As a pet owner, it's important to be aware of the dangers that your pet may face on a daily basis. One area that is often overlooked is eye safety. Pets can suffer from a variety of eye injuries, some of which may be caused by their own playful behavior. Here are some of the most common types of eye injuries in pets. We at Annapolis Veterinary & Wellness in Annapolis, MD, are a professional veterinary clinic that can take care of all these injuries.
Corneal Abrasions
Corneal abrasions are one of the most common types of eye injuries that happen to pets. They occur when the clear outer layer of the eye is scratched or damaged. Abrasions can be caused by a number of things, including rough play, dirt, or even grass seeds. Symptoms of a corneal abrasion include redness, tearing, squinting, and pawing at the eye. If you suspect your pet has a corneal abrasion, it's important to take them to a vet so they can be treated properly.
Foreign Objects in the Eye
Pets are curious creatures and often put their noses (and sometimes paws) where they don't belong. This can sometimes result in foreign objects becoming lodged in their eyes. Common foreign objects include dirt, pieces of grass, and even insects. If you notice your pet pawing at their eye or rubbing their face more than usual, it's possible that they have a foreign object in their eye and should be seen by a vet.
Chemical Burns
Believe it or not, chemical burns are one of the most common types of eye injuries in pets. Chemicals can enter the eye through direct contact or indirectly if they're inhaled during grooming (e.g., shampoo fumes). Common chemicals that cause burns include cleaners, bleach, and pool water. Symptoms include redness, watering, swelling, and pawing at the eye. If you think your pet has been exposed to a chemical, flush their eye with water and then call our veterinarian.
How to Handle Eye Injuries in Pets
It can be important to handle these injuries properly. Here are some tips.
Keep Him Calm and Quiet
Dogs and cats can sense when we're worried, so it's important to remain calm. This will help them stay calm as well. Turn off any loud music or TVs, so they aren't agitated by any sudden noises. If your pet is in pain, consult with our veterinarian about giving them pain medication. As always, make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the bottle.
Keep Him Away from Bright Lights
Bright lights can aggravate an injured eye, so keep them in a dark room until you can get them to the vet. If you need to transport them somewhere, make sure to cover their cage or carrier with a dark towel, so they're not exposed to any light.
Visit Us for More Information
Eye injuries are relatively common in pets, but many can be prevented with some simple precautions. Take some time to pet-proof your home and yard so your pet can stay safe and healthy. If you have any concerns about your pet's eyesight or if they suffer from an injury, please don't hesitate to call us at (410) 224-6624 for Annapolis Veterinary & Wellness or visit us in Annapolis, MD. We would be happy to help.