Overview of Eye Infections in Dogs
What is an Eye Infection?
An eye infection is classified as any type of medical condition that results from a viral, bacterial, airborne allergen, or other microbial agent.An eye infection is not necessarily serious, but may cause complications if left untreated. Most eye infections in dogs are identified at an early stage, due to the vast amount of visible symptoms that manifest soon after an infection is present.
Are Eye Infections Dangerous?
In the early stages of an eye infection, there is usually no initially imminent danger to a dog's general health. However, there are certain types of eye infections that do require immediate veterinary attention once identified, to prevent further complications. Though an eye infection may seem like a harmless condition, it is very important to seek veterinary attention as soon as you suspect that your dog has an eye infection. Most infections are able to be treated, though are much easier to treat if caught in their initial stages.
What types of dogs can get Eye Infections?
An eye infection is a general medical condition, and does not usually discriminate between dogs. However, there are some dogs that are more prone to developing eye infections than others. Dogs with a long-haired coat sometimes develop eye infections, especially if the hair around their eyes is not groomed properly. This is usually because of long hair scratching or irritating the eye. In addition to this, there are some dogs that are more prone to developing conjunctivitis, such as the Lhasa Apso, the Shih 'Tzu and the Pug.
Are Eye Infections in Dogs able to be Treated?
Fortunately, most eye infections in dogs are able to be treated through veterinary care and prescribed medications. However, it's important to keep in mind that some eye infections may take a significant amount of time to be fully cured. Your veterinarian's instructions are very important, since some medications need to be administered on a consistent basis. In addition to this, there are some medications that need to be given to your dog even after the eye infection seems to have disappeared.
Can I prevent an Eye Infection in my Dog?
The best way to prevent an eye infection in your dog is to exercise good hygienic procedures. Proper grooming is very important, especially if you have a long-haired breed of dog. Try to keep your dog from coming into contact with other dogs who may have eye infections, since some types of eye infections are contagious.
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