Why Do My Dogs Eyes Have A Blue Tint?

Why Do My Dogs Eyes Have A Blue Tint
What is lenticular sclerosis? – Lenticular sclerosis or nuclear sclerosis is the medical term for a bluish transparent haze that develops in the lens of the eye in middle-aged to senior dogs. This is considered a normal change in the lens associated with aging, and is observed as a cloudiness or bluish discoloration on the pupil.

Vision does not appear to be significantly affected in dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis.” Vision does not appear to be significantly affected in dogs diagnosed with lenticular sclerosis.
This condition is not the same as cataracts.
Cataracts are white and opaque and represent a change in the ability of light to penetrate to the retina.

Cataracts cause diminished vision. Cataracts and lenticular sclerosis are two of the most common eye problems seen in dogs over the age of nine. Some estimates show the prevalence of lenticular sclerosis or cataracts at 50% in dogs over nine years of age and 100% in dogs over the age of thirteen.

Lenticular sclerosis appears as an evenly gray, rounded opacity (cloudiness) in the center of the lens, and is most easily observed when the pupil is dilated.” Lenticular sclerosis typically occurs bilaterally (in both eyes) and symmetrically in dogs.
Lenticular sclerosis appears as an evenly gray, rounded opacity (cloudiness) in the center of the lens, and is most easily observed when the pupil is dilated.

The opacity is often more dramatic when viewed from the side rather than from the front. When the eye is examined with an ophthalmoscope, the retina and fundus (back of the eye) can still be seen through the sclerotic lens.

How can you tell if a dog is going blind?

Vision Loss: Causes and Symptoms – There are many causes of vision loss in older dogs, including glaucoma and macular degeneration. One of the more probable causes is a cataract, when the lens of the eye is clouded over. A cataract will appear as a hazy, opaque white growth over the eye and often goes hand-in-hand with other illnesses, such as diabetes,

Hypertension (high blood pressure) can cause a multitude of ocular problems, such as retinal detachment, which could lead to blindness.
Untreated infections, chronic dry eye, and tumors or cancer can also cause blindness.
It’s vital for your elderly dog to have regular visits (at least every 6-to-9 months) with his veterinarian, as the sooner the condition is detected and diagnosed, the better the possible outcome.

Signs that your dog is losing his eyesight can be quite obvious. He might bump into walls or furniture or have trouble locating his food or toys. He might stop making eye contact with you. The signs can also be subtler, such as being reluctant to jump on or off the couch, a new level of anxiety, or becoming clingy.

Your dog may even begin to show aggression because his vision loss may leave him feeling vulnerable and more inclined to act offensively in an attempt to keep himself safe.
If the loss of eyesight is gradual enough, you may not even notice until you take your dog to a new environment or rearrange your furniture.

This is because dogs can adapt so well. If you notice any of the above changes, be sure to book an appointment with your veterinarian.

Why does my puppy have a blue cloudy eye?

Nuclear Sclerosis in Dogs – As dogs age, some cloudiness is normal, “Most dogs, with age, develop a haze within the lens similar to cataracts, called nuclear sclerosis,” says veterinary ophthalmologist Martin Coster, DVM, MS, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO).

Unlike cataracts,” Coster says, “this condition rarely causes vision impairment. However, focusing ability may become impaired.” It is easy to confuse cataracts and nuclear sclerosis. Both conditions cause the lens to appear cloudy, but there are a few differences. Nuclear sclerosis usually gives your dog’s eyes a cloudy, bluish discoloration, unlike cataracts, which are white and opaque.

More important, nuclear sclerosis (also called lenticular sclerosis) does not significantly diminish your dog’s vision the way cataracts do. It tends to affect both eyes at the same time. The two conditions look different when your veterinarian examines your dog’s eyes with an ophthalmoscope.

Nuclear sclerosis is a change in the lens of the eye that normally occurs with aging. There is no treatment needed because the condition does not cause serious problems, but it might be a good idea to discuss your dog’s aging eyes with your veterinarian, so that you know what to expect as your dog grows older.

