Pet care: Tips to take care of your pet's eyes

Eyes are delicate in humans and animals alike. Here are some top tips to keep your pet's eyes clean and healthy.

While being a window to the soul, your pet's eyes can also be an excellent sign of numerous health problems. Most animals have good sight from birth. Due to advancing age or genetic abnormalities, they suffer certain eye problems and infections. Pets use their sense of smell for a variety of purposes, such as locating dog-friendly goodies and recognising their owners. Their ability to see, however, is also absolutely essential to their quality of life. They convey their feelings as well as use their vision to interact with other animals and navigate their surroundings. However, taking good care of your dog's eyes is a crucial aspect of providing for your beloved pet. Not to mention an essential part of being a responsible pet owner.

Dr. Charlie Astle, Veterinarian and Pet Wellness Expert, suggests top tips to take care of your pet's eyes.

Signs your pet is having problems with its eyes:

• Rubbing/scratching eyes
• Weeping/discharge from eyes
• Squinting
• Red, swollen or cloudy eyes
• Third eyelid visible
• Bumping into things

If your pet is showing any of these signs get them to your veterinarian as soon as possible. A prompt appointment could save your pet's vision.

Blindness in pets:

• Commoner in older animals
• Usually comes on slowly, but can be sudden
• Vision issues can be hard to notice as your pet will rely on their other senses to navigate their home.

Signs of blindness in your pet:

• Bumping into things (worse in the dark)
• Anxiety in the dark/new places
• Avoiding stairs and climbing
• Not moving around much
• Not making eye contact when you call them
• White spots/cloudiness in their eyes

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