Why Do My Pet’s Eyes Look Different? Let's Discuss!
We grow to know everything about our pets, from their favorite food to the sparkle in their eye when they are excited. So what happens when you look down to talk to your little one, only to discover that their eyes look a little different than they usually do?
Our team at Vetted wants to empower you through education on your pet’s health, so let’s introduce you to everything you need to know about changes in your pet’s eye appearance. Let’s discuss the potential reasons why your little one might be experiencing eye irritation, and help you determine the best plan of action for your pet moving forward!
If you would like to speak to one of our skilled Vet Pros directly, you can always send a message in our 24/7 pet health chat after downloading the Vetted app! We are here for you and your little one anytime!
What Are The Signs Of Eye Irritation In Pets?
Our little ones can develop an array of medical conditions that can impact their eye health. These complications will often cause a change in their eye appearance, allowing us to take notice and seek veterinary care from the moment the symptoms develop.
Some of the most common symptoms of an underlying eye condition in dogs includes:
- Redness of the eye
- Eye irritation
- Eye discharge
- Crusting around the eye
- Increased squinting
- Swelling around the eye
- Cloudy appearance of the eye
- Change in eye color
- Bumps or masses on the eye
- Pawing at the eye or rubbing their face on the ground
If you notice any of the above symptoms in your little one, then we suggest reaching out to our skilled Vet Pros on our 24/7 pet health chat. You can even send us a picture of your pet’s eye, and we can offer professional guidance based on their current symptoms.
Why Do My Pet’s Eyes Look Different?
If you think your little one is experiencing eye irritation, then you are likely wondering what this could mean for their health. While the only way to diagnose the cause of your pet’s eye changes is by having them assessed by a vet, we can offer a few examples of the potential causes of your pet’s eye symptoms below.
Eye allergies: Our little ones can develop allergies to anything in the world around them. Pets can be sensitive to everything from plant material to fragrances in our home, and this can lead to a variety of irritating symptoms. These symptoms can include eye irritation, watery eyes, skin itching, skin redness, fur loss, skin sores, and even GI upset.
Eye trauma: Have you ever accidentally scratched your eye? If so, you know just how uncomfortable it can be! Our pets do not understand that they need to protect their eyes from damage, so this unfortunately makes them much more prone to eye injuries. Not only can a scratch or abrasion make their eyes noticeably irritated, but these injuries can even cause spots on the eye or significant swelling.
Eye foreign bodies: If your little one has something stuck in their eye, then this could lead to noticeable signs of eye irritation. Eye foreign bodies can be everything from blades of grass to foxtails, but this can lead to eye redness, watering, swelling, and significant pain.
Eye infections: Our little ones can develop both bacterial and viral infections that can impact their eye health. If this is the case for your pet, you may notice eye redness, eye discharge, crusting around the eye, and maybe even upper respiratory symptoms.
Chronic eye conditions: Just like you and I, our pets can develop chronic medical conditions that impact their eyes. This includes everything from chronic dry eye to cataracts, all of which can lead to changes in their eye appearance. The only way to diagnose these issues is by seeing your vet, which is why you should take all eye symptoms seriously in your little one.
If your pet’s eye symptoms last for more than 24 hours, or you notice your pet pawing at their eye due to discomfort, then we always suggest having them seen by a veterinarian. Eye complications should always be taken seriously in our pets, as serious complications can damage their eyes permanently.
If you are not yet sure what to do for your little one, then you can always reach out to our skilled Vet Pros on our 24/7 pet health chat. Also keep in mind that Vetted will cover your emergency exam fee at any Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) hospital if you are a Vetted member, so if your pet is struggling, then a trip to the ER is made much easier!
What Should I Do If My Pet’s Eyes Look Strange?
We understand how concerned you are about your pet’s eye changes, so you are likely wondering how to best move forward. While you can reach out to our Vet Pros at any time for skilled guidance, we always suggest seeking veterinary care if your pet’s eye irritation or eye changes last for more than 24 hours, or if they are pawing at their eye.
Our little one’s eyes can be permanently damaged if their irritation is left untreated, so we always suggest seeking veterinary guidance from the moment you notice any strange eye symptoms.
If you are ever concerned about a sudden shift in your pet’s health, or any other behavioral changes you notice, we encourage you to reach out to our Vet Pros on our pet health chat for skilled help! We are always here to help you and your little one!
