Should you consider dog sunglasses?

If you’re training to be a vet assistant or vet tech, it’s important to become familiar with all aspects of pet healthcare. Eyecare is no different. Because dogs tend to be more active, it’s essential for you to know the right treatments for their everyday injuries and conditions.

Dog sunglasses offer plenty of protection against eye irritants such as dust, dirt, or pollen. We will take a deeper look into whether you should consider sunglasses for a dog.

Eye injuries and conditions

The most common reason why veterinarians suggest sunglasses is to prevent eye injuries. At the very least, these sunglasses can help existing conditions from growing worse. Here are some of the most common eye conditions that dogs will face and why wearing sunglasses can help prevent them.

Mild eye injuries

Without sunglasses, it is much easier for dirt, pollen, and other irritants to land on a dog’s eyes. These irritants can then scratch or damage the eye, or aggravate any pre-existing eye conditions the dog already faces, if not washed out properly.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when the aqueous humor builds up and causes increased pressure against the dog’s eyes. This condition can be genetic, though it also largely depends on a dog’s eye drainage angle. If there is a blockage from dirt or debris, then glaucoma can occur more easily.

Cataracts

Cataracts can form for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Old age
• Trauma
• Inflammation of the eye’s uvea
• Low blood calcium or other nutritional deficiencies
• Secondary condition to diabetes mellitus
• Prolonged exposure to UV light

Though sunglasses cannot prevent cataracts from forming entirely, they can at the very least reduce the chances of a dog developing trauma-related cataracts.

Symptoms to watch out for

Dogs can suffer from a wide variety of eye conditions that impair their vision and overall health. As an upcoming vet assistant or vet tech, you need to know the majority of the symptoms that dogs with eye conditions will face, including:

• Watery or cloudy eyes
• Redness in or around the eye area
• Rubbing the eyes with paws or against furniture
• Constant scratching of the eye area
• Squinting when not in direct light
• Avoidance of sun or bright lights

One or more of these symptoms can signify irritation, which can easily be flushed out. However, they may also be the beginning signs of more serious conditions like those mentioned above. You should take the time to thoroughly inspect the dog’s eyes to confirm whether they just have dust in their eye or are suffering from some other condition.

Seek out the veterinarians or doctors in your facility if you aren’t quite sure. By issuing vet-approved sunglasses, you can help the dog owner minimize irritant contact and better protect their dog’s eyes.

When to consider sunglasses for dogs

As always, you should first consult with the veterinarians or other doctors on-site before issuing any treatments. They are the only ones qualified to suggest any new medications or treatments to patients.

Sunglasses can be considered for dogs who suffer from frequent eye injuries or symptoms of other eye conditions. They can also be issued to dog owners who simply want an extra mode of protection for their dogs’ eyes.