive hair growth around the eye, shallow eye sockets, and blocked tear duct drainage holes can exacerbate this problem. Dogs with white fur or long fur, as well as short-nosed breeds (Pugs, Maltese and Shih-tzu) are more prone to visible staining from dog eye discharge.
Also see Eye care for pets
Identifying eye allergies in dogs can be tricky, as the symptoms can be similar to other eye conditions. However, some common signs of eye allergies in dogs include:
- Redness and swelling around the eyes
- Watery or runny eyes
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Discharge from the eyes, which may be clear or colored
- Itching or scratching around the eyes
- Rubbing the face against surfaces to alleviate the itchiness
- Sensitivity to light
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your vet may perform an eye exam and run tests to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. They may also recommend allergy testing to determine the specific allergen causing your dog’s reaction.
can dogs get styes?
An eye stye in dogs, also known as a hordeolum, is a painful red bump that forms along the edge of a dog’s eyelid. It occurs when oil glands in the eyelid become impacted and infected, similar to a pimple.
The appearance of a stye on a dog’s eye is relatively similar to their appearance in humans. However, the fur on a dog’s eyelid can mask a stye, making it difficult to see until it has become dramatically enlarged or is causing the dog obvious discomfort. The stye is called by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and it needs treatment.
Can you use normal eye drops for dog’s eyes?
It is not always recommended to use over-the-counter eye drops for dog eye allergies without consulting with a veterinarian first. Many human eye drops contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs, and some may even worsen the condition.
Your veterinarian can prescribe eye drops or ointments specifically formulated for dogs that are safe and effective in treating eye allergies. They may also recommend other treatments such as antihistamines or steroids, depending on the severity of the allergy.
do dogs get styes on their eyes?
If you suspect your dog has an eye allergy, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. They can properly diagnose the condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment, which may include eye drops or other medications.
Causes of Eye Allergies in Dogs:
Eye allergies in dogs can be caused by a variety of allergens, including pollen, dust mites, mold, and even certain types of food. When a dog comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system reacts by producing antibodies that release histamines, causing inflammation in the eyes.
Treatment of common Eye Allergies in Dogs:
The treatment of eye allergies in dogs depends on the severity of the reaction. Mild cases can often be treated with antihistamines or eye drops to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. In more severe cases, a veterinarian may prescribe corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs to control the immune response.
“If your dog has allergic conjunctivitis (red, teary eyes after being outside in the spring and early summer), use eye wipes made for dogs like Tear stain remover for dogs(amazon link) to remove the tear stain and flush the eyes with sterile saline or artificial tears after your dog goes outside to remove irritating allergens,”
Use Sterile Eye wash made specifically for Dogs
Burt’s Bees Care Plus+ Relieving Dog Eye Rinse is another gentle wash solution used to address the symptoms of many common dog eye problems. Working to soothe and cleanse your dog’s eyes, this wash can provide much-needed relief to itchy or irritated eyes. It is also pH-balanced with no sulfates or colorants.
Dog Eye wipes , eye wipes for dogs with allergies
Prevention of Eye Allergies in Dogs:
Preventing eye allergies in dogs can be challenging, as allergens are often present in the environment. However, there are some steps that dog owners can take to reduce their dog’s exposure to allergens. These include:
- Regularly cleaning the dog’s bedding and living area to reduce the buildup of dust and mold.
- Bathing the dog regularly to remove allergens from their skin and coat.
- Avoiding exposure to known allergens, such as pollen, during peak allergy seasons.
- Feeding the dog a high-quality, hypoallergenic diet to reduce the risk of food allergies.
It is important to consult a Vet if you see any change in the eyes of Dog. There could be other disease like Cataract characterized by a cloudy eye or loss of vision, especially at night or Glaucoma, characterized by pain, redness, increased tearing, cloudiness, dilated pupils and a bulging eye.
Reference:
Wilkie, D. A., & Whitley, R. D. (2002). Ocular allergy in dogs: a review. Veterinary Ophthalmology, 5(3), 119-125. doi: 10.1111/j.1463-5224.2002.00212.x
