Do you notice an eye discharge, tearing, tear-stained fur, closed/squinted eyes, a visible third eyelid, cloudiness, unequal sized pupils, or other weird things happening to your puppy’s eyes?
If so, schedule a vet’s appointment asap to help restore your puppy’s eyes to normal condition. Depending on the diagnosed condition, your vet might suggest antibiotic drops to alleviate pain and inflammation, oral medications, or other treatments.
Through all this, you might not need to fret about unplanned vet bills if you have already purchased dog insurance in NZ. Otherwise, you can consider buying cheap pup insurance in the least, so your puppy is covered for accidents, allergies, injuries, and health emergencies at affordable costs.
Meanwhile, read this article to learn five eye conditions that dog owners should not ignore.
1. Gooey eyes
Some amount of transparent or white discharge at the eye corners is normal in puppies. However, if you notice a discharge that is different in color or viscosity, it can point to eye troubles.
Some dog breeds produce more tears than others, causing brown colored stains on the inside eye corners. However, clear, watery discharge can give clues about nasolacrimal duct blockages or typical eye allergies. Discharge due to bacterial infection can be green or yellowish and, in the case of chronic dry eyes, can be thick and sticky.
2. Cloudy eyes
Some common reasons for cloudy eyes are chronic dry eyes, corneal inflammation due to infections, corneal ulcers, eyelid problems that can irritate the cornea (Ex: entropion or eyelid tumors), eye tumors, and glaucoma.
Timely assessment and prompt treatment can prevent permanent eye damage. So, your puppy must be taken to the vet asap for testing and treatment to lower the health risks.
3. Glassy eyes
It is the most common sign of eye inflammation caused due to dehydration, chronic dry eyes, pink eyes, or eye allergies.
If your puppy is suffering from glassy eyes, is lethargic, is not eating, and/or not behaving alright, take it to the nearest pet emergency hospital or your vet’s clinic immediately.
4. Ectropion
It is an eye condition where the lower eyelid droops or folds outward away from the eye. Some dog breeds, including Bassett Hounds, Bullmastiffs, Retrievers, Spaniels, and Bulldogs, are naturally mildly ectropic.
Usually, it is not an issue, but it can cause eye infections, dry eyes, and chronic inflammation in some pups. If your puppy shows any of these signs, it will need medical assistance.
5. Entropion
In this condition, the eyelid rolls inward. It can affect both the upper and lower eyelids. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Great Danes are some dog breeds commonly affected by this condition.
Mild entropion may not be an issue; however, irritation, injury, and infection are possible if the fur around a puppy’s eyes/eyelids rubs the eye surface. It can permanently damage the cornea or lead to vision loss in severe cases.
Both ectropion and entropion conditions can be corrected by surgery. You should consult your vet to know the best course of treatment to hopefully restore your puppy’s eyes to a normal state. At the same time, you must contemplate purchasing dog insurance NZ so unexpected vet bills are more manageable.
With cheap pup insurance, your puppy gets the medical care it deserves during unforeseen health scenarios and emergencies. So, why not consider buying a policy?
