Jul '23 • General discussion
Hair in Dog’s Eye: A Common Problem with Easy Solutions
If you have a dog with long hair, you may have observed that sometimes their hair gets into their eyes and causes them discomfort or irritation. This is a frequent problem that can affect any breed of dog, but especially those with long or curly hair that covers their face and eyes. In this post, we will explain why hair in dog’s eye is a problem, what are the indications and symptoms, how to prevent it, and how to treat it if it happens.
Why is hair in dog’s eye a problem?
Hair in dog’s eye is an issue because it can interfere with their eyesight and cause damage to their cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye). The hair can act as a foreign body that rubs against the eye surface, causing inflammation, pain, tears, discharge, redness, and ulcers. These can lead to infections, scarring, or even blindness if left untreated.
Some dogs may also develop ectopic cilia or eyelash problems, which are aberrant hairs that grow out of position and contact the cornea. These are commonly seen on the upper middle eyelid and cause extreme pain and ulceration. Ectopic cilia are not the same as distichia, which are additional eyelashes that may rub against the cornea due to improper conformation. Ectopic cilia and distichia are more common in particular breeds such as Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Boxer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Flat-Coated Retriever, English Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Pug, Pekingese, and Collie.
What are the signs and symptoms of hair in dog’s eye?
The signs and symptoms of hair in dog’s eye depend on the severity and duration of the problem. Some of the common signs include:
- Squinting or blinking excessively
- Rubbing or pawing at the eye
- Holding the eye closed
- Tearing or discharge from the eye
- Swelling or redness of the eye or eyelid
- Cloudiness or opacity of the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Reduced vision or blindness
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, you should take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible for an examination and treatment.
How to prevent hair in dog’s eye?
The easiest technique to avoid hair in dog’s eye is to keep their hair clipped or maintained frequently. You can use scissors, clippers, or a comb to trim or remove the hair that covers their face and eyes. You may also use a rubber band or a clip to wrap up their hair away from their eyes. Make careful to use soft and safe equipment that won’t injure your dog or damage their hair.
You should also examine your dog’s eyes daily for any symptoms of irritation or illness. If you detect any hair in their eye, you can try to gently remove it with a wet cotton ball or a soft towel. Do not use your fingers or tweezers as they may scratch the eye or introduce bacteria. If you can’t remove the hair easily or if your dog refuses, you should take them to a veterinarian for expert treatment.
Another technique to prevent hair in dog’s eye is to avoid exposing your dog to windy or dusty situations that may blow hair into their eyes. You may also use protective eyewear such as goggles or sunglasses for your dog when they go outside.
How to treat hair in dog’s eye?
The therapy for hair in dog’s eye relies on the source and intensity of the condition. If the hair is causing mild irritation or pain, you may be able to cure it at home by removing the hair and applying artificial tears or lubricating ointment to calm the eye. You may also use a warm compress to relieve inflammation and soreness.
If the hair is causing eye ulcers or infections, you will need to take your dog to a veterinarian for thorough diagnosis and treatment. Your veterinarian may prescribe topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, painkillers, or other treatments to treat the disease. They may also undertake surgery to remove the problematic hairs or repair any eyelid defects.
The prognosis for hair in dog’s eye is typically favorable if treated early and effectively. However, some dogs may experience consequences such as scarring, visual loss, or recurrence of the disease.
Conclusion
Hair in dog’s eye is a frequent condition that may afflict any breed of dog with long or curly hair that covers their face and eyes. It can cause irritation, inflammation, discomfort, ulcers, infections, scarring, or blindness if left untreated. The easiest method to prevent it is to keep your dog’s hair cut or groomed frequently and check their eyes daily for any symptoms of discomfort. If you observe any indications of hair in dog’s eye, you should take your dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for an inspection and treatment.
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Hair in Dog’s Eye: A Common Problem with Easy Solutions
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