Tips for Preventing Common Eye Infections in Pets

Our pets need their eyes to see and navigate their surroundings. But just like humans, they are susceptible to various eye infections that can cause discomfort and lead to serious complications if left untreated. If you’d like to learn more about maintaining your pet’s ocular health, here’s a guide to preventing eye infections in pets. 

Learn More: Common Eye Problems Dogs May Have

1. Regularly Groom Your Pet

Regular pet grooming for healthy eyes involves brushing your pet’s fur, trimming their hair, and cleaning their eyes with a pet eye drop whenever possible. Brushing and trimming can help to remove dust, debris, and loose hair that may end up near their eyes, while cleaning with pet eye drops aid in moisturising the eyes, preventing irritations, and removing foreign particles from their eyes. Grooming sessions are also great opportunities to closely examine your pet’s eyes for any signs of infection. 

2. Watch for Signs of Eye Infection

Detecting early signs of eye infections in pets helps to prevent potential complications. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Excessive Tearing
• Redness around the eye or within the conjunctiva
• Unusual discharge from the eye
• Frequent squinting, blinking or keeping the eye partially closed
• Rubbing or pawing at the eye
• Cloudiness or change in eye colour
• Visible third eyelid
• Change in eye shape
• Behavioural changes

3. Protect Your Pet’s Eyes from Potential Trauma

Rough play, encounters with sharp objects, or foreign bodies entering the eye can all cause eye trauma in pets and lead to injuries that increases the likelihood of secondary infections. To reduce the risk of trauma to your pet’s eyes, here’s what you can do:

• Supervise your pet’s playtime and be mindful of the environment or any objects that might pose a risk to their eyes. Provide safe and suitable toys to prevent accidents.
• If your pet is involved in activities that could expose their eyes to potential hazards, such as hiking in forests, consider using protective gear to protect their eyes.
• Pet-proof your home by securing sharp objects, chemicals, and other potential dangers that could harm your pet’s eyes.

4. Maintain a Clean Living Environment

Maintaining a clean living environment is crucial for pet eye health as it reduces the presence of allergens and contaminants—substances that can irritate the eyes and cause infections—in your home. Dirty spaces are potential breeding grounds for bacteria, and they can spread from surfaces to your pet’s eyes to cause eye infections. 

To give your pets a healthier space to live in, these are some steps you can take:

• Develop a cleaning routine for your pet’s living areas, disinfect surfaces, and wash your pet’s bedding, blankets and toys regularly.
• If you have cats, ensure that their litter boxes are cleaned daily to prevent the spread of bacteria and odours that can cause eye irritation.
• Use stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls that are easier to clean and less likely to harbour bacteria.
• Ensure good air circulation and ventilation in your home to minimise the buildup of indoor pollutants. 

5. Ensure Proper Nutrition

Nutrition is vital for your pet’s eye health because it provides essential nutrients that support the function and structure of their eyes. Some of them are also able to prevent infections. They include: 

• Vitamin A: Maintains the integrity of the cornea and supports good vision.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Contain anti-inflammatory properties that help with reducing eye inflammation and irritation.
• Antioxidants: Protect your pet’s eyes from oxidative stress and free radicals that may contribute to eye diseases.
• Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Protect your pet’s eyes against age-related vision problems and reduce the risk of cataracts.
• Protein: Repair and maintain eye tissues.

When feeding your pet, choose high-quality brands or incorporate fresh, whole foods including lean meats, vegetables, and fruits, into their diet. If your pet has specific nutritional needs or is on a restricted diet, consult your veterinarian about the need for supplements to ensure they receive essential nutrients. 

Looking for pet eye care products that can help to maintain your pet’s ocular health? 

If your pet suffers from cataracts, the Jean-Paul Nutraceuticals Collorx Advance Lanosterol Eye Drops for cataracts aids in the management of the condition by improving lubrication in the eye and unclouding the cataracts in your pet’s eyes. 

Otherwise, Pet Health Global carries a range of other pet wellness products including eye drops and eye care supplements that can help to promote good vision and support eye health. Buy them here.