A dog eye infection is a relatively common occurrence for most dogs; it is a good bet that your pet will suffer from at least one eye infection over the course of his lifetime. These infections can be mild and involve minor swelling or redness, or they can be more severe.
The more severe infections result in swelling, discharge from the eye, closure of the eyelid and, if you do not treat the infection properly or punctually, in loss of eyesight or damage to the eye itself. One of the most telling signs of an eye infection in your dog is a discharge from the eye itself. Read on for a bit more information about how this discharge comes into existence and what you can do about it.
Why a Dog's Eye Creates Discharge
If your dog's eye is infected, the body produces antibodies and other particles to help try to combat the infection. These are designed to reduce the swelling and irritation that have affected the eye. As a result of these chemicals being produced, the eye engages in a number of different efforts to try to wash away the affecting offender. One of the most common ways for the eye to do this is to tear up. When tears are produced, they oftentimes become dried and collect as some sort of discharge outside of the eye.
There are also other fluids that can be discharged from the eye. In some cases these include pus, mucous and, in severe infections, even blood. It's important to watch out for any unusual discharge from your pet's eye, as any buildup of fluid or a substantial amount of fluid is a sign of an infection or some other problem with his eye.
How to Deal with Discharge
If you notice that your dog's eye seems to have a lot of discharge coming from it, the best thing to do immediately is to take your pet in to the veterinarian for a checkup. A vet can tell very quickly whether or not a dog's eye is infected by engaging in a simple examination. When the vet has determined that the eye is infected, he or she will prescribe you a series of antibiotics and eye drops to use to treat your pet's eye. These are typically very effective and can completely remove any signs of the infection within a few days of proper administration and treatment.
You can also clean up the discharge off of your dog's eye as well. This can help him to be more comfortable and is necessary if he has taken to pawing at or rubbing his eye. Such actions can cause the eye to become further inflamed, which disturbs the healing process. With a warm cloth, gently and carefully wipe away any discharge from your pet's eye. Be careful not to rub the eye itself, and avoid any swollen areas. Do not use soap for this cleaning procedure.