From age-related eye conditions (like cataracts) to unintentional injuries, the problems that can impact your pet’s eyes abound. Yet vision care tends to rank lower in importance for owners, despite being integral to health and wellness.

See the Importance of Pet Eye Care

It’s often said that eyes are the windows to the soul. They are what alert us to sickness or pain, as well as joy and enthusiasm. They are also incredibly sensitive and susceptible to damage.

Any injury or noticeable eye problem in your pet should be treated right away. Time is of the essence since certain conditions can result in vision loss or blindness if ignored.

To recognize ocular trauma or injury, pay attention to the following signs:

  • Redness
  • Discharge
  • Swelling
  • Noticeable scratch or injury
  • Blood in the eye
  • Pupil distortion
  • Inability to look at light
  • Eye protrusion
  • Foreign object in eye

Other conditions may come on gradually, such as cataracts which produce that tale-tell cloudiness and glaucoma that’s so common among senior pets. Eye problems may also accompany diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure.

Illnesses such as conjunctivitis or upper respiratory infections can produce discharge, inflammation, and sensitivity – and are very common among cats and dogs.

During spring, there’s a rise in the number of pets suffering from seasonal allergies, which can also produce eye inflammation and discharge.

Since the issues that affect pet eye health are numerous, a thorough examination is required to identify problems and prevent conditions from worsening.

Keep Your Pet’s Peepers Healthy

Along with annual wellness appointments (or biannual for senior pets), you can support pet eye health by following the recommendations below:

  • Provide a nutritious diet that includes lean protein, vegetables, fruits, and vitamins and minerals that boost overall health.
  • Inspect your pet each week for signs of unusual eye discharge, redness, or other changes.
  • Prevent your active outdoor dog from running through tall grasses or weeds.
  • Keep the fur around your pet’s eyes neat and trimmed.
  • Clean the corners of your four-legged friend’s eyes with a pet-safe cleanser.  
  • Avoid getting shampoo or other bath products in your pet’s eyes.

From pouncing cats to bounding hounds, great vision is essential to the quality of life for all animals. Keep pet eye health a top priority with consistent care and attention.

For more information about pet eye health, please contact the team at Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital.