Service dogs are exceptional examples of everything we love about dogs. These working dogs dedicate their lives to serving disabled and chronically ill humans who have difficulty caring for themselves. To thank them, May is National Service Dog Eye Examination Month.
This special reminder is intended to keep these dedicated canines in tip-top shape by checking for vision problems with regular veterinarian check-ups. Vision impaired humans depend on service dogs to be their eyes everyday. Saving service dog’s eyesight is crucial to the safety and well-being of both dog and handler.
Dogs can suffer from many different eye maladies. Some warning signs that could signal an eye problem include:
- discharge
- swelling
- visible third eyelid
- dried discharge
- cloudiness or change in eye color
- unequal pupil sizes
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, make an appointment to see your veterinarian.
Also, it’s a good idea to inspect your dog’s eyes after coming in from playing in brush or tall grass, and after visiting the dog park. Vegetation and other dogs can scratch or injure your dog’s eyes while playing and may require medical attention and monitoring.
Keeping Your Pups Eyes Healthy
Keeping your pup’s vision healthy starts with his diet. Be sure to feed him a species-appropriate diet with plenty or proteins and fruits and vegetables. A well balanced diet helps keep your dog healthy and happy.
If your dog has longer hair, keeping his “bangs” trimmed and out of his eyes is also important. While it may look stylish to have longer facial hair, seeing through a curtain of dog hair isn’t good for your dog’s vision. He may run into objects or fail to focus on far away items with hair in his eyes.
Harsh soaps, sprays, and treatments should always be kept out of your dog’s eyes whenever possible. If you’re using a flea and tick treatment on your dog, take special care to keep the medication out of his eyes. You can use a dry washcloth to help protect his eyes during shampooing. Having an extra set of hands during an medication applications is also helpful. If you know your dog is prone to shaking his coat after you apply medication, take care to protect both your eyes and his from flying droplets.
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