Your Shih Tzu’s eyes are important, and you should take care of them to prevent any eye problems. Even if it doesn’t look dirty, the area around the eye can collect food particles, wet hairs, dirt, and eye discharge — so you should clean the fur around the eyes every day. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to clean your Shih Tzu’s eyes and how to care for them to prevent any eye problems.
About Shih Tzu Eyes: First Learn to Observe
When I first adopted my Shih Tzu dog, Thunder, cleaning his eyes was the last thing on my mind. I was just so happy to have a new furry friend to love. But as I started to learn more about Shih Tzu eye care, I realized how important it is to keep the area around their eyes clean.
Shih Tzus’ eyes are beautiful and expressive but also quite delicate. The area around the eye can be easily irritated, and if it’s not cleaned correctly, it will lead to many eye problems. So you must learn how to clean your Shih Tzu’s eyes and keep them healthy.
Shih Tzus have large eyes and shortened face, which make them adorable. But they may also contribute to their health problems. Their bulging eyes are particularly vulnerable to diseases and infections, including Cataract corneal ulcers, Eyelash issues, Pink watery eyes, and bacterial infection.
Watery eyes may lead to a film or layer of mucus around the corners of their eyes. You can use a flea comb to scrape the tear staining from the outside corner if it’s just too thick and you can’t pull it out with your fingernail or a cotton swab.
How to clean Shih Tzu’s eyes?
Cleaning your Shih Tzu’s eyes is vital to their overall health and wellbeing. While you might be tempted to skip this step in their grooming routine, it’s relatively easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Plus, it’s an excellent way to bond with your pup!
What you’ll need:
- A cotton ball or soft cloth.
- Sterile saline solution or boiled water.
- Gentle dog eye wipes (optional).
Directions
Wet the cotton ball or cloth with the saline solution or warm tap water. Gently wipe away any dirt or discharge from the inner corner of the eye, being careful not to get any liquid in the eye. You can also use dog eye wipes for this step – they’re usually pre-moistened and specifically designed for cleaning around the eyes.
Then, using a fresh cotton ball or cloth, wipe away any residue from the eye area. Be sure to get all around the eye, including under the eyelashes. Don’t forget also to clean the fur on the outside of the eye! If you leave it to dry on its own, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
Daily cleaning will keep your Shih Tzu’s eyes healthy and free from infection or irritation.
How to care for your Shih Tzu’s eyes?
Shih Tzu dogs are a popular breed, and it’s no wonder why. They are playful and affectionate, and they make great companion animals. However, Shih Tzu eye issues happen, requiring some special care. The breed is prone to eye problems such as dry eye and entropion, so it’s essential to take steps to protect your dog’s vision. Here are some tips on how to care for your Shih Tzu’s eyes:
- Check your dog’s eyes regularly for any redness or discharge. If you notice anything abnormal, take him/her to the vet for an exam.
- Keep your dog’s eyes clean by gently wiping them with a damp cloth daily.
- Shih Tzu eye cleaner can help to remove any dirt or debris from the eye area.
- Ensure your dog is getting enough omega-fatty acids in his/her diet. These nutrients are essential for healthy eyes and skin.
- Use a humidifier in your home, if necessary, to help keep your dog’s eyes moist.
Common eye problems in Shih Tzus
Some eye diseases are common among Shih Tzus. One common problem is entropion, a condition in which the eyelids roll inward. This can cause the eyelashes to rub against the eyeball, causing irritation and inflammation.
Another condition that Shih Tzus may suffer from is glaucoma, a condition in which the pressure in the eyeball becomes too high, leading to pain, redness, and eventually blindness. Thankfully, your vet can treat both of these conditions with surgery.
However, catching them early is important so your dog can enjoy a healthy and happy life.
Another issue with dogs’ eyes is infections. The most common symptoms of this are redness or swelling around the Shih Tzu dog’s eye or eyes, excessive discharge, or an aversion to bright lights.
Preventing eye problems in Shih Tzus
As a Shih Tzu owner, you know that your furry friend is prone to many health problems. One of the most common issues is eye problems.
Eye problems can range from mild discomfort to severe blindness and can be caused by several factors, including allergies, infections, and genetics.
Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to help prevent eye problems in your Shih Tzu. First, be sure to keep their eyes clean and free of debris. Regularly wiping the eyes with a wet cloth for quick cleaning can help to remove any irritants that could cause inflammation.
