As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to learn how to keep your dog's eyes healthy. Like humans, dogs can suffer from a wide variety of eye problems. Luckily, many of these issues can be prevented or treated with simple dietary changes and regular care. In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your dog's eyes healthy.

Common eye problems in dogs

Several common eye problems can affect your doggo, such as dryness, inflammation, and infection. The most common are;

• Conjunctivitis: an inflammation of the delicate membrane that lines the surface of the eyeball and eyelid. 
• Cherry eye: a condition in which the tear gland bulges out and causes inflammations.  
• Dry eye: where the tear gland fails to produce tears to moisturize the eye. 
• Glaucoma: a condition that results in high pressure in the eyeball and can lead to eye problems. 

How to keep your dog's eyes healthy?

Here are five ways to keep your dog's eyes healthy:

1)    Avoid eye injuries

Please keep your dog's eyes safe by keeping him away from sharp objects, poisons, and toxic chemicals. Also, make sure his bedding and toys are free of anything that could injure his eyes.

2)    Clean your dog's face daily

• It is best to wipe your dog's eyes with a moist cotton ball every day, especially around the corners of the eyes (also known as tear stains). 
• Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed not to irritate them or get into the eyes themselves and cause scratches. 
• Take advantage of the natural moisturizing properties of oils. If you have a long-haired breed, you can use oils as an alternative to water. Make sure your pooch doesn't lick it off or swallow too much! 

3)    Use a dog-friendly eyewash

Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners around your doggie’s eyes. Citrus-based cleaners, in particular, are very damaging and should be avoided. Don't use human eye medications on your pet, and avoid cleaning solutions with harsh chemicals when cleaning your dog.

4)    Check for abnormalities

Look out for signs like redness or swelling, inflammation or discharge, squinting or pawing at the eye, and excessive tearing. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet for an exam as soon as possible.

5)    Protect from the sun

Your dog's eyes need protection from ultraviolet rays too! Use sunscreen on your pet when you go outdoors for long periods, especially if he has thin hair around his eyes. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercises and fresh air. It will help keep their eyes healthy and clear.

6)    Keep up with regular check-ups

Even if your pet appears healthy, he should still have annual exams with the veterinarian so that any eye issues will be suspect early on before they progress into something more serious.

The importance of a healthy diet for your dog's eyes

A healthy diet is essential for maintaining your dog's eye health. The essential food for keeping your furball healthy eyes are;

1)    Carrots

A crunchy carrot is a perfect snack for your furry friend. These are low in calories and high in fiber. Carrots are also a good source of beta carotene and vitamin A, essential for eye health.

2)    Pumpkin seeds

A handful of pumpkin seeds will help keep your puppy's eyes bright and clear. These mighty seeds are loaded with zinc and essential fatty acids, such as omega-6s, which are vital for eye development and overall vision health.

3)    Salmon

Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids in a dog's diet. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may be helpful for dogs who suffer from dry eyes or other inflammatory eye conditions.

4)    Blueberries

Blueberries contain antioxidants that protect the eyes against free radicals and inflammation. They also reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

     DISCLAIMER

Avoid giving your dog any food that may be harmful to their eyes, such as chocolate and onions.

Just like humans, dogs require good eye care to maintain healthy eyesight. The dog's eye is one of the most important sensory organs. Good eye health is related to your dog's vision and can also be a sign of overall health. By following the tips in this guide, you can help keep your furry friend's eyes healthy and free from disease.