Would you like to make sure your dog’s eyes stay as healthy as possible for as long as they can? Want to do it from the comfort of your own home? Look no further than your Jensen Beach veterinarian’s tips, found below.

Watch for Behavioral Signs

Sometimes, clues that something may be wrong don’t come from the eyes themselves, but from your dog’s behavior. If you notice your dog shaking his head, pawing or scratching at the eyes, hesitating to move around, or running into things, you’ll want to get a veterinarian to examine your furry friend. Vision commonly deteriorates in older dogs, so your aging pooch might require a few lifestyle changes. Ask your vet for more information.

Stare Down Your Pooch

Every once in a while, sit down in front of your dog in a quiet, well-lit area. Stare directly into the eyes—they should look clear and bright, with white visible around the pupil. If you notice anything abnormal, like cloudiness, discharge, discoloration, or redness, call your vet’s office for a second opinion.

Trim Longer Hairs

Does your dog have longer hair around his face? Sometimes, these stragglers can contact the eyeball, irritating it painfully. Avoid the issue by carefully trimming away longer hairs with a pair of scissors.

Examine the Eyelid

When you’re looking at your dog’s eyes, try gently rolling down the lower eyelid for a quick look. The lining of the eye should be a healthy pink color, not deep red or white. If something seems amiss, you’ll want to let your vet know. Slip your dog a treat or two after you’ve successfully checked out the eyelid lining.

Wipe Off Gunk

Most dogs tend to develop some crusty gunk in the corners of their eyes. This discharge is normal but will build up over time, so it’s a good idea to wipe it out periodically. Try using a dampened cotton ball and an outward swiping motion to get rid of it. If you think the gunk is excessive or if it seems very runny, check with your vet.

Of course, your dog’s eyes aren’t the only important parts of his body! Ask your Jensen Beach veterinarian for tips on keeping every part of your dog in tip-top shape.