Not only a balanced diet and appropriate physical activity, but also daily hygiene is extremely important to keep our pet healthy and well-groomed. In addition to oral, ear and coat hygiene, proper hygiene of the eye area should be remembered. Some eye diseases are the result of a lack of proper care on our part. Dogs such as the Shi tzu or Yorkshire terrier need to have their hair brushed. Hair that is too long can irritate the eyeball and lead to infections. Often owners underestimate the appearance of eye discharge and visit the vet too late. Worrying signs include the animal rubbing its eyes with its paws, excessive tearing and squinting, rubbing against protruding objects, non-physiological eye discharge, alopecia around the eyes, and swelling. If any of the above symptoms are observed, we should go to the doctor.

Remember that our pets’ eyes are very sensitive and need to be cared for properly. Dr Seidel eye wash for dogs and cats can be used. It contains moisturising and lubricating ingredients to prevent skin dryness. Thanks to allantoin and infusions of holly and green tea, it soothes irritation caused by eye discharge. Any discharge that appears should be removed with a moistened gauze pad. Do not use cotton wool for this purpose, as the delaminated fibres can irritate the eyeball. If you notice large amounts of any discharge, redness, swelling of the eyelids, excessive squinting, rubbing the eyes with a paw, go to the vet immediately as untreated inflammation can even lead to permanent loss of vision.