Dogs Itchy Eyes

[hollie1586]

My dog has had itching, irritated eyes for months which I have mentioned to the vet many times but they don't seem too bothered about it. She is forever rubbing them with her paws and rolling around the carpet trying to scratch them. Have bathed them but she is still itchy. Don't know what to do. Any ideas?

[ladyalex]

I think if I possibly could, I would go to another vet.

[rsvp]

totally agree with ladyalex - there is something wrong and a second opinion is needed. It could be an infection, an allergy, an ingrowing eyelash, a seed in the eye - many, many things and if your current vet is not too bothered, find one that is.

[Sam1960]

Had a cat years ago that was allergic to a certain product that you sprinkle all over your carpets to bring the freshness back. Took her to several vets before one asked if I used this product. Stopped using it and almost at once her condition improved. Agree with ladyalex and would get a second opinion. Good luck

[lankeela]

What breed is she? Could be that she needs to have an eye test if its a breed that suffers from an eye condition that might be causing discomfort. Could also be entropion where the eyelashes grow in and rub on the surface of the eye. Perhaps ask the breeder whether the breed has any known problems?

[woofgang]

Yup, first thing, different vet. then see what new vet says.

[ruthann58]

try piriton it could be an allergy to something cassie our dog is a beagle and allowed 1tablet 3 times a day but find half a tablet twice a day is enough to keep her comfortable , and this was vet recommended ,

[woofgang]

Sorry to disagree but i wouldn't be doing anything till a different vet has seen your dog.

[ruthann58]

had a cat that had entropion her eyes were very sore and messy till operated on then she was fine , the piriton wont do any harm even if they dont do any good till you can get to see another vet and they might solve the problem saving you a bill , cassie had several visits to the vets with different eye drops and creams and saw 3 vets within the practice wasnt till we saw the older vet that he said its an allergy and gave her piriton he also told me to get from the chemist as they would work out cheaper .

[woofgang]

you don't know that the piriton will do no harm. They do stop the histamine reaction if there is one, but they also make mucous membranes drier and if the eye is sore and dry it will make it worse.

[ruthann58]

as with anything if you see its making the problem worse you stop ,if this has been mentioned to the vet many times and vet felt they were bad i am sure he would be taking measures to investigate further , and hollie did ask for ideas

[woofgang]

and if vet had thought that piriton would help, he could have suggested it. I am not saying this to offend or put you down but honestly its not a good idea to give piriton for itchy eyes without getting them checked properly and i would be dumping a vet "who didn't seem bothered" post haste.

[woofgang]

meant to add that if a dog has a dry itchy eye problem and you dry the eye out further with an antihistamine it can lead to ulceration on the eye which can lead to blindness.