The Shih Tzu is a Chinese and Tibetan-originated brachycephalic dog that demands extra care and grooming. As we know, this dog breed has some particularly unfortunate eye problems, so we are here to talk about How to Clean Shih Tzu Eyes.
The Shih Tzu is an adorable dog with big dark eyes and a little face that’s what causes the eyesight problem. But how and why? Due to the Shih Tzu’s large eyes, they are unfortunately more sensitive to dirt or debris, mucous buildup, and bacterial overgrowth that can result in an eye infection.
Regular cleaning can protect the dog’s eyes from any environmental hazards outside. However, by simply following a few simple recommendations, we can clean this dog’s eyes and make them more lively. Let’s talk about this in detail.
Also Read: How Long Does Dog Grooming Take
The Shih Tzu Eye Problems – Most Common Signs
Infection
The redness or swelling around the Shih Tzu’s eyes, excessive discharge, or a phobia of bright lights are the most typical signs of infection. The Shih Tzu dog has large eyes that are easily coated with mucus and bacteria, which can cause an infection.
Regular cleaning ensures the eyeballs are clean and free of bacteria. Eye infections or allergies can occasionally result in watery eyes. Bacterial infections are typically noticeable, much like yeast or fungus infections. Use an antibiotic eye drop solution in that situation.
External Irritants to the Eyes
Dust and foreign objects like hair or eyelashes on the eyes can irritate the skin on the outside of the eyes. Trauma can also be aggravated by outside stimuli.
Excessive Tearing (Epiphora)
The Shih Tzu breed is highly sensitive to this illness. Watery, tearful eyes eventually result in discolored or smelly hair or infected skin, which causes uneven eyelashes, discomfort, allergy, corneal ulcers, or blocked tear ducts. Let’s have a look at the possible reasons for excessive water in the eyes:
- The particles from the hair that get into their eyes are passed to them
- Allergies or discomfort
- They hate preservatives and chemical foods
- They respond to the minerals in tap water
- Second-hand smoking
- Low-quality food diet.
- Plastic food bowls.
- Environmental reactions to cleaning products around your dog, so give them clean water or food.
Eyelash Issues
An ingrown eyelash on a dog is known as trichiasis, while an eyelash that arises from an unnatural area on the eyelid is known as distichia. You will notice that the dog might scratch its eyes or rub its face over pillows or carpets to feel more comfortable. The best solution is to use an electrolysis solution.
Blocked Tear Ducts
Water is thought to have only developed in canine tear ducts for the purpose of keeping their eyes clean. Blocked tear ducts happen due to the cause of an anatomical issue. Instead of returning to the eye and lubricating it, tears will run down the face.
Dog Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), or Dry Eye, develops when there is a lack of tears. Conjunctivitis, which arises whenever the eyes turn pink, is inflammation or discomfort of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the eyelids and covers the front of the eye.
You will notice yellow-type green pus that causes allergies, wounds, genetic disorders, tear duct issues, dry eyes, or indeed tumors. Breeds with short noses and brachycephaly are particularly susceptible to this issue.
Determine the issue and then you can give treatment easily. Shih Tzu dog pain medication, antibiotics, saline washes to control infection, surgery to address genetic abnormalities or duct problems, antihistamines for allergies, and other treatments can all be used to soothe the area and eliminate the irritant.
Corneal Ulcers
If ingrown eyelashes are pushed against the cornea, they might ultimately lead to complications like corneal ulcers.
It frequently occurs with injuries, scratches from foreign objects, and tears that are not immediately apparent. If the Shih Tzu constantly closes its eyes, keeps one eye slightly open, or has excessive tear formation, it indicates corneal ulcer issues and the dog needs to be taken to the vet.
Cataracts
Your dog may start to experience cataracts as early as age 8 due to a genetic condition. When this happens, the dog’s eye lens begins to cloud. It does impact vision, and if you don’t take them for treatment, a dog could go blind.
What to Use to Clean Shih Tzu Eyes – 6 Effective Tips
Shih Tzus are extraordinarily neat pets, so they don’t need a lot of cleaning. To clean the dog’s eyes, you have a lot of simple solutions. Consider the following ideas:
What to Use
- Eye Cleaning Solvent
- A towel that is soft and dry
- Cotton swabs or soft fabric clothes
- A flea comb or fine-toothed comb
- Cotton swabs or Q-Tips.
How to Clean
- You can start cleaning from the inside corner and wipe away dirt. Eyes should be wiped once on top of the eye, once underneath, and down to the snout.
- You can use a gentle washcloth, a wet cotton ball, an eye cleaning solution, a fine-toothed or flea comb, Q-Tips, or cotton swabs.
- Always use a dry, soft towel or dog eye wipes on the Shih Tzu’s eyes.
- Clear any debris from the ocular areas, clean the eye rims of any accumulations, and dry the eyes.
- Use warm water and mild eye cleanser on unclean eyes.
