UK vets say dogs can be protected from the sun with sunglasses
A veterinary hospital in England has recommended that active dogs over a certain age should wear a visor or goggles when going outside. Dogs who enjoy running on the beach or taking bike rides with their owners will benefit from wearing sunglasses, the institute says.
According to BBC Eastcott Veterinary Hospital specialists told a 14-year-old poodle owner that the dog’s iris had weakened with age, meaning her iris muscle wasn’t strong enough to tighten the pupil.
This causes iris atrophy which usually cannot filter brightness which is why vets have advised dog owners to have their pet wear sunglasses.
Ida Gilbert, chief of ophthalmology at Eastcott Referrals, said in an interview with: BBC “Some dogs may benefit from sitting on them (sunglasses). It may even reduce the amount of medication they need,”
She went on to explain by giving an example of German Shepherds known to have an inflammatory condition called Pannus, which can get worse with exposure to UV light. These dogs would be ideal candidates to wear sunglasses while out in the sun.
Dogs undergoing eye surgery or any other procedure around their eyes are also suitable candidates to wear ski goggles or visors. This can help protect them from the sun’s glare and prevent them from scratching the wound.
While dogs may take a while to adjust to wearing the sunglasses, several testimonials from the internet say that once the pets get used to them, there doesn’t seem to be a problem at all.
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