• Dog Longevity
  • Posts
  • 6 Things Your Dog's Eyes Reveal About Their Health

6 Things Your Dog's Eyes Reveal About Their Health

Our dog’s eyes give us insight into their state of health. We’ll cover the top 6 conditions that you’ll want to watch for.

Author

Thom Hart
December 09, 2023

Daily Longevity Tip: 6 Things Your Dog's Eyes Reveal About Their Health

Tip Summary: Our dog’s eyes give us insight into their state of health. We’ll cover the top 6 conditions that you’ll want to watch for.

Hey Dog Longevity friends! In order to support our dog’s living the longest life possible, we want to add as many indicators to our toolkit, to aid with early detection and treatment of serious injury. Our dog’s eyes function as one of those indicators, much like the nose or coat. Let’s cover the top 6 signs that can indicate deeper health issues, and what those health issues are:

1. Red Eyes:

  • Redness in one or both eyes is a clear sign that something isn't right.

  • Causes can range from minor issues like dry eyes to more serious conditions like uveitis or glaucoma.

2. Eye Discharge:

  • Any discharge, especially if it's watery, thick, or bloody, suggests an underlying problem.

  • It could indicate conditions from conjunctivitis to more serious issues like Keratitis or Blepharitis.

3. Hazy or Cloudy Eyes:

  • Not just a sign of aging, cloudy eyes can occur at any age.

  • Causes include corneal scratches, inflammation, glaucoma, and cataracts, which can be linked to diabetes.

4. Squinting or Rubbing Eyes:

  • If your dog is squinting, rubbing their eyes, or blinking a lot, it could indicate ocular pain.

  • This might be due to allergies, infection, or other irritants, often treatable with topical antibiotics.

5. Visible Third Eyelid:

  • A visible third eyelid, or "cherry eye," indicates eye irritation.

  • It’s an easily noticeable sign and usually indicates the need for a vet check-up.

6. Unequal Pupil Sizes:

  • Unequal pupils can signal a serious health issue.

  • This condition might be accompanied by red or cloudy eyes and discharge.

Takeaways for Dog Parents:

  • Regularly check your dog's eyes for these signs.

  • Consult your vet for any persistent or unusual changes in the eyes.

  • Timely intervention can prevent more serious health issues and maintain your dog's overall well-being.

Your dog's eyes are more than just soulful; they're a key indicator of their health. Paying attention to these signs can play a significant role in ensuring their longevity and happiness.