Secondly, if your Shih Tzu has allergies, consider using hypoallergenic shampoo to help reduce the number of allergens on their skin and in their coat. Third, keep your Shih Tzu’s nails trimmed short to avoid scratches to the face that may cause cornea redness.
Finally, consider feeding your Shih Tzu a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as these nutrients promote healthy eye development.
Shih Tzu eye problems can be painful and cause long-term damage to your dog’s vision. However, by taking some preventative measures, you can help to keep your Shih Tzu’s eyes healthy.
What to do if you think your dog has an eye infection?
While some eye infections are relatively minor, others can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
A few signs can indicate that your dog may have an eye infection, including redness, discharge, squinting, and pawing at the eye. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs.
During the appointment, the vet will conduct a thorough examination of your dog’s eyes and may prescribe medication to treat the infection. In most cases, you can easily treat eye infections with antibiotics. However, more severe cases may require surgery.
If you want to avoid eye infections in your Shih Tzu, clean their eyes by wiping them with a damp cloth daily. You should also take them for regular check-ups so that any health issue can be caught early and treated accordingly.
When to see a vet about your dog’s eyesight?
As your dog ages, it’s essential to observe their health closely and watch for any changes. One common issue that older dogs face is vision loss. If you notice that your dog is having trouble seeing, it’s important to take them to the vet for an evaluation. Many conditions can cause vision loss in dogs, such as:
– Glaucoma
Some of these conditions can be pretty serious. The sooner you catch the problem, the better the chances are for treatment and management. If your dog starts showing signs of vision loss, you need to see your veterinarian. With prompt treatment, you can help your furry friend keep their eyesight for years to come.
FAQs about Shih Tzu’s eyes
Why does my Shih Tzu always have eye boogers?
There are a few reasons why your Shih Tzu might always have eye boogers. First, the Shih Tzu breed is known for having tear ducts that don’t function properly.
This can cause an excessive buildup of tears, which leads to eye boogers. Additionally, Shih Tzus often have allergies, and their teary eyes can be a reaction to the allergens in their environment.
Finally, eye boogers can also be a sign of an eye infection. If your dog’s eyes are red, swollen, or discharge is present, you should take them to the clinic for an evaluation. In most cases, a simple course of antibiotics will clear up the infection.
However, if the tear ducts are not functioning correctly, your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem.
How do you get rid of tear stains on Shih Tzu?
One of the most common questions Shih Tzu owners have is, “How do I get rid of tear stains on my dog?” While these stains can be unsightly, they are quite easy to remove.
The first step is to identify the cause of the stains. If your dog has a lot of tearing, it could be due to allergies or a genetic predisposition. Once you have determined the cause, you can begin working on removing the stains.
The easiest way to do this is to use a damp cloth to wipe away the discolored discharge. For more stubborn stains, you may need to use a cotton swab dipped in warm water. Gently scrub the area until you remove the stain.
You should also avoid using products that contain bleach, as these can cause further irritation to your dog’s eyes.
Can I use human eye drops on my Shih Tzu?
No, it would be best if you did not use human eye drops on your Shih Tzu puppy. Human eye drops treat a very specific type of eye problem and are ineffective in treating eye infections or other issues that can occur in dogs. If you are concerned about your dog’s eyes, it’s best to take them to the vet. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for your dog’s specific needs.
Why do my Shih Tzu eyes stink?
If you’ve ever noticed a strong, unpleasant odor coming from your Shih Tzu’s eyes, you may wonder what could be causing it. There are a few different possibilities, but the most likely cause is a condition known as conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the tissue that lines the eyelids, and it can be caused by bacteria, viruses, allergies, or even physical irritants like dirt or dust. In some cases, conjunctivitis can also signify another underlying health condition. If your dog’s eyes are red, and swollen, and discharge is present, it’s essential to seek veterinary care to rule out any serious problems. In most cases, however, you can treat conjunctivitis with antibiotics or over-the-counter eye drops.
In conclusion,
Eye problems are a common issue for Shih Tzus and can often be prevented by keeping their big eyes clean. This blog post outlined how to clean your Shih Tzu’s eyes and why it is important. We hope you found this information helpful and will check out our other blogs for more tips on grooming your Shih Tzu.
Have you ever had an issue with your Shih Tzu’s eyes? Let us know in the comments below.
We love hearing from all you Shih Tzu lovers out there!
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