Brachycephalic dogs, like pugs, have broad heads, flattened noses and bulging eyes. This makes them more prone to certain health problems, such as eye problems. Because of their bulging eyes, pugs have a tendency to scrape their eyes against things, which can lead to discomfort, infections and ulcers. Because eye scrapes can be a serious condition that can lead to permanent eye damage if not treated, knowing ways to treat them will help you know what to do if and when you pug scrapes his eye.
Things You'll Need
- E-collar
- Medications
- Topical eye ointment
Instructions
Keep your dog calm until you can get him to the vet. Try to avoid letting your pug paw at his face. This can cause further damage. If you have one, place an E-collar, also known as an Elizabethan collar, around his neck. This will keep him from being able to reach his eye.
Contact your vet immediately. As soon as you suspect your pug has scraped her eye, a vet should be contacted, regardless of whether you see the scrape occur or notice irritation later on. A scraped eye may be red and irritated looking, or you may just notice it is watering and your pug is rubbing it. Your vet will want to examine your pug and will likely prescribe an antibiotic to treat infections.
Provide your pug with any and all prescribed medications. Even if your pug does not have an infection, your vet may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent one. Follow all the instructions prescribed by your vet for administering the medications. Even if your pug shows signs of improvement, do not stop medications without the instructions of your veterinarian.
Apply all topical eye ointments that are prescribed. Generally, you will squeeze a bit of the ointment into the eye and then encourage your dog to blink to distribute it. However, you should follow the instructions your vet gives on application procedure. Ointments may be a gel or a drop, depending on what is prescribed.
Keep an E-collar on your dog until the eye is healed. This will keep him or other pets from causing further irritation. If necessary, keep your pug away from other pets to avoid further trauma until the eye is healed.
Contact your vet if you notice any signs of further injury or if the eye appears to be getting worse.