 |
7 Most Common
From “eye
boogers” to corneal ulcers, dog eye problems must be
evaluated and treated with a combination of |
conventional and holistic
medicine. Sometimes surgery is the right way to go,
while
other times 
appreciate wearing goggles –
unless of
course he’s trying to be stylish to catch the eye of a dog
park sweetheart – preventive eye care is all about  |
 |
| Immature Cataract | Mature Cataract |
Before jumping to any conclusions, make sure that nuclear sclerosis is not the culprit. Nuclear sclerosis is a common and normal condition of aging, where a bluish gray (not cloudy or white) change to the lens is seen. With this condition, vision can become blurry but it does not lead to blindness or the more significant vision problems caused by cataracts.
 |
| Nuclear Sclerosis |
While cataracts is usually genetic, it can be a result of injury or stem from chronic disease or immune problems. If stemming from an injury, there are several homeopathic treatments available, such as the use of poison hemlock. Contact your holistic veterinarian to discuss.
For non-injury related cataracts, removing the lens surgically can help, but unfortunately the eye will never return to normal. Treating a chronic illness early and effectively through diet, veterinary checkups and holistic treatments is the only way to prevent the condition altogether.
Corneal ulcers
Corneal ulcers. Jeez – sounds pretty scary, huh? It’s not as bad as it sounds or often looks, and, although bacteria can complicate the problem, dogs usually experience a full recovery. Corneal ulcers are simply more complex dog eye injuries and are usually caused by a cat scratch, thorn or other foreign object.
 |
| Corneal Ulcer |
The injury can be very difficult to see and may require the use of a special light to be diagnosed. A good sign that your dog suffers from this problem is a lot of tears or a partially closed eye.
If you see an object stuck in the eye like a thorn or debris, your dog will most likely need to receive anesthesia so a vet can remove the object. If you see blood, the injury is probably more severe and veterinary help should be sought immediately.
Treatments for slight irritations, shallow ulcers or uninfected scratches include:
- Add to the diet:
- From ¼ to 1 teaspoon of Cod-liver Oil, depending on your dog’s size
- From 100 to 400 IU of Vitamin E, depending on your dog’s size
- Try an eye drop for dog treatment:
- Every 4 hours, apply a drop of cod-liver oil directly onto the eye or into the lower lid
- Homeopathic remedies are also available, such as Monkshood. Contact your holistic veterinarian to discuss.
If your dog’s eye or the area around the eye becomes inflamed, it is usually a sign of infection. The best method for treatment is to clean it thoroughly and use an eye drop for dog formula.
To clean the eye area including the “eye boogers”, use a comforting salt solution:
- Mix ¼ teaspoon of sea salt into a cup of distilled water. Stir well, saturate a soft cloth or gauze and carefully clean the area.
- Mild irritation - 1 drop of almond oil
- Moderate irritation or inflamed eyes -
1 drop of castor oil (Jeff Foxworthy would probably want us to clarify:
Castor Oil, NOT Castrol Oil!)
- Dry or ulcerated eyes - 1 drop of cod liver oil
In-growing Eyelids
In-growing eyelids are a dog eye problem that can be hereditary or the result of continuous inflammation. With this condition, the eyelids turn in and press the eyelashes against they eye. The rubbing can cause a large (and sometimes white) ulcer.
To find out whether your dog’s eyelids are in-growing, gently pull the lids away from they eye and let them fall back.
If the lids
continuously cuff back in on themselves, you know this condition is
present.The most common treatment is a simple and effective surgery. Puppies also respond well to homeopathic treatments such as Silicea or herbal treatments like Goldenseal, which should be reviewed with your holistic vet.
Injuries
Dogs will be dogs, which sometimes includes sticking their noses in places better avoided. Dog eye injuries are sometimes the consequence and come in many forms like scratches, cuts or bruising of the eyeball. Several homeopathic remedies are available, such as Comfrey for blunt trauma to the eye or Eyebright for non-corneal injuries:
- Eyebright – Add 5 drops of the extract (tincture or glycerin) and ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to 1 cup distilled water. Mix well and store at room temperature. Put 2 to 3 drops in the affected eye 3 times a day.
Irritation
Does your dog like to pull a Superman
out of your car window like
ours
does? As much as they love it, it does increase the
likelihood that dust and debris will get into the
eyes. Dog
eye problems like cornea scratches and eye irritation can result.For irritation, wash your dog's eyes out with the following:
- Doggie Tears Eye Drop for Dog Eye Irritation - Mild:
- ¼ teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 cup distilled water
- Add the salt to the water and stir. Keep at room temperature. Apply by either dipping a cotton ball into the solution and squeezing drops into eyes or buy using a glass or plastic dropper. Apply drops until they run out of the eye.
- Doggie Tears Eye Drop for Dog Eye Irritation – Moderate:
- For more severe irritation, add exactly 5 drops of tincture (alcohol extract) of the herb euphrasia officinalis (also called Eyebright) to the Mild Doggie Tears Mixture above. Use 4 times per day.
If your dog continues to keep his eye shut for most of the time, the injury may be more serious and you should seek veterinary help.
Pink Eye (Conjuctivitis) - we have a separate page dedicated to this topic.
(back to top of Dog Eye Problems & Treatments)
Back to Illnesses & Remedies from Dog Eye Problems
Home |
Food
& Treats | Health
& Wellness | Illnesses
& Remedies
Supplies | Recipes | About Us | Contact Us
What's New | Affiliates
Supplies | Recipes | About Us | Contact Us
What's New | Affiliates
Dog Eye Problem References / Source of pictures for: Cataracts, Corneal Ulcers, Eye Drops
Powered by |