Proper animal care should always include eye care, especially for dogs. This includes cleaning your dog’s eyes regularly and inspecting them, which will alert you to vision decreases and other health problems. In addition to scheduling annual vet appointments for your dog, Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital recommends doing the following at home:

Perform Informal Eye Exams

Wash your hands and turn on a bright light, where you can inspect your dog’s eyes. Healthy eyes are clear, with a white color surrounding the eyeball. Concerning symptoms include any tearing, crustiness, discharge, or unequal pupil size. If your dog is comfortable, gently pull down the lower eyelid, which should be pink (not red or white). If you notice any symptoms, schedule a veterinarian appointment.

Trim Hair Near the Eyes

Proper animal care also includes strategic grooming. For instance, if you have a long-haired breed, such as a sheepdog, make sure his hair doesn’t obstruct his view; long hair can also irritate or damage a dog’s eyes. To keep this under control, regularly trim the hair above and around your dog’s eyes.

Gently Clean Your Dog’s Eyes

People take their hands for granted, being able to wipe away their own eye crust in a few seconds. It’s obviously not as easy for dogs to keep their eyes clean, but at least you can help. With a damp cotton ball, wipe the corners of dog’s eyes in an outward direction, being careful not to touch the eyeballs. Try to do this once a day.

If your dog shows signs of deteriorating vision, regularly paws at his eyes, or exhibits other problematic eye symptoms, it’s time to make an appointment with an animal care professional. To get in touch with Waipahu Waikele Pet Hospital, give them a call at (808) 671-7387. More information about their services is available online. In case of emergency, the local veterinary hospital is also available for after-hours care.