How to Prevent Pet Eye Infections

Pet eye infections cause many uncomfortable symptoms and can lead to significant health concerns that put your pet’s vision at risk. Responsible pet ownership involves taking preventative measures to lower your pet’s risk of developing an eye infection. Wooded Acres Animal Hospital in Middle Island, NY, is here to tell you about pet eye infections and offer tips to prevent them.

Causes and Symptoms of Eye Infections in Pets

Understanding the causes and symptoms of eye infections can help you take steps toward preventing them. The most common eye infection in pets is bacterial. Bacteria can enter your pet’s eye due to a scratch, cut, or contact with irritants like shampoo or smoke. Another common cause of eye infections in pets is contact with a foreign object. Some pets can experience an infection due to allergies, underlying medical conditions, or injuries. Symptoms to look out for include:

•             Eye discharge

•             Pawing at eyes

•             Crust around eyes

•             Swelling

•             Redness

•             Squinting

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of these symptoms. They can evaluate your pet’s condition and provide treatment to alleviate the infection.

Ways to Prevent Pet Eye Infections

You can help prevent eye infections in your pet through several measures. Managing an underlying condition like diabetes helps reduce the risk of infection. Dusting and vacuuming can limit your pet’s exposure to allergens that cause eye irritation. While preventing injuries and foreign objects is more challenging, you can take steps to reduce your pet’s risk of these problems. Give your pet a safe space indoors and outside to run around and play. Do not let your pet run around with sticks and other objects since these can lead to injuries.

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops an eye infection. They can provide treatment to alleviate the infection and protect your pet’s eyesight. Your veterinarian may use one or more of the following to treat eye infections:

•             Antibacterial medication

•             Antiviral medication

•             Antifungal medication

•             Surgery in severe cases

Visit Wooded Acres Animal Hospital to Treat Your Pet’s Eye Infection Today

If you want more information on preventing eye infections or need treatment for your pet’s condition, contact Wooded Acres Animal Hospital in Middle Island, NY. Our veterinarian can give your pet the treatment it needs to get back to enjoying its daily life. Call us and schedule an appointment today at (631) 205-0512 to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy life.