Why Are My Dogs Eyes Cloudy?

Blurred vision is not uncommon in dogs. This is most common with dogs that are experiencing allergies. In the case of conjunctivitis, inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the clear part of the eyelid, maybe the cause. Conjunctivitis is caused by an infection or irritation of the conjunctiva.

Infection of the eyes can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Certain strains of the herpes virus are known to cause conjunctivitis in cats. This virus is transmitted by airborne contacts, such as licking.

Fungal or bacterial infections can cause the eyes to produce pus. The smell, called stasis, is often the first sign of infection in a dog’s eyes. It’s usually caused by an underlying respiratory infection.

What causes cloudy eyes in dogs?

The most common cause of eye discharge in dogs is allergies.

What causes allergies in dogs?

Allergies are a form of immunization for one or more pathogens. Anytime a dog, or any mammal, comes into contact with an allergen, antibodies are released by the body’s immune system.

These antibodies react to the allergen and begin causing inflammation and other side effects.

The more exposure a dog has to the allergen, the greater the antibodies produced and the worse the symptoms. Allergies cause many of the same problems as cold in humans.

There are a wide variety of known allergens in the environment that can cause dog allergies, including cat dander, dust mites, pollen, grass, and insect eggs.

Does cloudy dog eyes mean blindness?

For most dogs, cloudy eyes do not indicate blindness. If you notice that one of your pooch’s eyes looks a bit cloudy, you can still see the pupil and the color of the iris. But a cloudy eye may not be seeing clearly.

The cloudiness is most likely due to allergies, which are caused by your dog being exposed to something that causes the white blood cells to release histamines.

In addition to allergies, cloudy eyes could also be due to an eye infection or a genetic mutation.

But if you see no discharge coming out of one or both eyes, no crusting or discharge on the eyelid, and no discharge on the cornea, then your dog’s eyes are fine. Most likely, your pooch just has allergies.

What age do dogs eyes get cloudy?

Not all dog eyes are affected by the same reasons. Young, puppy-like eyes usually just have goopy discharge. It isn’t until the dog is 8 months old or older than the opacity of the eye gives it away.

Younger puppies tend to have clear, lustrous eyes, which are caused by overproduction of tear and protein production.

Older dogs can have an increase in eye infections, allergies, or damage to the cornea.

A genetic predisposition to poor eye health or any over-the-counter treatment you may be using can be the cause of your pup’s cloudy eyes.

Do cloudy eyes go away?

Most often, cloudy eyes disappear when your dog stops scratching and the itchiness goes away. However, if it persists, you should consult your veterinarian.

How to help your dog with allergies?

Sometimes there is no need to see a veterinarian. If your dog is healthy and is experiencing a specific symptom, you can work on a solution yourself.

For example, if your dog has an itchy nose, you can use a warm washcloth to clean his face regularly. You can also use a topical antihistamine for some relief.

There is no need to worry if your dog’s eyes have a runny discharge. These symptoms are caused by the immune system being triggered by allergens in the environment, not an infection.

You can help to get rid of these symptoms by using a steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to soothe your dog’s skin and reduce inflammation.

The medications should be used along with a treatment plan developed by a veterinarian.

How do you treat cloudy eyes in dogs?

If the cloudy eyes are likely related to allergies, your vet may prescribe medication to help with the symptoms.

If your dog is experiencing allergies, you can help alleviate the symptoms with some of the following:

Change your dog’s diet. Simply eliminating certain foods, such as pet food, could be a solution.

Avoid giving your dog foods that are known to cause nasal blockages, such as wheat or corn.

Consult your vet for suggestions on appropriate diets for your dog. Spray eyedrops are available to aid the eye’s recovery.

Sprays of antihistamines, including sumatriptan (Ilaris, Tradjenta, Arava) and loratadine (Claritin) are available over-the-counter.

These sprays can be used both once a day and as needed. Eye drops can help with drainage and irritation.

Conclusion

Dogs have a variety of eye discharge issues. From drooling and licking of the eyes to specific causes, they can be a real nuisance. Your dog’s drooling and scratching are caused by allergies and irritants like dust mites, dirt, pollen, or animal dander.

Your dog should be bathed and sprayed with an insecticide insect repellent to keep the insect populations down. If the scratching is more severe, your dog could have mites that may cause eye discharge.

The mite is an external parasite, usually carried by cats, and is often mistaken for mites. If it is determined that your dog has mites, there is a treatment available.

The treatment requires several different medications and is extremely painful for the dog. It should only be used for a few months at the most.

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