Purple June: see how to protect your pet against eye diseases

Pets' eyes also deserve special attention. Purple June is a campaign dedicated to just that: alerting pet owners to the risks of eye diseases and encouraging prevention.

Often, a simple tearing of the eyes or a change in your pet's behavior can indicate a more serious problem. But do you know how to recognize the signs?

In this article, you'll understand why Purple June is so important, which eye diseases are most common in dogs and cats, how to identify them early, and, most importantly, what to do to keep your pet's vision healthy.

The importance of the Purple June campaign

The Purple June campaign was created with the aim of raising awareness about the eye health of animals, which is often neglected.

Red eyes, constant discharge, or even subtle changes in appearance can go unnoticed.

Left untreated, eye diseases can cause pain, discomfort, and even blindness. Worryingly, many pet owners only realize something's wrong when the condition is already advanced.

Prevention, in this case, is key. Regular veterinary checkups and paying close attention to your pet's visual behavior can prevent serious complications.

Furthermore, knowing the most common illnesses and the necessary daily care can make all the difference.

Read also: Liver Disease in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatments

Main eye diseases in pets

While there are many conditions that can affect animals' eyes, some are more common, especially in certain breeds.

Genetic predisposition, age, and the pet's environment significantly influence the onset of these problems. This is where the Purple June campaign comes in as an important ally in prevention.

Cataract

Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases, and they don't just affect humans. In dogs, they can develop with aging or as a consequence of other diseases, such as diabetes.

Vision begins to become blurry and the animal may bump into furniture or have difficulty locating objects on the floor.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is more common than you might think and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or even allergic reactions.

It's characterized by red, discharge-like, and itchy eyes. Treatment varies depending on the cause of the inflammation, but early diagnosis ensures a faster recovery.

Glaucoma

Silent and dangerous, glaucoma increases intraocular pressure and damages the optic nerve. In severe cases, it can lead to blindness.

Signs include bulging eyes, dilated pupils, and intense pain. Consultation with a specialized veterinarian is essential to prevent permanent damage.

How to identify an eye problem in your pet

Noticing an eye problem in your pet requires careful observation. Sometimes the signs are so subtle that they go unnoticed by even the most careful pet owners.

Changes in behavior, such as rubbing eyes with paws or against objects, indicate that something may be wrong.

The presence of discharge, swelling, redness, or a different appearance in the eyes should also serve as a warning.

It is important to remember that animals with long facial hair or breeds with very exposed eyes need extra care.

One example is the Shih Tzu, known for easily developing corneal ulcers, or Persian cats, which can suffer from chronic tearing.

If your pet seems to avoid light, has persistently watery eyes, or has changes in corneal color, it's best to seek veterinary care. Early diagnosis can prevent irreversible damage.

Daily care to maintain eye health

Keeping your pet's eyes healthy depends on simple but consistent habits. Cleaning the eye area is one of the first things you should do as part of your routine.

Using saline solution and sterile gauze, always with care and gentleness, helps remove dirt and prevent infections. Human products should be avoided, as they may contain substances toxic to animals.

Another important care is trimming the hair around the eyes. In short-nosed breeds, hair can cause constant irritation, leading to inflammation. It's also important to monitor your pet's environment: excessive dust, smoke, or harsh cleaning products can irritate the eyes.

It's also worth noting that eye drops should only be used with a veterinarian's prescription. Self-medication is risky and can worsen the condition. A routine visit to the veterinarian, especially for older pets, ensures that any eye changes are detected early.

Breeds most predisposed to eye problems

Not all pets have the same risk of developing eye diseases. Some breeds, due to their anatomical characteristics, are more prone to eye complications and require even closer monitoring.

Brachycephalic breeds

Dogs like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Pekingese have more exposed eyes, which makes them vulnerable to injury and infection.

The same goes for Persian and Himalayan cats. Their facial shape favors dry eyes and dirt buildup.

Breeds with long hair

Excess facial hair can constantly irritate the eyes, especially if it is not trimmed regularly.

Furthermore, these hairs facilitate the accumulation of secretions, which can cause conjunctivitis and other inflammations.

In both cases, the owner needs to include eye cleaning in their care routine. This helps prevent problems and ensures greater comfort for the animal.

The impact of eye health on your pet's quality of life

Vision plays an essential role in pets' perception of the environment, especially cats, which are extremely visual animals.

Eye problems not only affect vision, but also cause pain, irritation, and affect behavior. A pet with eye pain tends to be quieter, avoids interactions, and even refuses to eat.

Loss of vision, in turn, completely changes the animal's routine. They may become insecure, anxious, or aggressive.

Therefore, eye health care goes beyond disease prevention. It's about ensuring comfort and well-being in everyday life.

A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association showed that approximately 181 percent of dogs and 121 percent of cats over 7 years of age exhibit signs of chronic eye disease. This number increases with age.

Conclusion: Prevention is always the best way

Purple June is a reminder that our pets' eyes deserve constant attention. Small actions, like cleaning their eyes regularly, avoiding polluted environments, and having regular checkups with the vet, can prevent major problems in the future.

Eye health is part of quality of life and is often neglected due to lack of information.

If you've noticed any changes in your pet's eyes, no matter how small, don't wait. Schedule an appointment and discuss your concerns. Prevention is easier, cheaper, and much less painful—for both you and your pet.

Common questions about pet eye health

What are the first signs of eye problems in pets?
Common signs include red eyes, discharge, excessive tearing, itching, sensitivity to light, and changes in behavior, such as rubbing their eyes with their paws or avoiding light.

Can I use human eye drops on my pet?
No. Human eye drops may contain substances that further irritate animals' eyes. Always consult a veterinarian before using any eye medication on your pet.

Is it necessary to clean your eyes every day?
It depends on the animal. Breeds with exposed eyes or long facial hair benefit greatly from daily cleaning with gauze and saline solution.

Do older animals need more eye care?
Yes. Older dogs and cats are more likely to develop cataracts and glaucoma. Regular veterinary checkups are essential to detect any changes as early as possible.

Does eye health influence a pet's behavior?
Absolutely. Pain or difficulty seeing can make an animal more irritable, anxious, or withdrawn. When the problem is resolved, behavior usually improves along with it.