Pet Eye Infections

What Causes Pet Eye Infections?

As is the case with human eyes, your pets’ eyes can get infected. There are a lot of different things that can cause these infections, and it’s often the result of something as simple as foreign bacteria getting in the eye. Here are some of the most common causes of eye infections in pets:

• Bacteria in the eye
• Leptospirosis
• Tick-borne diseases
• Fungus
• Irritants such as smoke and shampoo
• Dirt, hair, grass seed, and other foreign material

If you want to prevent your dogs or cats from getting eye infections, the best thing you can do is wash their eyes out every now and then. If you’re not sure what type of pet eye wash you should be using, you can talk to your veterinarian about finding a safe and effective option.

Pet Eye Infection Symptoms

It’s important to keep an eye out for symptoms of problems in your pets, especially when it comes to eye infections. When you think your pets may have an eye infection, your first move should be taking them to a Hiawatha veterinarian. Here are some of the most common signs of eye infections in pets:

• Redness and swelling of the eye
• Water or thick discharge
• Squinting for no apparent reason
• Blinking more than usual
• Holding one eye closed
• Pawing at one eye
• Light sensitivity

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pets, take them to a vet right away.

Eye Infection Treatment

The good news about eye infections in pets is that they’re fairly easily treatable. For many types of eye infections, a simple antibiotic and a saline wash of the affected eye can flush the problem out. However, sometimes an underlying problem needs to be treated as well.

If an eye infection is caused by a birth condition or a disease, that needs to be treated first. For pets with duct problems or other birth defects, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem and prevent eye infections in the future.

The Simple Solution

If your pets are suffering from eye infections, you need to get them treated right away. The good news is, visiting a veterinarian makes treating pet eye infections fairly simple. If you’re looking for a Hiawatha veterinarian to help diagnose and treat your pets, call NEK Veterinary Services to schedule an appointment today.