How To Avoid Eye Problems In Dogs

Eye problems in dogs can cause your pet considerable pain and misery. Read on to understand what can go wrong, symptoms to look for and how regular checks will help you to keep your Cocker Spaniel's eyes clean and healthy.

Check Your Dog's Eyes Often

There are a few things you can do to help keep your Cocker Spaniel's eyes (and sight) safe and sound and checking them often is one of them.

Now this might seem pretty obvious, but it's often overlooked.

Common eye problems in dogs

It doesn't need to take long; just have a good look at his eyes every day to make sure all is well.

If you're not sure what you're looking for, I've listed the symptoms of dog eye problems further down the page.

Keep Your Cocker's Eyes Clean

Keeping your pet's eyes clean will help to avoid bacteria or infection.

When you check your pet's eyes, as part of his grooming routine, be sure to remove any sleep or anything caught in his lashes and take the time to clean the fur around his eyes.

While you're at it, give the entire eye area a quick inspection for potential problems.

How To Clean Your Cocker Spaniel's Eyes

I usually clean Max's eyes after a walk because he's less likely to wriggle when he's tired!

• Have your dog sit on the floor in front of you.
  
  
• Use a clean cotton bud to remove any 'gunk' in the corner of his eyes.
  
  
• Take a cotton-wool ball soaked in a solution of 1 cup of distilled water and half a teaspoon of salt and gently clean the fur around his eyes (especially if he's got a problem with excess tearing).
  
  Be gentle and be careful not to touch his eyes with your fingers or the cotton-wool ball. 
  
  
• Use a separate cotton ball for each eye to avoid possible cross-infection.

Do this at least once a week, and you'll be well on your way to helping your Cocker's eyes stay clean and healthy!

Common Eye Problems In Dogs: How To Avoid Them

There are many other things you can do to help keep your pet's eyes healthy, and they're pretty much common sense, but I'll mention them anyway.

• Try not to get soap or shampoo in your dog's eyes when bathing him as it will cause irritation.
  
  
• Don't use drops in his eyes unless your vet has specifically prescribed them for him.
  
  
• Don't allow your Cocker Spaniel to ride in the car with his head out of the window - yes, we've all done it - but it can be dangerous! 
  
  Dust, grit, or insects can easily be 'blasted' into his eye(s) by the wind and cause damage. The wind can also have a drying effect, causing irritation, infection, and other dog eye problems.
  
  
• If your pet has something embedded in his eye, a thorn, for example, never try to remove it yourself; let your vet do it.

Eye problems in dogs can range from very mild irritations to severe conditions that need immediate professional medical treatment. If you're in any doubt about the condition of your pet's eyes, please consult your vet immediately.

Symptoms Of Common Eye Problems In Dogs

How To Spot Potential Dog Eye Problems

Infection, allergies, and disease in the eye are easily spotted. Early signs are as follows:

• your Cocker Spaniel may begin squinting;
  
  
• he may develop 'gunk' around his eyes. 
  
  
• a small amount of 'sleep' in the inner corner, especially early morning after sleeping, is okay, but any more than that is potentially a problem, so please visit your vet;

Look at those beautifully clear eyes!

• your dog's eyes may become red and sore-looking - they may also appear inflamed;
  
  
• your Cocker develops crusting around one or both eyelids;
  
  
• his eyes are constantly watering causing excess tears;
  
  
• your dog has a bulging or sunken eye;
  
  
• increased irritability and pain. If his eyes are irritating him, or they're painful, he may paw at them or at his face.
  
  
• they appear 'cloudy' or 'milky';
  
  
• a third eyelid becomes visible;
  
  
• they begin producing mucus;
  
  
• in severe cases of eye problems in dogs, their vision may begin to deteriorate. If your Cocker Spaniel suddenly starts to bump into things or he can't find treats you've thrown onto the floor for him - these could be signs of diminishing eyesight.

Like our own, our dog's eyesight is very precious. It's essential to be observant and recognise the signs of eye problems in our dogs at an early stage, before they have a chance to become a real problem.

I can't emphasise this enough, if you notice any of the above signs in your pet, take him to see his vet without delay.

The sooner your vet takes a look at your dog, the better. Please don't wait a couple of days to 'see if it clears up' and don't try to diagnose the symptoms yourself; leave that to the professionals.