“It is often common for dogs who have nuclear sclerosis to also develop cataracts,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer. “If your dog develops nuclear sclerosis, your vet will want to conduct regular check-ups to look for cataracts.”

Can a vet tell if my dog is going blind?

Because there are so many reasons for blindness in dogs and you may not be able to tell that a loss of vision is happening, it is a good idea to visit your veterinarian at least once a year. The veterinarian will be able to tell if your dog cannot see even during a regular check-up.

What should a healthy dog’s eyes look like?

Other than a wagging tail, your dog’s eyes communicate so much – that she’s ready for a walk, she’s feeling happy or she wants to play. Her eyes are one of the most precious and complex organs, and maintaining healthy eye function will play a key role to her life-long happiness. Why Do My Dogs Eyes Have A Blue Tint Understanding How Their Eyes Work The eyes of dogs differ from human eyes in a variety of ways:

Larger pupils to see better in dimly lit conditions
Stronger at detecting movement rather than color and detail
Long-nosed dogs focus sharply at a distance, giving them great peripheral vision
Short-nosed dogs excel at short-distance vision such as reading your facial expression
A third eyelid that works as a thin shutter to protect the eyeball

These differences account for them seeing the world in a different way than we do. Most dogs see forms rather than defined images, similar to the way we see at sunset. Dogs rely in their sensitive noses to “see” the world around them; their vision is less important.

In a brightly lit area, look into your dog’s eyes. They should be clear and bright and the white area around the eye should be white. The pupils should be the same size; and healthy eyes would be free of tearing, discharge or crust in the corners. If you see cloudiness, yellowish whites, unequal pupil size or a visible third eyelid, bring your dog to the veterinarian.
Using your thumb, gently roll down your dog’s lower eyelid so you can see the lining. It should be pink, not red or white.
If you notice runny eyes or discharge, your dog may have some dirt in her eyes. Gently clean using a damp cotton ball, wiping outward from the corner of the eye. Be careful not to touch her eyeball or scratch the cornea. If the problem continues, your dog may have an eye infection needing the care of your veterinarian.
Groom the area around your dog’s eyes to keep from hairs poking or scratching their eyes. Use a round-tipped scissors and use extreme care. You might enlist the help of someone to hold your dog’s head during this process.
Protect your dog’s eyes if you are applying any spray products or flea-control formulas. Avoid grooming products that could be irritating if they get in your dog’s eyes.
Observe your dog’s behavior. Watch for frequent rubbing of her eyes or squinting. These may be clues that something else is going on and needs veterinarian attention.
Don’t give in to your dog’s crazy desire to hang her head out the window when you’re driving. The wind can dry your dog’s eyes; and the risk of infection or injury if debris or a bug hits her eye is not worth it.
Research your dog’s breed to see if she may need more attention throughout her life to maintain optimal eye health.
Make sure your vet checks your dog’s eyes at your regular well pet checkups.

Changes Brought on By Age As your dog grows old, she will experience natural changes brought about by the aging process. After the age of 6, many dogs develop clouding of the lenses. This process comes on gradually, and your dog will adapt to these changes.

Night vision will be less acute as they age.
Your dog may be more hesitant to go out at night, and extra lighting can help ease her uncertainty.
Some dogs may become more light sensitive as they age, but will adapt as this change slowly develops.
Best Foods for Eye Health A healthy diet rich with antioxidants is very important in supporting your dog’s eye function.

Unless noted, these foods should be fed raw. For the fruits and vegetables, gently puree them for optimal digestion:

Blueberries – Carotenoids, phytonutrients and flavonoids
Carrots – Vitamin A and beta-carotene
Kale – Antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin
Broccoli – Beta-carotene
Sweet Potatoes – Beta-carotene and anthocyanins (always serve well cooked)
Eggs – Lutein, sulfur and cysteine (lightly cooked or raw)
Sardines and Salmon – Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA (raw salmon must be deep-frozen before serving)

Adding these antioxidants to your dog’s commercial diet will go a long way to supporting their eye health. They will help cushion the effects of the free radicals brought on oxidation. Just like human bodies, free radicals brought on by stress, metabolic functions and poor diet can attack cells and tissues.

