Why Scratching His Eyes Occurs in Dogs
Seasonal Allergies or Other Irritation
Your dog can experience the misery of allergies just as humans can. There can be a multitude of causes for allergies such as airborne irritants that are inhaled, contact irritants, allergic reactions to ragwort or similar plants, food allergies, and a reaction to pollen. Environmental allergies can manifest themselves by causing a dog’s eyes to itch. You will notice your dog pawing at his eyes. He may also rub his face on the floor in an effort to relieve the itching. He may do this to the point that he loses hair around his eyes and muzzle. His eyes will be watery and you may observe redness.
Allergies are usually caused by things that are inhaled or ingested or may result from contact allergies (items or products your dog otherwise touched). Pollen, mold, and dust mites can be inhaled and have much the same affect on a dog as they do on an allergy-prone human. Dogs can come in contact with carpet fiber and have an allergic reaction. They may even have a reaction to a laundry detergent that you washed his bedding in.
Food allergies are not the same as food intolerances. Dogs can be allergic to any ingredient, including chicken, egg, dairy, grains or peas. Rather than having an upset tummy (this is a sign of food intolerance rather than an allergy), your dog may display an allergic reaction of itching and red eyes. Other signs can include vomiting and hives.
You may notice itchy or red skin, runny eyes, sneezing (reverse sneezing is also possible), possible digestive issues, and heavy snoring. Finding the culprit may not always be easy. However, common allergy triggers for dogs are cigarette smoke, pollen, dust mites, mold, food ingredients and shampoos. Your vet can help guide you through identifying your dog’s particular triggers.
Canine Conjunctivitis
You will notice a discharge from the eye, redness, and swelling of the conjunctiva. If you notice a squinty or cloudy eye, and your dog is reluctant to let you touch his eye, get him to the vet immediately. Often, canine conjunctivitis is secondary to another issue, possibly a very serious one.
Your vet will examine the eye, stain it for any secondary ulcers and measure the tear production. They should also flush it to rule out the presence of any foreign body. Treatment usually includes antibiotic eye drops and a buster collar to prevent rubbing.
Inflammation
Inflammation in the middle layer of the eye in dogs is referred to as uveitis. You may notice your dog blinking more than usual, squinting, holding his eye closed, and excessive tearing. Glaucoma may be an issue (glaucoma is increased pressure within the eye and has much the same effect as it does in humans). See your vet for a general ophthalmic exam. He may refer you to a dog eye expert if the issue is more serious.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS)
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS is more commonly known as dry eye in dogs. By the time it is diagnosed as KCS, inadequate tear production has irritated the cornea and surrounding tissues. KCS may be an inherited condition, although it is not restricted to any particular breed. The most common cause is immune disorders that damage tear producing glands. Canine distemper can cause KCS, as can hypothyroidism. Certain medications also may contribute to keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Treatment includes drops to improve tear production and lubricants.
Entropion
Entropion occurs when the eyelid rolls inwards. The eyelashes on the eyelid will then irritate the eye, causing redness and weeping. You may notice your dog squinting or holding his eye closed. Left untreated, this could cause permanent scarring of the cornea. Many dogs are prone to this issue including the Akita, Pekingese, Bulldog, Pomeranian, Japanese Chin, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Old English Sheepdog, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky, Weimaraner, Toy and Miniature Poodles, and Basset Hound. The list of breed types is extensive and also includes the Bloodhound, English Toy and Springer Spaniel, Setter and Retriever breeds, Great Dane, Newfoundland, Great Pyrenees, and Shar Pei. Treatment is to surgically correct the defect and treat.
What Are Symptoms of Entropion in Dogs?
Whether your dog is genetically predisposed to develop entropion or it was caused by another eye ailment, the symptoms of entropion are similar to the symptoms associated with any disease causing eye irritation, discomfort, and pain, including:
“Due to the chronic irritation of the hair and skin on the eye surface, cornea, and conjunctiva, the dog may not want to open their eyes to prevent the pain and discomfort created by the irritation during normal blinking,” adds McKinnon. On the other hand, it may cause excessive blinking as the dog tries to deal with the irritation, kind of like when you have an itchy rash and arent able to stop yourself from scratching.
If left untreated, entropion can cause complications for your dogs eyes, including corneal ulcers which could potentially negatively impact vision and the overall health of the eye, McKinnon cautions.
If any or all of these symptoms are noticed, McKinnon says you should consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause. Injuries to eyes can turn serious very quickly, so if you see something—or your pup is having trouble doing so—say something.
You will start with an eye exam. “If entropion is present, your veterinarian will examine the conformation of the eyelids and investigate if this is a developmental problem or if there is any other eye disease that may be causing the eyelids to roll inward,” McKinnon says. Your vet will likely also check for any damage to your dogs cornea that may have happened.
If the entropion is a genetic condition with no other underlying eye disease, then surgery is necessary to reposition the eyelids in their normal position. But dont fret if your dog needs to have surgery. This procedure is called blepharoplasty—a type of plastic surgery—and your vet works to reshape the eyelid so it will no longer roll inward. The cost for this procedure can range anywhere form $500 to $1,500 depending on a number of factors, including who performs it.
“Prior to surgery, an ophthalmic lubricant may be temporarily used to provide cushioning between the hair and the eye structures which are being irritated,” McKinnon says. “If the dog is very young, a temporary tacking procedure may be recommended prior to a more permanent surgical corrective procedure,” she adds, noting that as your pup grows older, they may grow out of the condition.
If the entropion is being caused by another eye disease, your vet will work to resolve the underlying condition which may in turn help correct the entropion without your dog having to have surgery to reposition the eyelid. If the entropion caused any corneal ulcers, those will need to be treated as well.
And while this is certainly not an enjoyable ordeal for you or your pet to go through, you can feel some reassurance that whether your dogs entropion was caused by an underlying disease or because of their genetics, the prognosis for a full recovery for your pooch is excellent.
Chiari-like Malformation Can Cause Dog Face Rubbing
Chiari-like malformation (CM) is a hereditary neurological condition characterized by unusual bone growth in the back of the skull, resulting in a skull that’s too small for the brain and affecting the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This can cause a secondary condition known as syringomyelia, in which fluid-filled cysts form and expand within the spinal cord, ultimately destroying its center.
The most obvious sign of CM is neuropathic pain, or the abnormal processing of sensory input by the nervous system. This altered sensation is why you might find your dog constantly rubbing its face or scratching at the ears, neck, or air to no avail.