Lastly, do your research and know if your gun dog breed of choice may have predispositions to eye conditions such as dry eye, glaucoma, or progressive retinal atrophy. Although they may love the open road and wind in their face, this predisposes the eyes to drying out as well as debris and insects hitting their eyes. Persistent rubbing at the eyes is often a sign of an eye problem and should be evaluated.Īlso remember that on the drive out to that perfect hunting spot, avoid having your gun dog hang their head outside the car window. Other signs to watch for that indicate the need for an eye exam by your veterinarian include: changes in eye color, cloudiness, unequal pupil sizes, discharge, and tear staining. Injuries to the eye can be devastating if not quickly diagnosed and treated appropriately. Anytime your gun dog holds their eye(s) closed (even just partly) and will not open them normally, it is essential that you seek a veterinarian examination. You may also note that the third eyelid is raised. Eye pain in dogs is characterized by squinting, tearing, and redness.
With irritation you may note a mild increase in redness or mild tearing, but this should last no more than 24 hours after it is first noted. Irritation can occur due to an accumulation of seeds or dust inside the eyelids.
Now that you know what to monitor, it is important to distinguish irritation from injury. Reward them with treats or follow it with playing fetch. Teach them to quietly sit (Flushers) or stand (Pointers) while you look at and examine their eyes. The more you handle your dogs’ eyes and eye area, especially when they are young, the easier it will be to treat them if an injury should occur. Get in the habit of opening your dogs’ eyes and checking these “pockets.” This will help you recognize when they are red and irritated versus a normal pink appearance. Saline rinse can be purchased over the counter at any grocery store or pharmacy (Example: OcuSoft Eye Wash). These pockets can hold debris and if present should be rinsed with a stream of saline. This tissue should be pink, not red or white. This pocket is the conjunctival fornix – the space between the eye and the conjunctiva of the eyelid. Open the eyelids by gently rolling them out and looking in the “pockets”. The pupils should be equal in size and there should be no tearing, discharge, or crusts around the eyes. The whites around the eyes should be white, not pink or red. You should see that the eyes are clear and bright. So how do you monitor your dog before, during, and after hunting? Start by looking at your dog in a brightly lit area. This article will help you navigate the best way to watch and monitor your gun dog. This may include rinsing the eyes with saline after a day of hunting and watching for signs of irritation or discomfort. It is essential that we observe and care for our hunting partners’ eyes to ensure they remain in the best of health. Dogs’ eyes can attract all sorts of debris due to running through weeds, brush, and grass while hunting. Gun dogs are constantly in an environment prime for eye injury.
DOG UNEQUAL PUPIL SIZE HOW TO
As an avid upland hunter with my owner hunting dogs, it is important for you to know how to care for your gun dogs eyes.