Redness of the mucous membranes and whites of a dog's eyes is a common occurrence, caused by a variety of reasons, from a harmless reaction to dust to a serious illness. If this alarming symptom doesn't resolve within 24 hours, the owner should investigate the cause of the dog's red eyes and take immediate steps to treat them.
Main reasons
If the redness is severe, it is better not to take any action on your own and immediately contact a veterinarian.
The whites of an animal's eyes may turn red for the following reasons:
- Stress. The dog reacts sharply to humiliation, punishment, and fights with other animals.
- Allergy. A reaction can be caused by a new product, contact with household chemicals, cosmetics, or tobacco smoke.
- Overheating. Prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight can cause heatstroke in animals. This can also cause shortness of breath, elevated body temperature, and loss of coordination.
- Eye or head injuries. The most dangerous contact with a cat's claws is with the eyes, as they can transmit dangerous infections to the mucous membranes and cornea.
- Conjunctivitis, blepharitis. Inflammatory and infectious diseases accompanied by purulent discharge.
- Tumor. The tumor can be located inside or outside the eye and compress the blood vessels.
- Glaucoma. This disease causes thickening or destruction of blood vessels.
- Entropion of the eyelid. This condition causes eyelash injury.
- Lack of insulin and iron.
- Inflammation of the lacrimal sac.
- Thyroid problems.
- Plague in pneumonic form.
- Autoimmune diseases.
If the dog has recently recovered from an infectious disease, the redness may be a residual effect.
What to do
Before instillation, clean your pet's eyes with a cotton pad soaked in warm water.
Serious treatment measures should not be taken without an examination and diagnosis. If redness appears, it's important to analyze the previous events and accompanying symptoms.
If the squirrel is slightly red, you can provide first aid to your pet:
- Rinse eyes with a solution of potassium permanganate.
- Apply drops of the drug "Diamond Eyes" or "Natural Tear" to relieve irritation or allergic reaction.
- If the redness was preceded by an event that could cause stress, it is enough to calm the dog and the condition will soon return to normal.
- If the animal overheats, it should be placed in a cool room, the body should be covered with a wet towel, and a cold compress should be placed on the head.
The dog cannot be treated with regular human medications, especially those containing hormones.
If the redness doesn't disappear within 24 hours, or if the dog exhibits unusual behavior or other accompanying symptoms, the animal should be examined by a veterinarian immediately. They will conduct a diagnostic examination and determine the true cause of the redness.