Eye tissues are especially sensitive to this free radical damage, but they can also affect your dog’s immune system. Starting at an early age, a diet rich in antioxidants will go a long way to supporting their overall health as they age. This blog is brought to you by Under the Weather ®, provider of bland diet products for dogs,

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Are dogs scared when they go blind?

Is my dog going blind? – Many cases of blindness in dogs have a gradual onset, so you may start to notice them bumping into things or general clumsiness. They may also become easily scared or jumpy and become apprehensive, confused or anxious during playtime.

What does a cloudy eye look like on a dog?

Symptoms – Symptoms of cloudy dog eyes include an opaque or hazy appearance above the eye lens that can have a white or gray tint. Cloudy dog eyes can occur on one or both eyes and take up the whole surface area of the eyeball or a small spot. Depending on what’s making your dog’s eyes cloudy, it can impair their ability to see, causing them to bump into pieces of furniture more quickly, miss the stairs, or lose their excitement when showing them a treat.

What does cloudiness in dog’s eyes mean?

Glaucoma – This eye condition happens when there is high pressure in the eye, which leads to the eye structures being damaged. Glaucoma will cause your dog pain, and an extremely high intraocular pressure is an emergency situation as this can result in permanent damage to your dog’s optic nerve, which may lead to blindness.

Glaucoma may be classified into two kinds: primary glaucoma or secondary glaucoma.
Primary glaucoma is inherited and may affect several dog breeds such as Chow Chows, Beagles, English Cocker Spaniels, Russel Terriers, Siberian Husky, Chinese Shar-Pei, and Norweigan Elkhound.
Meanwhile, secondary glaucoma is due to other conditions such as cataracts, inflammation, or cancer.

Apart from having cloudy eyes, other symptoms of glaucoma are: redness and irritation in the white portion of the eye, swelling, a tinge of red or blue, dilated pupils, squinting, and loss of vision. A tonometer is a tool often used to diagnose whether a dog has glaucoma.

It is essential for your veterinarian to determine whether the glaucoma is primary or secondary as the treatment may be different depending on the type. If you suspect your dog of having glaucoma, it is important to have them examined as soon as possible because if a dog has glaucoma in one eye, there is also a high chance for them to get it in the other eye.

Depending on the type of glaucoma, your vet may prescribe medications and if it doesn’t work, they may recommend solutions such as laser therapy, cyclocryotherapy and implants. In more serious cases where an eye affected by glaucoma is painful and no longer visual, injections to shrivel up the eye or surgery to remove the eye may be necessary to relieve pain.

Dry Eye; Ulcers ; Anterior Uveitis; Corneal Dystrophy.

Given the eye conditions above, it would help to be able to monitor our dogs even if we are away, or if we simply want to keep tabs on them when we’re in a different room inside the house. One way to do so is by using an interactive pet camera such as the Petcube cam, which offers a smart and HD camera that allows you to see, talk, and monitor how your dog is doing even if you’re away.

How do you check a dog’s vision?

Testing Your Dog’s Eyesight – If you’re worried about your pet’s eyesight, be sure to consult with your vet. That said, you can also administer a Menace Reflex Test at home to check your dog’s vision. To do the test, simply place your hand 18 inches from your dog’s face.

Then, quickly move your hand towards your dog until it’s about three inches away from his face. If your dog can see, he should blink his eyes or turn his head in response. Otherwise, it’s likely that something is wrong with his sight. The Cotton Ball Test is another way to assess your dog’s vision. For this, grab a cotton ball and hold it up to your dog’s visual field.

Then, toss it in any direction and see if your dog reacts. If your dog remains still, it may mean that his vision is impaired, in which case you should definitely pay your vet a visit.

Do dogs know when they are dying?

