Dogs are likely to be affected by many different eye conditions that will cause them serious problems if not treated appropriately. Your dog is scratching Its eyes, is probably suffering from eye issues, and can behave that way to express its discomfort. It is vitally important to recognize the underlying causes that push your dogs to scratch their eyes. If you notice your furry friend doing so, you have to immediately take action and seek professional help. This is because some eye problems will cause your dog to lose their eyesight in less than 24 hours.
The main 10 reasons Why your dog is scratching Its eyes:
It is possible not to notice eye problems that your dog is suffering from as dogs are great at hiding their pain. However, some signs help you to recognize what your dog is going through including scratching their eyes.
There are multiple reasons behind your dog’s actions. These reasons are listed below.
1- Eye Gunk
This is not a real problem to be concerned about. Eye gunk usually appears after waking up. Because it is not a serious medical issue, all you have to do is remove them to help your dog feels comfortable.
2- Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is a condition that occurs when there is an inflammation of the conjunctiva membrane. The latter is found in the eyelids and the surface of the eyeball of your dog. Some symptoms of this issue include redness, crusting, and perpetual scratching. To treat this condition, you need to visit the vet. Normally, the treatment includes eye drops and regular cleaning.
3- Keratitis
This condition is known to be an inflammatory one. Your dog is suffering from an inflammation of the cornea that is a result of a given bacteria, eye blood vessels, and others. If your dog develops this condition, you will notice itching, tearing, and photosensitivity.
This particular eye problem is serious. You must immediately take your dog to the vet otherwise they will lose sight.
4- Your dog is scratching Its eyes Because of Glaucoma
In addition to being a dangerous eye problem, glaucoma is a painful condition. This issue takes place when there is an increase in the intraocular pressure within the eye. This condition can rapidly develop causing blindness in your dog. The primary reason behind glaucoma is the increase in water production and the drainage of fluid from the eye. There are two types of glaucoma in dogs:
- Primary Glaucoma: It is an inherited condition found in some particular breeds such as Dalmatians, Basset Hounds, Retrievers, and others.
- Secondary Glaucoma: It is developed due to some eye issues or injuries including damage to the lens of the eye, serious intraocular infections, and tumors.
5- Environmental Allergies
As humans, dogs are sensitive and may experience allergies. Some common ones in dogs are airborne irritants, contact irritants, and things that are inhaled or ingested. Most eye irritations in dogs are related to environmental allergies.
If your dog is suffering from allergy-related eye irritation, you will notice that your dog is perpetually scratching their eyes or even rubbing their faces on the floor and furniture to relieve the itching. They may even lose the hair around their eyes because of this repeated action.
When you observe that your dog is scratching, they have watery eyes, and redness, it is better to talk to your vet for the best allergy management that you can follow.
6- Entropion
Entropion occurs when the eyelid rolls inward. It can be developed in one or both eyes. This condition will result in redness and weeping. Dogs with entropion will scratch their eyes or keep them close.
This eye problem is precisely found in specific dog breeds such as Toy and Miniature Poodles, Rottweilers, English Toy, Springer Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and others.
Usually, entropion acquires surgical correction.
7- Blepharitis
Blepharitis happens when there is eyelid inflammation. It is caused as a result of some bacterial infections, or other systemic conditions like hypothyroidism. However, the most common cause of this problem is demodectic mange. The latter is a skin condition that occurs because of the Demodex parasite.
This eye problem is accompanied by other visual changes in the eyelids such as swelling and redness. In this case, you need to manage the eyelid inflammation and clean the eyes regularly.
8- Corneal Ulcers
Corneal Ulcers usually happen when the uppermost layer of your dog’s cornea is damaged leading to a defect. The most obvious cause of this issue is mechanical trauma and systemic diseases.
Corneal Ulcers are serious eye problem that develops quickly. This condition forces your dog to perpetually scratch and close their eyes. Dogs with this problem need veterinary treatment as soon as possible.
9- Your dog is scratching Its eyes Because of a Foreign Body
Having a foreign body in your dog’s eyes is possible including seeds and some plant fragments as they can easily find their way into your dog’s eyes. A foreign body may cause redness, squinting, and scratching.
The best way to treat this condition is to go to the emergency room to remove the foreign body.
10- Your dog is scratching Its eyes Because of Insect Bites and Stings
By nature, dogs are curious creators and tend to explore what they find in front of them. This may cause them insect bites and stings. If they occur near the eye, your dog will scratch that area.
Last Words
Dogs may start scratching their eyes because of multiple reasons. Some may be simple and easy to treat, and others may be the opposite. Carefully observing your dog is necessary in order to treat any serious condition while it is in the first stages.
