Scratching the Eye in Dogs
Scratching the eye in dogs is a behavior in which the dog tries to relieve itching or discomfort in the eye area with its paw or by rubbing its head on surfaces.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
Scratching the eye can be attributed to a variety of causes, ranging from simple irritations to more serious medical problems. Dogs’ eyes are sensitive and can easily be irritated by environmental factors such as dust, pollen, or even smoke. These irritants can trigger an inflammatory response that causes the dog to scratch.
A common cause of scratching the eye is allergies. Dogs, like humans, can be allergic to certain substances. These allergies can be seasonal, as with pollen allergies, or occur year-round if the dog is reacting to house dust mites or mold spores.
Infections are another possible cause. Bacterial or viral infections can lead to conjunctivitis, which irritates the eye and causes itching. Similarly, fungal infections, although less common, can cause similar symptoms.
Parasites such as fleas or mites can also cause eye problems. Ear mites, in particular, although mainly parasitic in the ears, can get to the eye area by scratching and rubbing, causing irritation there.
Finally, physical injuries, such as a foreign body in the eye or a scratch, can also cause a dog to scratch its eye. These injuries can result from play, fights, or accidents.
Typical accompanying symptoms
- Conjunctival redness: A distinct redness of the conjunctiva may occur, often accompanied by swelling, indicating inflammation.
- Tearing: Excessive tearing can be a sign that something is irritating the eye or that there is an infection.
- Eyelid edema: Swollen eyelids may indicate an allergic reaction or an infection.
- Changes in eye secretions: Yellowish or greenish secretions may indicate a bacterial infection.
- Sensitivity to light: Dogs with eye problems often withdraw from bright light because it causes pain or discomfort.
- Change in eye color: Cloudiness or discoloration of the eye may be an indication of serious conditions such as glaucoma.
When to visit the vet?
A visit to the vet is absolutely necessary if scratching the eye is accompanied by severe pain, persistent redness, or swelling. A veterinarian should also be consulted if your dog shows other symptoms such as loss of appetite or lethargy.
If you notice changes in the structure or color of the eye, such as cloudiness of the cornea or an altered pupil size, immediate veterinary attention is necessary to rule out serious eye diseases.
If there are signs of infection, such as yellowish to greenish eye discharge, a veterinarian should also be consulted immediately, as an untreated infection can lead to permanent damage.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
As a pet owner, you can easily recognize scratching the eye by paying attention to behavioral changes. Observe whether your dog touches his eyes with his paw more often than usual or rubs his head on furniture. Also, pay attention to changes in the appearance of the eye, such as redness or discharge.
During the veterinary visit, the doctor will first take a thorough medical history and examine the dog for general signs of illness. The eyes are carefully inspected for redness, swelling or other abnormalities. A special examination with a slit lamp can be performed to examine the structures of the eye more closely.
Depending on the suspicion, special tests such as a Schirmer tear test to check tear production, a fluorescein staining test to detect corneal injuries, or a microbiological examination of eye secretions to identify infectious agents can be performed.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
As a first step, you should make sure that your dog does not continue to scratch the eye, as this could worsen the situation. A protective collar, also known as an Elizabethan collar or “cone”, can prevent the dog from getting to the eye with its paw.
Avoid using eye drops or ointments on your own that have not been explicitly prescribed by the veterinarian, as this could worsen the eye problems.
Keep the area around the eyes clean by gently removing the discharge with a soft, damp cloth. Be careful not to cause any friction that could further irritate the eye.
If your dog is scratching due to allergies, reducing allergens in the household can help. This includes frequent vacuuming, washing dog beds, and avoiding walks during times of high pollen exposure.
Until the vet appointment, you should keep your dog calm and provide him with a comfortable, stress-free space to prevent further irritation or injury.
Outlook on current research
Current research in the field of veterinary ophthalmology focuses on improving diagnostic and treatment methods for eye problems in dogs. Scientists are investigating the molecular mechanisms behind inflammatory conditions that often lead to irritation and scratching the eye. These studies aim to identify specific biomarkers that can provide information about the severity of eye diseases and potentially develop new, targeted therapies. More precise diagnosis can help optimize treatment protocols and shorten healing times.
Another branch of research deals with the genetic predisposition to eye problems in certain dog breeds. By studying genetic markers associated with eye irritation and other ophthalmological symptoms, scientists hope to develop preventive measures. In the long term, this research could lead to specific dog breeds that are prone to eye problems being specifically promoted or protected through breeding programs.
There are also advances in the development of new topical medications and eye drops specifically formulated for dogs. These drugs aim to reduce inflammation and promote healing of injured or irritated eye tissue. Researchers are using advanced technologies such as nanoparticles to improve the effectiveness of these drugs and optimize their delivery. Such innovations could significantly improve treatment outcomes in dogs suffering from chronic eye problems.
In addition, the role of nutrition and supplements in maintaining eye health in dogs is being investigated. Studies suggest that certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, may have a protective effect on the eyes. Research in this area could lead to new nutritional recommendations that help reduce the risk of eye irritation and other ophthalmological problems in dogs.
Finally, the effectiveness of non-invasive diagnostic techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) is being explored. These technologies could allow veterinarians to obtain detailed images of the eye structure without the need for surgery. Such advances in imaging diagnostics could promote early detection of eye problems and improve treatment outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is my dog constantly scratching his eye? Dogs often scratch their eyes to relieve irritation or itching that may be caused by foreign bodies, allergies, or infections. Observe your pet closely and consult a veterinarian if the symptom persists.
- Is it normal for dogs to scratch their eyes from time to time? Occasional scratching of the eye can be normal, especially if there is some dust or a small foreign body in the eye. However, frequent or intense scratching should be investigated to rule out more serious problems.
- Can scratching the eye harm my dog? Yes, excessive scratching can cause further damage, such as scratches on the cornea or infections. It is important to identify and treat the cause of the itching.
- How can I help my dog if he is constantly scratching his eye? Prevent your dog from accessing potentially irritating substances and gently clean the eyes with a clean, damp cloth. If the problem persists, consult a veterinarian.
- What home remedies can I try for scratching the eye? Warm compresses can help soothe the eye, and eye washes with saline solution can remove foreign bodies. However, always consult a veterinarian before using home remedies.
- How do I know if scratching the eye is caused by an allergy? Allergies are often accompanied by other symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, or itchy skin. A veterinarian can perform allergy tests to confirm this.
- When should I see a vet if my dog is scratching his eye? If the scratching persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by redness or discharge, or your dog shows signs of pain, you should see a veterinarian.
- What tests do veterinarians perform to determine the cause of scratching the eye? Veterinarians can perform a number of tests, including an eye exam, swabs to detect infections, and possibly imaging procedures such as ultrasound or OCT.
- Can certain dog breeds be more prone to eye problems? Yes, certain breeds, especially those with protruding eyes such as pugs or bulldogs, are more prone to eye irritation and infections.
- Are there preventive measures to prevent dogs from scratching their eyes? Regular eye care, such as removing tear stains and keeping the eye area clean, can help. Pay attention to allergens in the environment and consult a veterinarian regularly for check-ups.
Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.