The eye problems in our dogs can be difficult to discover because it is normal for the dog to close its eye when we want to examine it. It is therefore very important to take our dog to the vet, better if he is specialized in ophthalmology, if we observe scratching, discharge or any other discomfort. In this article on our site we are going to explain why the dog scratches his eyes so much, since our dog rubs his eyes with his paws or against any object, it can be due to different causes that we will comment on below.
My dog has swollen eyes and scratches a lot: causes
Inflammation of the eyelids is known as blepharitis We can see that our dog has swollen eyes and scratches a lot. In bacterial blepharitis, in addition, the eyelids increase in thickness, become red, inflamed and may also have crusts. As blepharitis can be associated with various diseases (demodectic mange, hypothyroidism, etc.), in addition to the discomfort it is causing the dog, we should go to the vet to diagnose any underlying disease so effective treatment is possible.
Blepharitis itself is treated with antibiotics that must be prescribed by our veterinarian. Before applying any medication to the eyes, we must clean them, which we can do with a gauze pad or cotton wool soaked in physiological saline Long-term medication may be required. Sometimes the eyelids swell suddenly, usually from insect bites or even an allergic reaction to food. These cases also require veterinary assistance and may be another reason why my dog scratches his eyes so much.
Itchy eyes of the dog due to foreign bodies and injuries
Foreign bodies such as seeds or various plant fragments can enter the eyes of dogs and remain attached to the surface of the eye or behind the eyelids. One of the activities that increases the probability of the introduction of particles in the eyes is allowing our dog to travel in a car with his head sticking out the window. Walks through dense vegetation are also another risky activity. The presence of a foreign body can explain why a dog scratches his eyes so much, in addition to presenting other symptoms such as tearing, blinking or discharge The third eyelid in an attempt to protect the eye. This eyelid, called the nictitating membrane, is located in the inner corner of the eye and is generally only seen on certain occasions, such as the one in question. Unless we see it very clearly, we must go to the veterinarian to remove the foreign body that is causing the injury. Bear in mind that elements such as brambles or splinters can perforate the cornea (the transparent part of the eye).
The splashes of chemical agents in the eyes can also explain why our dog scratches his eyes so much. Acids but also soaps, shampoos or insecticides can cause itching and watering in the dog's eyes, as can toxic fumes. The affected eye(s) should be immediately washed with cold water or saline and the dog transferred to a veterinary clinic.
Dog's itchy eyes due to conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis in dogs is a relatively common condition and consists of inflammation of the conjunctival membrane that covers part of the eyelids and the eyeball. In addition to observing that the dog rubs its eyes, we can see redness and serous secretion, mucoid or purulent. Our veterinarian will be in charge of the treatment because a systemic disease such as distemper or a foreign body could be behind it, in which case it would normally affect only one eye. Depending on the type of secretion, we can talk about different conjunctivitis, which can explain why a dog scratches his eyes so much. They are as follows:
- Serous conjunctivitis: The swelling is mild and the discharge is clear. This conjunctivitis is what can be caused by agents such as wind or dust, in addition to allergens.
- Mucoid conjunctivitis: the nictitating membrane or third eyelid has small glands on its inner face. When they react to an irritating substance or an infection, they end up producing a mucoid secretion that triggers conjunctivitis.
- Purulent conjunctivitis: is a serous conjunctivitis that is infected by the presence of different bacteria. Thick discharge that forms crusts on the eyelids occurs.
As we have said, if the dog has red and rheumy eyes, the veterinarian will look for the underlying cause that has caused the conjunctivitis and, depending on what it is, will prescribe the appropriate treatment, which may include eye drops, ointments or even some ophthalmological intervention if there are complications. As always, before applying any medication we must clean the eye well with physiological saline and gauze or cotton. If our dog has dry scabs we can heat the serum to remove them more easily.
Dog's itchy eyes from a corneal ulcer
A corneal ulcer can be defined as an injury to the cornea, which can be caused by trauma or diseases such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or Addison's disease. Corneal ulcers are painful, which explains why our dog scratches his eyes or the affected eye so much. They also produce considerable tearing and photophobia (intolerance to light), which also explains why the dog's eyes are closed and rheumy.
Requires veterinary attention, since, if left untreated, it could lose its eye. Some ulcers can be seen with the naked eye as a dull, dull area. The veterinarian will be able to confirm its presence by putting a few drops of fluorescein in the eye, since this substance stains them. They are often treated with antibiotics and/or surgery
Dog's itchy eyes due to keratitis
Keratitis is another condition that can affect the cornea. In this case, it produces an inflammation that makes it cloudy and causes intense tearing, intolerance to light(photophobia), third eyelid protrusion and explains why the dog scratches his eyes so much. There are several types and all of them are serious, since they can lead to blindness They are as follows:
- Ulcerative keratitis: This inflammation of the cornea is caused by other conditions, such as a corneal ulcer. The cornea begins by appearing dull until it becomes cloudy and ends up turning white.
- Infectious keratitis: Occurs when a bacterial infection complicates another condition such as a corneal ulcer or ulcerative keratitis. It causes a purulent secretion and the eyelids are swollen. Fungi may also complicate the condition (fungal keratitis).
- Interstitial Keratitis: Also known as " blue eye ", as a bluish-white film forms over the eye. The cause is the infectious hepatitis virus.
- Vascular keratitis: Blood vessels and connective tissue grow into the eye. This process can sometimes be associated with pigmentary keratitis, in which a deposit of melanin (which is a pigment) is produced in the cornea.
Of course, it requires veterinary assistance and can be treated with drugs and/or surgery.
