For your dog, eyes are one of the most valuable things he has. A dog's eyes are an important part of the body, and it is crucial for pet owners to keep them clean. Keeping the eyes cleaned and clear will help your pet have the best vision he can possibly have. In addition, most dogs are prone to getting various buildups of dirt, tears and other materials in their eyes that can cause serious irritation if ignored. There are several different ways to clean your pet's eyes, and many different products available to aid in the cleaning process.
Why Clean Eyes Are Important for Dogs
Many dogs are known to accumulate tears, dust, dirt and pus in the eyes, and this can happen in a relatively short period of time. Dogs need to have their eyes cleaned regularly to prevent infections, irritations and vision problems. Bacteria can find a way into your pet's eyes and the surrounding areas quite easily when the eyes are not clean. Having dirty eyes provides the perfect environment for bacteria and infections to thrive in. If an infection is severe enough or is not treated, it can eventually cause vision loss. Blindness may result when the condition becomes severe or when the hygiene of the eyes is neglected. Cleaning your pet's eyes is a simple task that can be done in just minutes.
Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to have dirty eyes and developing problems in the eyes. The pug, shih tzu, poodle, lhasa apso, cocker spaniel, Pekingese, beagle, St. Bernard, bulldog and the basset hound breeds are more prone to getting eye infections or other serious eye conditions. Even so, any breed of dog can develop an eye condition, and all breeds should have their eyes cleaned frequently.
How to Clean the Eyes of a Dog
Properly cleaning your dog's eyes is important. The eyes are very sensitive and can be damaged easily, so it is beneficial to know the correct way to clean the eyes and the surrounding areas. The following steps should be taken when cleaning a dog's eyes:
- Carefully trim the hair around the eyes with blunt scissors. Hair needs to be removed because it can scratch against the eyes and cause extreme discomfort. It can also bring bacteria into the eye.
- Rinse the eyes with a sterile eye wash, which can be purchased at most veterinary clinics or pet stores. Eye washes for dogs are designed to remove pus and mucus, which can be a perfect breeding place for bacteria.
- Wipe the eyes with a damp cloth and remove any mucus and eye rinse that is left over.
Pet owners should clean their pet's eyes fairly regularly to prevent bacteria and other unwanted pathogens from forming in the eyes and causing damage. Dogs with excessive tearing or mucus in the eyes will need to have the eyes cleaned more often than dogs that have dry eyes. Breeds such as the poodle, shih tzu and lhasa apso are known for having teary eyes that need regular cleaning.