Pet eye infections can occur in your pet, and sometimes they are not easy to spot. If you notice discharge or redness in your pet’s eyes, it can be difficult to tell if it is from an infection, injury, allergies, or irritation. It is important to be able to spot the signs of a pet eye infection and be aware of the available treatment options. Sometimes, a trip to us here at Southeast Animal Eye Specialists in Newnan, GA is necessary for treatment.
Causes & Symptoms of Pet Eye Infections
The two main causes of pet eye infections are bacterial and viral, with bacterial being the most common. Bacterial pet eye infections are caused by unicellular microscopic organisms. Trauma to the eye, dry eye disease, and other eye conditions can present bacteria with the opportunity to grow and invade. The most common type of bacterial eye infection in pets is caused by an injury such as an ulcer or scratch on the eye.
Viral eye infections are sometimes accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection but if your pet is vaccinated, you do not need to worry about these infections. Viral pet eye infections can look similar to bacterial infections but with additional symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms of pet eye infections include:
- Discharge
- Redness
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Pawing at the eye
- Squinting
It is normal to see various signs appear at once.
Treatment & Prevention
It is possible to treat your pet’s eye infection at home with sterile saline rinses to help flush out the eye. However, these are only considered as a short-term treatment and will only be effective for mild infections. You should schedule an appointment with our veterinarian if you continue to see signs of infection such as redness, swelling, and irritation after rinsing your pet’s eye. Our vet will prescribe topical antibiotics if your pet is diagnosed with a bacterial eye infection.
Preventing eye infections in your pet can sometimes be challenging since most pets are energetic and playful in environments with many organisms. However, you can keep the hairs around your pet’s eyes trimmed to prevent irritation. Consider pet googles if you take your pet hiking with you to protect their eyes from dust, plant fibers, and UV light.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian in Newnan, GA for Pet Eye Infection Treatment
If you are looking for pet eye infection treatment in Newnan, GA, contact Southeast Animal Eye Specialists today. Call us at (404) 809-7410 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.