Discovering a swollen eye in your pet dog may be alarming, but not with certain other accompanying symptoms. Pain in dogs is mostly concealed; thus, the swelling that can be seen is a signal that there is a problem. Different factors can lead to the dog eye swollen, and the process can be either rapid or gradual. Being knowledgeable about the situation will not only support you in treating your animal safely but also in doing so quickly.
Typical Reasons why my dog’s eye is swollen
The causes of a dog swollen eye can be numerous, including either simple irritation or severe infections. Below are some common causes:
1. Allergic Reaction
Canine allergies to dust, pollen, insect bites, or food molecules are similar to those in humans. Sometimes the symptoms are very different, such as in the case of a dog that has an allergy to that area only, i.e., redness, itching, and swelling around the eyes, etc. Definitely, if the eyes are not oozing or being damaged and your dog has puffiness, then it is probably an allergy.
2. Injury or Trauma
Dogs are playful and curious animals, and therefore, it often happens that while playing and exploring, they get into some sort of trouble by having small accidents. Swelling of the dog’s eye might be symptomatic of an injury that resulted from a branch, another animal, or perhaps rough play. If the swelling appears immediately after the outdoor activity of the dog, then it is good to check for injuries or dirt.
3. Foreign Object
Even a tiny object, such as dust, sand, or grass, can be easily lodged into the eye of a dog. My dog can have its eye can swell in minutes as a result of this irritation. To get rid of it, the dog may rub the eye with his/her paw or roll his/her eyes.
4. Eye Infection
One of the most frequent causes of the swelling of an eye in your dog is a bacterial or viral infection. The discharge, redness, or foul odor may be observed. A common infection that gives rise to these symptoms is conjunctivitis (pink eye), which a vet must treat.
5. Blocked Tear Ducts
A dog’s swollen and watery eye may be a sign of a blocked tear duct. The area around the eye can get (very) swollen and painful because of this condition. Rinse the eye and visit your veterinarian.
6. Glaucoma
This disease develops when eye pressure rises. It is painful and can cause the dog’s eye swollen all of a sudden. Other symptoms include cloudy vision, excessive tears, and sight problems. This condition needs prompt veterinary treatment to prevent blindness.
7. Insect Bites or Stings
Bites of insects like bees, wasps, or mosquitoes can lead to instant swelling, especially around the eyes. However, if my dog’s eye is swollen, check it for scratching and redness around the eyelids. Apply a cold pack to reduce the swelling, and contact your veterinarian if the condition worsens.
The Swollen Eyes in Dogs Accompanied by Symptoms
Other symptoms can be observed when you see that your dog eye swollen:
- Redness around the eye area.
- Persistent blinking or shedding of tears.
- Opening the eye with nails or claws.
- Eye discharge or crust.
- Sensitivity to light
- Behavioral (more sleepy or restless) change.
These are symptoms that cannot be underestimated, as they may worsen very fast without treatment.
Home Remedies for a Dog’s Swollen Eye Treatment
Slightly swollen and no visible injury on the dog’s eyes are swollen is the case in which home care can be tried before visiting the vet.
1. Rinse with Clean Water
Carefully wash the area that has been affected with neat water or saline solution that is at room temperature. This process helps to remove dust along with other irritating particles.
2. Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress works to the swelling’s advantage as it will also relieve the pain. Ice that is wrapped in a soft cloth should be placed on the swollen area for a few minutes.
3. Prevent Scratching of The Dog
In case the eye of my dog is puffed up, there is a possibility that it will try to scratch the area with its paw, thus making it worse. An Elizabethan collar (cone) could be employed to stop additional irritation.
4. Clean Around The Eye Area regularly
A damp cloth is a gentle cleanser for the eye area that should be used. Human eye drops or medications should not be used unless your vet prescribes them.
When the Vet’s Visit is Necessary
Mild swelling sometimes can resolve on its own without a veterinarian’s intervention, but there are certain occasions when it is unavoidable to consult a professional. In the situations listed below, the dog has to be taken to the clinic:
- The swelling has increased or has been spreading.
- There is thick or yellowish discharge.
- The dog is not able to open its eye properly.
- Signs of pain or vision problems are observed.
- The eye is not only red but also cloudy.
An eye exam will be done by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and may withhold an antibiotic, eye drops, or other treatments as per the condition.
Preventing Eye Swelling in Dogs
The excellent way to deal with a problem is to prevent it from occurring in the first place; hence, these suggestions may prove to be of great help to you in the case of stopping my dog’s eye is swelling .
- The face being clean and the dog being less vulnerable to dirt will be the result of cleanliness kept for your dog’s snout.
- Make every effort to free the dog from its annoying hair that impairs its vision by the careful removal of the fur around its eyes.
- Whenever possible, during the walks, keep the dog away from the areas with dust, smoke, or pollen as per its tolerance.
- Do not use any wipes for eye cleaning except those that have been specifically prescribed by the vet.
- Act on the issue immediately after you observe any indications of pain or scratching.
Simple Daily Eye Care Routine for Dogs
- Daily care for your dog’s eyes is a must; it is also of great significance if the dog’s eye is at risk of getting inflamed.
- You have to check your dog’s eyes every day; attempt to find any signs of irritation or discharge, which can cause the dog to be uncomfortable.
- Dampen the area with a soft towel that is soft and is immersed in hot water.
- A well-balanced diet for your dog, along with vitamins A and E, would help the dog in both preserving and getting rid of vision.
- Be certain to have the dog checked at the vet’s clinic frequently.
Conclusion
The inflamed or discolored eye in a dog is a source of much pain and discomfort, but with the right care, the problem could very well be treated as quickly.. It means you have to keep an eye on your dog all the time, but if your dog eye swollen suddenly or the swelling spreads, then do not hesitate to call the vet. Quick action will not only ease your pet’s discomfort but also prevent major eye problems from occurring.