Shih Tzu Eye Infection Home Remedy and Treatment Guide

Shih Tzus are prone to eye infections due to their flat face and shallow eye sockets, making them more susceptible to tear duct blockages and bacterial growth.

Cleaning your Shih Tzu's eyes regularly can help prevent infections, but if your furry friend does get infected, there are some effective home remedies you can try.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, Shih Tzus are one of the breeds most prone to eye infections.

Shih Tzu eye infections can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, often resulting from a compromised immune system or poor eye hygiene.

Dirt, dust, and other foreign particles can easily enter the eye and cause an infection.

Shih Tzus are prone to eye problems due to their large eyes and shallow eye sockets.

Redness, discharge, and squinting are common symptoms of eye infections in Shih Tzus.

In severe cases, eye infections can lead to vision loss or even blindness.

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Diagnosis of a shih tzu eye infection typically involves a thorough ocular examination to determine if proper tear drainage is occurring. This examination pays special attention to the nasolacrimal ducts and nearby tissues, looking for signs of inflammation or other abnormalities.

In some cases, a breed's facial anatomy can play a role in tear drainage issues, such as in brachycephalic dogs. These dogs have flat or squished-in faces that don't allow the tear film to drain properly. The tear film simply rolls off the face instead of entering the duct.

A simple test to assess tear drainage is to place a drop of fluorescein stain in the eye, hold the dog's head slightly downward, and watch for drainage into the nose. If the drainage system is functioning normally, the eye stain should be seen in the nose within a few minutes.

If your shih tzu is diagnosed with an eye infection, treatment will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the infection. Mild cases may be treated with topical ointments or eye drops, while more severe cases may require oral antibiotics or other medications.

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To diagnose epiphora, the first step is to determine if there's an underlying cause for the excess tear production. This can include conditions like conjunctivitis, allergies, eye injuries, and anatomical abnormalities like entropion or ectropion.

A thorough ocular examination is performed to rule out these more serious causes. The facial anatomy of the dog may play a role in this condition, especially in brachycephalics whose flat or squished-in faces don't allow the tear film to drain properly.

To assess tear drainage, a simple test is to place a drop of fluorescein stain in the eye and watch for drainage into the nose. If the drainage system is functioning normally, the eye stain should be seen in the nose within a few minutes.

Common causes of blocked nasolacrimal ducts include hair around the eyes obstructing the entrance to the duct, or debris or a foreign body forming a plug within the duct. If the eye stain doesn't appear in the nose, it indicates the need for further investigation.

Here are some possible causes of epiphora and their corresponding symptoms:

If the discharge is clear, it's more likely a viral issue, but if it's a pus, then bacterial infection might be the problem.

In a conventional veterinary practice, antibiotics with corticosteroids are often overprescribed to treat eye discharge in dogs.

This approach may provide temporary relief, but it can lead to chronic problems if the underlying cause is not addressed.

The primary causes of green eye discharge in dogs often involve toxin buildup and vaccination side effects, which are common in young puppies that receive multiple vaccines in a short span of time.

For these puppies, the body is essentially exposed to 20 to 30 infectious diseases in a short period, resulting in inflammation and immune system activation, which can manifest as eye discharge.

In mild cases, topical ointments or eye drops may be sufficient to treat eye infections in dogs.

However, more severe cases may require oral antibiotics or other medications.

Removing irritants or foreign bodies from the environment can also be crucial in preventing reoccurrence of eye infections.

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Treating dog eye infections requires a thoughtful approach. The underlying cause and severity of the infection will determine the best course of treatment. Mild eye infections may be treated with topical ointments or eye drops, while more severe ones may require oral antibiotics or other medications.

If there's an irritant or foreign body, removal is necessary, both from your dog's eyes and his environment. For example, if your dog is reacting to a specific plant, it's best to remove that plant to prevent reoccurrence.

Eye infections can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria, viruses, allergies, or foreign objects. If your dog has an eye infection, you may notice symptoms such as redness, discharge, swelling, squinting, or rubbing or pawing at the eye.

A clear discharge in the eye is more likely a viral issue, while a discharge with pus may indicate a bacterial infection. If the discharge is occurring, there's a high chance of an eye infection.

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Here are some common causes of eye infections in dogs:

Treatment for eye infections will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the infection. It's essential to follow your veterinarian's instructions for treatment and monitor your dog's progress closely. If left untreated, eye infections can lead to more serious problems, such as corneal ulcers or blindness.

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To help your Shih Tzu recover from an eye infection, you'll want to keep the area clean. Trim long hair around the eyes and wash the area multiple times per day.

You can make a saline solution using 1/4 cup warm water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Dip a gauze pad or clean cloth in the solution and wipe the eye area starting from the snout outward toward the ear.

To make it easier, you can also buy readily available saline wash in pet stores or online. If you're using a DIY solution, be sure to clean the area every 30-60 minutes or as needed to prevent discharge from hardening.

Here are some additional home remedies you can try:

Artificial tears can also help bring much-needed moisture to the eye. You can find artificial tears as either an ointment or an eye drop, and only small amounts are needed, making a small tube or bottle long-lasting.

Dogs often receive their first prescription of steroid or antibiotic eye ointment by the time they're three to four months old. This can be a concern because steroids are absorbed into the body and can affect the adrenal glands, suppressing the immune system and healing ability.

Steroids can be thought of as a garbage bin that's packed in more every time it starts overflowing, leading to a chain reaction of poor health in many young dogs.

Using steroids for your dog's eye discharge can have long-term negative effects on their health.

Here are some reasons why you might want to consider a holistic approach to treating your dog's eye infection:

I've always been curious about home remedies for common dog issues, and eye infections are no exception. One of the simplest and most effective home remedies is to rinse your dog's eyes with sterile saline solution from your local pharmacy, ideally two to three times daily.

You can also try using a saline solution made at home using 1/4 cup warm water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Dip a gauze pad or clean cloth in the solution and wipe the eye area starting from the snout (corner of the eye) outward toward the ear. If your dog's eye infection is causing discharge, clean the area every 30-60 minutes or as needed to prevent the discharge from hardening.

A cold compress can also be helpful in reducing swelling and inflammation around the infected eye. Simply apply a soft, cold compress to your dog's closed eye several times a day for several minutes at a time. This can be especially useful if you notice any swelling or redness in the area.

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Artificial tears, like Genteal Tears Gel Drops, can also provide much-needed moisture to the eye and help relieve dryness and infection. These drops are available as either an ointment or an eye drop, and only small amounts are needed, making them a long-lasting remedy.

Here are some common household items that can be used as a cold compress or to help soothe your dog's eye:

• Teabags: Steep a teabag in hot water, let it cool, and then apply it to the affected area. You can also use cotton wool balls dipped in the tea as an alternative.

• Ice packs: While ice can be too harsh for direct application, you can wrap it in a cloth or towel and apply it to the affected area for a few minutes at a time.

Remember, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian before trying any home remedies, especially if your dog's eye infection persists or worsens over time.