What You Need to Know About Pet Eye Infections
Your pet’s overall well-being, including their vision health, is obviously very important. Therefore, when you believe your pet may have an eye infection, you want answers quickly as to the best way to address the issue. At Bridges Professional Park Animal Hospital in Morehead City, we are ready to help you navigate this often scary area of pet ownership. Read on to learn more from our veterinarians about eye infections in pets and how to recognize them.
What Are The Signs of a Pet Eye Infection?
Symptoms will vary between some cats and dogs and differing breeds. However, in general, eye infections will come along with some of the following indications:
- Your pet is pawing or rubbing its eye
- Swollen eyes
- Cloudy iris
- Eye redness
- Yellow, green or thick discharge
How Severe Are Eye Infections in Pets?
Eye infections are pretty common in pets. The severity of an eye infection can range from slight to potentially dangerous. That is why we consider all eye infections to be urgent. Until we have a chance to diagnosis your pet properly, we must err on the side of caution and assume there is potential for long-term damage. After we have examined and diagnosed your pet, we can determine the best course of action to treat the condition.
Can Pet Owners Prevent Eye Infections?
In some instances, yes, you can work to prevent eye infections in your pets. A cat’s eyes can be protected simply by keeping the animal indoors as much as possible. For your dog, you can reduce the risk of the animal experiencing an eye infection by trimming the hair near the eyes. If you aren’t comfortable trimming the hair yourself, have your trusted groomer handle the job. You can also use a clean damp cloth to wipe your dog’s eyes when he or she comes in from outside, to removed fungi, pollen and other allergens that could cause an eye infection.
Seek Veterinary Care for Pet Eye Infections
An eye infection in a pet does not automatically merit panic. However, infections are serious enough to require quick action. Bring your pet in to see our veterinarians at Bridges Professional Park Animal Hospital in Morehead City as soon as possible to begin a treatment plan. Call us today at (252) 247-5595 for an appointment.