Symptoms of an Eye Infection in your Dog
Squinting
A dog that is experiencing an eye infection will often squint or blink excessively. This is usually because an infection results in a significant amount of irritation in the eyes, which causes a dog a substantial amount of discomfort. Many dogs will display this behavior in early to more advanced stages of an eye infection.
Bloodshot Eyes
When experiencing an eye infection, it is common for a dog's eyes to appear red and bloodshot. Though this symptom does not necessarily appear at the early stages of an eye infection, it is usually present in more advanced stages of an eye infection.
Eye Discharge
This is the most common visible symptom that is seen in dogs experiencing an eye infection. A dog with an eye infection will usually have a substantial amount of discharge coming from the eye and surrounding area.
This usually appears as a mucous-like discharge, and may result in a crusty residue around the eyes if left unattended. Though a small amount of discharge from the eyes of a dog is normal (due to normal environmental irritants), it is very important to recognize when the discharge from a dog's eyes is abnormally excessive.
Pawing, Scratching of the Eyes
When experiencing an eye infection, it is very common for a dog to have a substantial amount of discomfort. In some dogs, this may manifest as specific behavioral changes. A dog with an eye infection may begin to paw or scratch at their eyes or facial area on a regular basis.
This is not normal behavior, especially if it is an everyday occurrence. While it is normal for dogs to occasionally paw at their facial area due to a temporary discomfort (such as a bug bite or small itch), it is not normal for a dog to scratch at their face to the point where it may tear the skin, resulting in bleeding. If your dog is participating in this behavior, it is very important to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
Red, Inflamed Eyes
In most dogs that have an eye infection, there is a noticeable reddish color to the eye and surrounding tissue. This may or may not also result in severe swelling, though in most cases dogs experiencing this condition will have moderate inflammation of the tissue surrounding the eyes. This is usually one of the more noticeable symptoms that accompanies an eye infection in dogs.
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