Dog owners agree that pet dogs are the most loyal furry buddies ever. Dogs live reasonably long lives when they are healthy and well taken care of. Every dog parent understands that and, therefore, invests more of everything–time, money, and love–for their dog’s wellbeing.

Part of this is taking care of their dog’s eyes. It is common for dogs to have eye issues, whether genetic or brought on by external factors. If you are a pet owner, you know how crucial this is. All you pursue is to give your pet a long life with the best quality.

Preventive Measures

There are two ways to prevent serious concerns. A proactive approach can be beneficial if you wish to safeguard your dog from blindness and other eye problems. Seek the veterinarian’s assistance for these two steps to stay on top of your dog’s eye health.

Wellness Checkups

Your furry buddy needs a regular wellness examination once a year. However, as your dog reaches senior age, it is essential to bring it in at least twice a year. The veterinarian can inspect your pet’s general health by this, including the eyes. If any indications of problems form, the veterinarian can advise immediate medication. Ophthalmology for small animals is available in most vet hospitals.

Genetic Tests

Genetic conditions are those that are passed on from parent to offspring. Many diseases and disorders that impact 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.

Also called OFA examinations, single dogs or a puppy litter can be checked anytime. Most who benefit from this are breeders. If hereditary issues are positive, the breeders are discouraged from breeding certain dogs to stop the possible inheritance of eye issues. Why not read more on OFA exams online to further understand the benefits? 

Noticing Symptoms

There are common symptoms a dog may exhibit 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 occurring, do not think twice about taking the proper next steps.

Consultation

Call your vet for advice, and bring your dog to the veterinarian if necessary. The vet will want to examine your pet’s eyes to identify what is causing the symptom. First aid will be provided to relieve pain or swelling.

Medical Diagnosis

The veterinarian can order good quality lab diagnostics work to be done. This will enable the vet to provide the appropriate diagnosis. Equipment is utilized during the diagnostic tests to look at the outside and inner structures of the eyes. Optic nerves, blood circulation, and pressure buildup in the ocular area are some aspects examined.

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, surgery might be needed to solve the issue. This is why recognizing signs early on is essential so that conditions will not worsen.

The Bottomline

Keep your dog’s vet schedule and constantly keep an eye out for symptoms. Being proactive regarding your family pet’s health, including their eyes and vision, will give them a good quality of life. This will give you the confidence that your dog will be alright for a long time.