Why Can't a Dog Open Its Eyes

In the process of getting along with dogs, every subtle change tugs at our hearts. One day, when we find that our once lively dog can't open its eyes, a rush of anxiety and worry surges up instantly. We start to imagine all kinds of possibilities in our minds and are eager to figure out: Why can't the dog open its eyes?

Under normal circumstances, a dog's eyes are bright and expressive, and its eyelids can open and close freely. They rely on their eyes to explore the world and sense our joys, sorrows, anger, and happiness. Eye contact even deepens the emotional bond between us and the dog. However, when the dog can't open its eyes, this intimate interaction is broken, and it makes us feel extremely distressed.

Trauma is one of the common reasons why a dog can't open its eyes. Dogs are full of curiosity and like to run around. When they are outdoors, they are very likely to suffer accidental injuries. For example, when running through the grass, sharp branches or grass leaves may scratch the eyeball; when playing with other pets, they may be accidentally scratched. Even a slight abrasion can make the dog's eyes unbearably painful, and in order to relieve the pain, they can only choose to keep their eyes tightly closed. Once injured, dogs often scratch their eyes with their paws frequently in an attempt to relieve the discomfort. However, this not only fails to solve the problem but may also further aggravate the damage to the wound and lead to an infection.

Eye infections should not be ignored either. A dog's eye structure is relatively special, making it easy for dirt and debris to accumulate. Pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi can take advantage of this and cause infections. Common conditions like conjunctivitis and keratitis can make the dog's eyes become red, swollen, and secrete more substances. A large amount of purulent or sticky secretions can stick to the eyes, preventing the dog from opening them. When we see the dog's originally clear eyes covered by a thick layer of secretions and the dog squinting in pain, how worried we will be. These infections not only bring physical suffering to the dog but also, if not treated in a timely manner, may lead to blindness in severe cases, forever depriving them of the right to perceive the light.

Foreign body irritation can also cause a dog to be unable to open its eyes. After foreign bodies such as dust, sand particles, and hair enter the eyes, they will constantly rub against the surface of the eyeball, causing a strong sense of discomfort. The dog will try to blink and shed tears to expel the foreign bodies, but sometimes the foreign bodies are difficult to be expelled on their own, and the continuous irritation makes the dog afraid to open its eyes. In addition, inverted eyelashes are also a big problem. Under normal circumstances, eyelashes can block dust from entering the eyes, but when the eyelashes grow inward, they will be like small thorns, constantly irritating the eyeball, causing pain and inflammation, forcing the dog to keep its eyes closed to relieve the pain.

In addition to external factors, some systemic diseases can also be reflected in a dog's eyes. For example, serious infectious diseases like canine distemper often cause eye symptoms during the course of the disease. The dog may have red and swollen eyes, purulent secretions, and even eyelid adhesion, resulting in an inability to open the eyes. At the same time, it will also be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, coughing, and vomiting, which seriously threaten the dog's life and health. When a dog has diabetes, it may lead to cataracts. As the disease progresses, the lens gradually becomes cloudy, and the dog's vision deteriorates. In order to adapt to the blurred vision, the dog may also have trouble opening its eyes.

When we find that a dog can't open its eyes, how should we deal with it? We must not panic, and we should never try to force the dog's eyes open with our hands, as this may cause secondary damage to the eyes. First of all, carefully observe the condition of the dog's eyes, whether there is trauma, an increase in secretions, or other abnormalities. Stay calm and gently soothe the dog to prevent it from scratching its eyes frequently due to nervousness. Then, take the dog to the pet hospital in a timely manner. Professional veterinarians will determine the cause of the disease through comprehensive examinations, such as visual inspection of the eyes and slit-lamp examination, and formulate a scientific treatment plan.

While waiting to see the doctor, you can use a clean wet cotton ball or gauze to gently wipe the secretions around the dog's eyes to keep the eyes clean, but be careful to be gentle and avoid touching the eyeball.

During the dog's treatment and recovery period, we should give them meticulous care. According to the doctor's instructions, instill eye drops and apply ointments to the dog on time to help them fight the disease. Adjust the dog's diet and provide it with foods rich in vitamin A and protein, such as animal livers and eggs, to promote the repair of the eye tissues. Create a quiet and comfortable resting environment for the dog, reduce external stimuli, and let them recover at ease.

Dogs are the sources of joy in our lives, bringing us endless joy and companionship. When they can't open their eyes and are suffering, we should go all out to help them overcome the difficulties. As long as we take good care of them with our hearts, give them enough love and professional treatment, we will definitely be able to let the dog open its bright eyes again and respond to our love with lively eyes. This deep cross-species emotion will also become stronger during the dog's recovery process.