How to Tell if Your Pet Has An Eye Infection

How to Tell if Your Pet Has an Eye Infection and How a Veterinarian Near You in Los Lunas, NM, Can Help

It's no secret to any pet owner that our furry friends can be a bit elusive and enjoy their privacy. This is especially true when they aren't feeling well. Pets will often try to mask or hide their condition. This is mostly an instinctual survival mechanism to not show weakness to other animals. So it's up to us as their pet owners to always be aware of the signs and symptoms of various illnesses.

At Arrow Animal Hospital, serving Los Lunas, NM, and Belen, NM, we pride ourselves on keeping our clients well-informed and educated about pet health. One common illness we see quite frequently is eye infections. Though it's relatively easy to treat, it can be serious if not remedied quickly. Signs your pet may have an eye infection include:

●          Eye discoloration (red or pink)

●          Inflammation and swelling around the eye

●          Rapid blinking

●          Keeping its eyes closed

●          Sensitivity to light

●          Rubbing or pawing at the eye

●          squinting

●          Unable to open the eye

●          Yellow or green discharge

●          Tearing

●          Crusty buildup

●          Poor vision (knocking into things, falling)

While an eye infection is not typically a pet emergency, your pet may need recovering.

What Causes Eye Infections in Pets?

Eye infections occur when a bacteria or virus enters the eye, with the most common being conjunctivitis (pink eye) or the canine/feline form of herpesvirus. However, infections can also occur due to allergies, fungus, trauma (being poked with a stick, a bite, etc.), or a foreign body (dirt, metal, insect, etc.).

How Are Pet Eye Infections Treated?

After a thorough eye exam, your vet can easily administer initial eye infection treatment in their office and will prescribe treatment for you to continue at home. Depending on the root cause of the infection, a vet may prescribe one or more of the following treatments:

●          Antibiotic (oral or drops)

●          Eye drops to flush out and clean the eye

●          Antifungal medication

●          antihistamines

●          Anti-inflammatory medication

●          Hot or cold packs

Get Eye Infection Treatment, Pet Care, Pet Emergency Care, and Animal Hospital Services from a Veterinarian Near You

If you need a veterinarian near you in the Los Lunas, NM, or Belen, NM, area, we at Arrow Animal Hospital are here to help with all your pet care needs. Whether it's eye infections, wellness visits, or emergency care, please don't hesitate to give us a call. Call us at (505) 865-1826 for eye infection treatment, pet care, pet emergency care, and animal hospital services from a veterinarian near you.