Top Tips for Eye Infections in Dogs and Cats

Eye infections in dogs and cats can get serious pretty quickly. Not only are the puppy dog eyes at stake, but think how much your cat relies on good eyesight to navigate the world. And pet eye infections are unpleasant and uncomfortable, whatever type of animal is involved.

Plus, an eye infection could be a sign of an underlying condition or problem that needs diagnosis and treatment.

If you think your pet has an eye infection, treating it correctly can help them recover quicker and get back to normal. Though some eye infections in cats and dogs go away by themselves, many do need intervention from a vet or owner. Or both!

But first, how to identify whether your dog or cat has an eye infection or a different problem?

Eye problems in dogs and cats: Mind the signs

Not all eye problems are infections, though many issues can lead to secondary eye infections in dogs. For example, conjunctivitis can have a variety of triggers and is pretty common for furkids.

Regardless, if your pet has red, irritated, swollen, or weeping eyes, you’ll want to take a closer look. Other signs can include pawing at the eyes, squinting or blinking a lot, or general discomfort or irritation in the eye area. Because the symptoms can vary quite dramatically depending on the cause, it’s important to always consult a vet if you notice any signs of eye infection or irritation.

Eye issues in pets that aren’t infections

On top of that, there are eye issues that aren’t actually infections but have similar symptoms. In many cases, they can be confused for eye infections in dogs and cats.

 These include:

• Glaucoma
• Ulcers
• Tear duct problems
• Dry eye
• Vitamin deficiency
• Poisoning
• Tumours
• Eyelid abnormalities

A vet visit is recommended so your vet can confirm for sure whether the problem is a simple eye infection or a larger issue. Knowing exactly what you’re dealing with will help your dog or cat get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

What causes eye infections in dogs and cats?

Dog eye infections have a wide range of causes. In dogs, primary eye infections are not as common as in cats and humans. This means that often the eye infection is secondary to another illness, infection, or injury. In cats, however, eye infections are often the primary illness.

Eye infections in cats could be caused by:

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
• Feline Calicivirus
• Upper respiratory diseases
• Cat allergies
• Tumours
• Trauma
• Foreign matter
• Irritants

In dogs, the causes for infections include:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Tick-borne diseases (e.g. ehrlichiosis)
• Fungus
• Irritants (e.g. shampoo)
• Foreign matter (e.g. hair or grass)
• Trauma
• Parasites
• Scratch or a cut on the cornea

Also read about cherry eye in dogs with is a different sort of health condition caused by a prolapsed third eyelid!

Treating eye infections in dogs and cats

Because there are so many different causes of eye infections in dogs, there are also many different possible treatments.

Dogs

These including removing the foreign objects from the eye, using medications to treat and provide symptom relief and, in severe cases, possibly even surgery. If the eye infection is due to another condition, treating the primary condition will be the main focus.

Cats

The treatment options for cats are pretty similar to dogs. Of course, dosages and exact medication may vary. However, the treatment will still usually involve antibiotics and/or pain medication. Another option might include surgical removal of debris or the eye itself.

Tips for avoiding future pet eye infections

You may need to continue with medical care at home in some cases. Treating eye infections in dogs and cats can include administering eyedrops, giving them medication and tablets, and flushing the eye to keep it clean.  

Though you can’t guarantee you’ll avoid eye infections in dogs and cats going forward, you can take some steps to limit them.

Keeping eyes clean and free from anything that could irritate them (such as dust, grit or hair) helps, which may require professional grooming in some breeds. Managing allergies through diet, medication, or removal of allergens can also make a big difference. And of course, be sure to remove ticks properly and stay up to date on flea and tick treatment.

When to go to the vet

Even if you’ve experienced eye infections before, don’t try to treat them alone.

Using the wrong medication can make things worse, and you’ll also want a diagnosis of any underlying conditions. Because eye problems can often deteriorate quite quickly, it’s always best to visit the vet as soon as you can. And if you aren’t sure what the problem is, it’s always best to get a vet to confirm. They can guide you on the best treatment options and ensure your cat or dog is getting the help they need.  

If you have a pet insurance policy, you won’t have to think twice about getting the vet to check over eye infections in your dog or cat. Plus, PD Insurance offers multi-pet discounts to eligible customers and gives you one or more months free when you sign up online.