How Necessary Is Eye Protection For Dogs?

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The answer is, not extremely necessary but not unnecessary enough to put the sunglasses away for good. Although our dogs experience the same elements we do, people wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from UV rays which causes cataracts during old age. The potential harm that’s caused by UV rays isn’t a problem for dogs because a dog’s lifespan is way shorter than ours. Just because dogs don’t deal with the long-term effects of overexposure to UV rays, this doesn’t mean that their eyes are free from sun-related issues. Dogs also get Pannus, Cataracts and other eye issues.

Some breeds like Pugs, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Shepherds are more inclined to develop eye problems than other breeds because of their more prominent eyeballs. Dogs with prominent eyeballs are much more in danger of cuts and abrasions. For these types of dogs, sunglasses can help in protecting their eyes as well as making their vision clearer.

If you have one of those dogs who can’t be in a car without sticking their head out the window, sunglasses or some form of eye protection can be hugely beneficial. When they ride in cars with their head out, the chance of eye damage caused by wind and flying debris is a high risk. Doggy sunglasses protect them from nature’s risky elements. In this case, the use of sunglasses can protect your dog’s eyes from potential injuries.

Some older dogs develop eye diseases and sunglasses can be a relief for them. Dogs that have cataracts will be able to see better on a sunny day with the help of sunglasses.

If you love going on outdoor adventures with your dogs, then sunglasses are recommended to blanket the bright light and pollution in the air.

When a dog is recovering from surgeries like cataract removal or procedures to correct a defect in their corneas, protection is a critical factor in vision health. After a surgery, dogs tend to itch, scratch or try to poke their eyes and this can be extremely bad for their vision in the long run. Sunglasses can help in this instance by protecting your dog’s vision against themselves.

Dogs that suffer from eye pain due to scratches to the cornea will benefit from sunglasses. Signs of eye pain include redness of the eye, squinting, rubbing or pawing at the eye, general lethargy and tearing. If your dog suffers from any one of these symptoms, consult your vet immediately. The time from when you realize your dog might be suffering to the time it takes to get to the vet, sunglasses can be a great relief for your dog.Bottom line is, doggy sunglasses are not totally necessary, but if you want to protect their eyes against certain conditions or just look stylish when taking a walk, sunglasses can be of help.