The Telltale Signs Your Dog Is Dying – Why Do My Dogs Eyes Have A Blue Tint Photo by Robin Jonathan Deutsch on Unsplash. At first, I thought maybe he had eaten something that didn’t agree with him, But the next day, as he lay in the same spot not eating or drinking, I began to suspect. And when he continued lying in that spot and soiling himself, I knew.

Rex was leaving us and the only thing I could do was make him as comfortable as possible and watch over him to ensure his passing wasn’t painful. The first part of saying goodbye to your dog, is to provide as much comfort and serenity as you can. To say Rex’s sudden deterioration was a surprise would be an understatement.

If I knew then what I know now about the physical manifestations of death, I would have saved myself months of second-guessing and guilt about how I ultimately decided to end his life. So that you are spared the same anguish, I would like to share with you what I learned, about the signs a dog is dying, and saying goodbye to your dog when the time comes.1) Prolonged Lethargy/Disinterest This is the most common sign that the dying process has begun.

Lying in one spot (oftentimes a quiet spot where they don’t usually lie), not interested in toys or walks, barely acknowledging family members — in other words, just not acting like themselves.
Sometimes dogs can become lethargic due to other health issues, but if you have ruled this out and it lasts more than a day, it may be a sign that it’s time to begin saying goodbye to your dog.2) Stops Eating/Drinking You know something is wrong when your dog refuses food, and this is one of the classic signs a dog is dying.

If your dog is at this point, you can offer them the tastiest treat imaginable and they will not eat it. They will also stop drinking water. This is due to the beginning of their organs shutting down. They no longer have the sensation of hunger or thirst.

You can try to keep them hydrated by giving them water in a dropper or turkey baster. But if they won’t swallow it, there’s not a whole lot you can do. However, just because a dog stops eating and drinking for a day or so, it doesn’t mean they are dying. Be sure to rule out other health issues first with a visit to your vet.3) Loss of Coordination The next of the major signs that your dog is dying is a loss of balance and motor control.

If your dog does get up and move around, they may be very wobbly or act disoriented. They may shake or convulse while lying down. If you can, keep them in a confined, quiet comfortable area and remove anything they may bump into or knock over. Saying goodbye to your dog means protecting them, creating a safe space for them and giving them whatever help they need.4) Incontinence A dying dog will lie in one spot and not even move to relieve themselves.

They may have diarrhea. This is another one of the signs that a dog is dying. It’s a signal that your dog’s internal organs are shutting down. It is important during this time that you keep them and their bed clean and dry,5) Labored Breathing Towards the end, many dogs display difficulty breathing. Their breathing could be uneven, with lengthy gaps between inhaling and exhaling.

These are some of the hardest moments, because you know they’re suffering, and you know there’s nothing you can do. In these painful hours, saying goodbye to your dog means acknowledging that this is beyond your control. You can’t prevent it.6) Seeking Comfort This is the last and most heartbreaking of the main signs that a dog is dying.

Some dogs will know their time is approaching and will look to their people for comfort.
Saying goodbye to your dog with love and grace means staying with your dog during these final hours, and reassuring them with gentle stroking and a soft voice.
Take time off work, or from whatever else is going on.

Don’t make your dog face the end alone. At the time same time, as difficult as it is, try not to break down emotionally. Do everything you can to hold it together so as not to distress your dog.

Why does my dog stare at me?

Dogs Are Telling Us How They Feel – Your pup also uses eye contact to express emotions, both positive and negative. In their wolf ancestors, staring is considered threatening and rude. Some dogs still retain that attitude. That’s why you should never stare down strange dogs or hold dogs still to stare into their eyes.

If a dog gives you a hard stare, with unblinking eyes and a stiff posture, back away and don’t make eye contact.
You might see this in your own dog when there is a bone or other valued treat at stake.
Resource guarding is often accompanied by a hard stare and other aggressive body language.
If you see it in your dog, consult a professional trainer or behaviorist,

Of course, a lot of dog staring is exactly what it seems — an expression of love. Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners to express affection. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone.