Your dog’s eyes are delicate organs and require adequate attention to cleaning and caring for his eyes. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog of having an eye issue.
Infection and Diseases
Dogs can be susceptible to conjunctivitis, a bacterial infection which affects the thin membrane covering the front of the eye called the conjunctiva. It causes redness and dryness in the eye or eyes. When your dog’s eye is inflamed, it will tend to result in a thick fluid which clogs up the front of the eye and makes it hard for your dog to open his eyes. Treatment is very quick and effective and is usually cleared up with a short course of ointment which can be prescribed by your vet.
There are a number of diseases and conditions which can affect your dog’s eyes – the main being cataracts. Over time, this could lead to total blindness in the affected eye. Glaucoma occurs when there is an increase in the pressure within the eye. When there are irritants or foreign bodies in the eye tissues, the constant irritation can lead to corneal ulceration and a change in the surrounding tissues.
Common Eye Disorders in Puppies
If you are about to acquire a new puppy be sure to become informed about common eye disorders for the breed of interest. For examine, cocker spaniels develop dry eye and glaucoma. Bichon Frise, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Boston Terriers among other breeds often develop cataracts. Be sure to educate yourself about what to look for in your particular breed. Below are common eye disorders in puppies:
- Entropion: inward folding of an eyelid where lid hairs contact the cornea (Shar Pei, Cocker Spaniel, Rottweiler, Labrador Retriever, etc.)
- Cherry Eye: prolapsed gland of the third eyelid. (Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, etc.)
- Ectopic Cilia: an abnormal eyelash that grows through the conjunctiva and is usually very painful and almost always causes an ulcer.
- Distichiasis: abnormal position of eyelashes on a lid margin that result in irritation of the eye.
- Dermoid: congenital defect where haired skin is located in an abnormal place on an eye and will often irritate the cornea and can cause ulcers.
- Cataracts: opacity of the lens. Inherited cataracts can often appear in young dogs, in most cases a veterinarian or veterinary ophthalmologist will have to make this diagnosis; owners are often unaware of small focal cataracts. There are also late onset cataracts that may not show up until middle or older age.
- Follicular Conjunctivitis: itchy, reddened conjunctival tissues, tearing, squinting, often related to allergies.
- Puppy Pyoderma or Puppy Strangles: eyelid abscesses associated with generalized skin pustules.
- Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS): lack of or inadequate production of tears. Sometimes this can be congenital in which case it is often very serious. Pug, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu are some of the breeds that may be born with dry eyes.
Symptoms
On many light colored dogs, especially miniature and toy breeds, you may see a brown or pink stain on the skin and hair below the inside corner of the eye. This is a common problem caused by an overflow of tears. The color change of the hair and skin occurs when the normal bacteria on the hair and skin react with the clear tears.
There are many causes of the overflow of tears. Miniature breeds and Persians often have more prominent eyes. This stretches the eyelid and may cut off the drainage system. This is the most common cause, and there is little we can do to correct it. Other causes could be an irritant in the eye, an allergy, or an abnormal eyelid or eyelash.
Proper Care
Besides being alert to dirt that could irritate your dog’s eyes on a daily basis, a thorough check on your dog’s eyes should be incorporated into your routine when you do your weekly checkups on him. This will allow you to pick up any problems with his eyes as soon as possible.
Making sure his eyes are clean is the first step to good eye care. The more you can reduce the possibility of infection and disease the healthier your dog will be and the happier you both will be.
For wiping the eyes, JasperandZoe.com recommends Happytails EyePads, and we have been using them on our puppy Jasper to reinforce his healthy eyes.

Happytails EyePads
The EyePads are pre-moistened to remove the tearing residue from around a dog’s eyes. Rub with and against the grain of the fur for maximum effectiveness. The pads are infused with eyebright that helps clean away the discoloration and all natural colloidal silver that inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause it. Jasper loves it, because it is alcohol free, gentle, and tearless. It contains no pharmaceuticals or chemicals.
The EyePads are especially effective when used together with Eyemunity to boost your best friend’s immunity.

Happytails EyeMunity
Eyemunity is a nutrient-rich, high-metabolite immunogen that helps to strengthen your dog’s resistance and maintain wellness. Sprinkle power on your dog’s food everyday. The unique formula contains Epicor, an ingredient which has been clinically proven to boost immunity in both animals and humans. Eyemunity will support your best friend’s fight against stain-causing bacteria while also improving his overall health.
Happytails EyePads and EyeMunity can be purchased individually or as a package on www.JasperandZoe.com.

Happytails EyePack
For a limited time, get 10% off Happytails EyePads, EyeMunity, EyePack and other Happytails products. Enter code HAPPYTAILS at checkout.
Filed under: Dogs, health, pets