How to Tell if Your Pet Has an Eye Infection

How do you tell if your cat, dog, or other pet is suffering from an eye infection? Unfortunately, pet eye infections are common, and they can be quite serious, too. Bring your pet to us at Parkway Animal Hospital and speak with our veterinarian in Grand Prairie, TX right away if your pet has an eye infection.

Signs of a Pet Eye Infection and When to See a Veterinarian

Pet eye infections are often accompanied by discharge. A yellow or greenish discharge from the eye is often the sign of a bacterial infection. Clear discharges may be a sign of a viral eye infection. If your pet is suffering from dry eye disease, you may also notice cloudy, yellowish discharges.

Your pet’s eyes may also be red. Both the eyes and the surrounding tissues, such as the eyelid, may be inflamed.

You may notice debris in the eye, such as a splinter. Splinters or other debris could make eye infections more serious. It’s best to have a vet remove any debris as soon as possible.

Cloudy eyes or anything else that appears abnormal may also be a sign of a problem with your pet's eyes. Besides eye infections, pets can suffer other eye problems too. Our veterinarian can perform a thorough eye exam to diagnose these problems.

If your pet is pawing at his eye, it may be due to the discomfort caused by an eye infection. If your pet scratches his eyes, he could make any present infection much worse.

A severe eye infection can result in permanent vision damage. In a worst-case scenario, your pet may go blind, and/or affected eyes may need to be removed. The infection could also spread to other parts of your pet’s body.

Fortunately, most eye infections are completely treatable. This is especially true with prompt treatment. Our vet may be able to prescribe antibiotics and various eye drops to help your pet.

Sometimes pet eye infections clear up on their own. That said, many infections tend to get a lot worse before they get better. This is especially true without proper veterinary care.

Swing by Parkway Animal Hospital, serving Grand Prairie, TX, and the surrounding areas.