Inflammation in dogs is common and can put a lot of strain on our four-legged friends. Inflammations, wiss. Inflammationscan be chronic or acute, they can be associated with diseases or simply be reactions to foreign bodies.
Definition: Inflammations are a reaction of the body's own defense system to cell damage.
Signs of inflammation in dogs are as varied as the causes. External signs can include reddening of the skin, swelling, warm body parts and pain in the dog.
Chronic inflammation is unfortunately more difficult to recognize. They usually lie dormant in the body for longer before the dog's organism reacts.
General reactions of the body to inflammation:
- Discomfort
- fatigue
- fever
- Changed blood values
- Frequent infections
- Various diseases
Below we describe some common inflammations in dogs, what causes them and how you can best treat inflammations.
Inflamed eyes in dogs
A dog's eyes are very sensitive, but at the same time have an effective protective mechanism: the eyes are located in the bone cavity of the dog's head and are protected by a layer of fat and the two eyelids. Dogs also have a third eyelid, the nictitating membrane, which wipes foreign particles from the retina.
As in humans, dogs have tears that protect the eye from drying out, flush out pathogens or simply allow the four-legged friend to see clearly.
What are the causes of inflamed eyes in dogs?
However, the protective mechanism of the dog's eye can also fail at times. This is mainly because the four-legged friends run impetuously through fields, meadows or woods and can quickly get something in their eye. This can result in inflammation of the eye.
However, inflamed eyes are not only triggered by mechanical stimuli, the causes are very diverse:
Causes of inflamed eyes in dogs
- Draughts
- Too little tear fluid
- Sunlight
- Foreign bodies
- Conjunctivitis
- incorrectly growing eyelashes
- drooping eyelid
- perfumes
- cleaning agents
- Creams and other care products
- dust particles
- Viruses, bacteria and fungi
- Allergies
The most common reason why a dog's eyes become inflamed is an infection of the conjunctiva. Treated quickly and efficiently, most conjunctivitis resolves after a few days. If this is not the case with your dog, you should consult a vet or veterinary practitioner.
An intact bacterial flora and a strong immune system can help to fight inflammation better and faster.
How do I recognize eye inflammation in dogs?
If your dog has inflamed eyes, this will manifest itself through specific signs in the dog's behavior or through changes to the eye. Red and itchy eyes in dogs already indicate that something is wrong.
Signs of inflamed eyes in dogs
- Redness and itching of the eyes
- Discharge from the eyes and even tear streaks in the fur
- squinting of the eyes
- Frequent blinking
- slight irritability
- sensitivity to light
- purulent secretions
- Frequent scratching of the eye
- swollen eyelids
If both eyes are affected by the inflammation, this may be a sign of an allergy or intolerance. If external stimuli are the trigger, only one eye is usually affected.
If your dog suffers from inflamed eyes, you should always consult a vet. They can examine the animal and make an accurate diagnosis.
Inflamed dog claws
Inflamed claws in dogs are not uncommon. The four-legged friends romp around, get stuck somewhere or simply nibble too much on their paws - an inflammation has quickly formed.
Depending on how severe the inflammation of the claws is, it can heal on its own or needs to be treated. Proper disinfection and wound care for dogs can help small wounds to heal quickly.
Beware of claw bed inflammation
Unfortunately, dogs like to lick inflamed claws and skin areas, which can lead to germs entering the wound and the inflammation spreading. A so-called claw bed infection can be the result. The infection may spread to other claws. If left untreated, a claw amputation may even have to be considered.
