For Small Dogs with 'Gunky' Eyes: A Possible Solution

[Debby]

Knowing that there's lots of dog lovers here, I thought I'd pass on a personal experience that someone else might find helpful.

Our little dog is white with light tan and weighs about seven pounds. When he eats even a better quality commercial dog food his eyes start tearing more and it isn't long before he has those icky reddish stains that stink, at the corner of his eyes. But when he is fed a diet of raw meat (beef heart, lean burger, semi-cooked liver, eggs (with mixed veggies) and an occasional sardine, the tearing quits and in time the stains are gone. We'd gotten into the habit of giving him 4 or 5 Cheerios every day and that was enough to set it off and I'd say it's probably been almost two months and the tiny hairs under his eyes are almost white again.

So if you have that kind of problem with your little dogs, give this a try. I think that some dogs can tolerate the grains and such but the little ones seem to have the gunky eye problem more often so it would seem their digestive systems might be more sensitive generally.

 

[Redd]

I will be passing this info along to a person that has a Bichon, and yes she does give Cheerios as treats and that totally white dog looks like a raccoon. Could help, can't hurt.

And now you had me thinking and running to the cat treats as one of my boys does have a bit of a runny eye, nothing that concerns the vet though. The other cat does not. Different treats is what they like and the treat preferred by runny eyes is heavier on the grain. Dry eye is heavier on the chicken. You think there might be a link? Maybe?

 

[Guitarist]

I think there might be a link with the kitties. They are obligate carnivores. Dogs? I don't know. I think dogs are more omnivorous than cats are? I doubt in the wild they eat much grain, though.

 

[BlunderWoman]

Lots of chihuahuas have that problem. Lily hasn't had it yet, but thanks if she ever does I'll remember this

 

[fureverywhere]

I'd certainly consider allergies but you want to check with the vet too. Some critters are prone to wicked eye infections. If the diet changes don't help definitely call the vet.

 

[Redd]

I think there might be a link with the kitties. They are obligate carnivores. Dogs? I don't know. I think dogs are more omnivorous than cats are? I doubt in the wild they eat much grain, though.

About the grain thing. I buy cat grass and they love it.

But would that be really considered a grain? The grass is the shoots of oats, wheat and barley but not actually the grain.

 

[Butterfly]

I'd certainly consider allergies but you want to check with the vet too. Some critters are prone to wicked eye infections. If the diet changes don't help definitely call the vet.

Definitely. Eye infections in dogs are a big deal, but usually can be easily treated.

 

[Debby]

Hi folks, sorry to not be here answering anyones posts. As I just mentioned to Redd, we're in the midst of a move from Nova Scotia to PEI so it's a bit crazy as in 'where did I put my computer/power cord/ glasses........'.

I think like someone said, cats are 'obligate' carnivores whereas dogs can tolerate and get benefit from somethings like veggies and fruits as well as meat, but to be honest, I don't think any dog really does well on corn or rice. It just turns to sugar when they digest it which feeds the yeast which causes the staining. I was just doing a little reading on it and it did say that the yeast infection is the one that makes their face stink and it's dietary as opposed to an eye infection causing the excessive tearing.

Both of our latest chihauhaus have been sensitive to commercial dog foods so I only use it if we are travelling for a few days with them.