Jose Sanchez
5/1/2018
Larchmont Animal Clinic

National Service Dog Eye Exam Month

As we all know service dogs are the epitome of everything we adore about dogs. These dogs dedicate their entire lives aiding people who are in need of their special services. Having their eyes checked is not only essential for their life but for their owner’s life as well. The Month of May is designated to these honorable dogs and getting their eyes examined. Even though the topic is centered on service dogs, eye exams are essential for any dog or pet. The Larchmont Animal Clinic would like to bring awareness to warning signs that could potentially spell an eye problem as well as providing tips that will help your pet have healthy eyes for the rest of his or her life.

Let’s not beat around the bush, some warning signs to look out for are unequal pupil sizes, cloudy eyes, change in eye color, any type of discharge, a visible third eye lid, and of course swelling. If you notice any of these warning signs you should make an appointment with your local veterinarian. Don’t put it off. Remember the old saying, that it is always better to be safe than sorry. You should also make a habit of inspecting your dog’s eyes once they are done playing outside. Tall grass, bushes, and even playing at a dog park could cause an injury to your dog’s eyes. Although vegetation and playing with other dogs may seem benign, all it takes is one little scratch for potential problems to arise (just think about you getting scratched in the eye or getting grass in it not fun).

What you may not know is that keeping your dog’s vision in tip top shape starts with their diet. You will want to look for food that has plenty of proteins, fruits, and vegetables and feed according to their size. Always consult your vet on which diet is appropriate if you have any questions.

What you may not know is that keeping your dog’s vision in tip top shape starts with their diet. You will want to look for food that has plenty of proteins, fruits, and vegetables and feed according to their size. Always consult your vet on which diet is appropriate if you have any questions.

As a final thought, we should always respect that any service dog is on the job and should not be distracted. These dogs are hard workers and need to focus on their job and ensure their owners safety. The rule for approaching any strange dog is always to ask the owner if it is ok to approach and pet their dog. The same holds true with these very special and talented dogs!