- Or if you notice the eyes becoming reddish, go and take the dog to the veterinarian doctor.
Does Your Shih Tzu Suffer From Dry Eye?
Shih Tzus, English Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and other dog breeds frequently suffer from the problem of dry eyes. They typically experience red, irritated eyes; inflammation or distress; repeated blinking or squinting; decreased tear formation; attempts to keep their eyes closed; or goopy discharge when they are in distress.
A Schirmer tear test can be used to identify dry eyes in the majority of veterinary clinics. They use sterile paper strips to test how much tear is present. Eye lubrication, such as Puralube ocular lubricant, must be applied to the eye several times each day. It is necessary to use a medication twice daily to stop the encounter of the tear glands.
Why Do Dogs Have Excessive Tearing?
Conjunctivitis is caused by bacteria, allergies, eye injuries, atypical eyelashes like distichia or ectopic cilia, corneal ulcers, infections, genetic abnormalities like curled in or out eyelids or entropion, and glaucoma. It is the most common cause of excessive tears. Clean the eyes regularly to overcome it.
How To Remove Tear Stains From Shih Tzu Eyes
Gunk in Shih Tzu’s eyes is quite common. Shih Tzu’s eyes, nose, and mouth are those lines of discolored hair that are normally rusty or brown in color. Although it can take a few days until you detect a reduction in tear stains, the dog will look better.
For a homemade daily removal solution, add a tablespoon of peroxide to an 8-ounce water glass. Put a cotton ball into the mixture and apply it to the hair around the eyes before rinsing it off with warm water. Make sure you don’t put it in the dog’s eyes.
Shih Tzu Eye Infection Home Remedy
The eye infection issue cannot be healed at home, so take the dog to the vet. Untreated eye infections can potentially result in blindness. Ensure the infection by taking the dog to the vet and cleaning the eyes by using a soft washcloth, a moist cotton ball, or dog eye wipes.
Select the inner corner of the eye outward and you should clean the eye once, at least three times. Additionally, saline rinses are great for the small amount of clear discharge and slight redness or pink eyes.
How to Clean Shih Tzu Crusty Eyes
Crusty eyes, often known as eye boogers, are a common symptom of allergies or viruses. When the mucus in tears does not evaporate along with the watery substance.
As a result, the eye corner can produce a small bit of crust or mucous. Simply moisten the cotton ball with saline and rub it over the dog’s eyes for a short while.
Daily Eye Care for Shih Tzu Dog
Daily care for this dog breed is important! But when to clean and how often to clean Shih Tzu’s eyes? The area around the eyes can gather food crumbs, damp hairs, dirt, and eye discharge. For this reason, you must cleanse the fur there each day. After each bath, thoroughly clean the dog’s body or eyes.
See more: How often to bathe a Shih Tzu?
Extra Tips: Buy goggles for your dog during running or bike trips. The majority of goggles offer UV defense, are water-resistant, and help to combat dirt and debris.
When To See The Vet For Your Dog’s Eyes
Eye issues are quite common in this breed. So, make sure you give immediate attention when you notice eye problems like:
- Sensitive behavior in front of bright lights.
- Spots on the eye.
- Haziness inside the eye
- Lump near or around the eyes
- Excess emerald-green discharge
- Shaking the head and pawing at the eyes.
Any major eye problems can be avoided if action is taken right away. Make sure you take them to the veterinarian as soon as you notice the issues.
FAQ
1. How can I clean my dog’s eyes naturally?
Clean the dog’s eyes naturally by mixing a tablespoon of peroxide with an 8-ounce water glass and dipping a cotton ball into the mixture. After that, apply a solution with a cotton ball to the fur around the eyes and disinfect it with warm water.
2. How do you treat a Shih Tzu eye infection?
Dog antibiotics are the most conventional treatment for dog eye infections, but if those don’t work, take your dog to the vet.
3. Why does my Shih Tzu always have eye boogers?
Shih Tzus and other brachycephalic and short-faced breeds are particularly prone to eye discharge. They typically suffer from conjunctivitis. Additionally, you can discover mucous, yellow-green pus, or a watery, tearful discharge.
4. Why do Shih Tzu’s eyes smell?
When the dog’s hair near the eyes remains wet or full of dirt, bacteria and harmful smells will develop. So, give the dog a good brushing and combing before putting your canine in the sink or tub. Use warm water and dog shampoo to lather all the way down to the skin, but make sure you don’t get it in the dog’s eyes or ears.
Conclusion
Anyway, there are no leftover issues and solutions for the Shih Tzu eyes as we have discussed almost everything. We have entirely covered How to Clean Shih Tzu Eyes. Simply make sure you check the dog’s eyes, clean the area around his eyes, remove the gunk in and around the corner of the eyes, and dry the eyes.
Or if you find the eye issues difficult, take them to the vet. Don’t worry! Your adorable dog will be fine if you properly take care of its eyes.