Itchy Eyes

My 5 year old Shih Tzu is constantly rubbing his eyes on the carpet, or if he is outside, the concrete. He does this so often that there is no longer any hair around his eyes, however the skin surrounding his eyes doesn't appear to be inflamed. We have had him to the vet several times with no luck. Even the doctor isn't sure. Has anybody experienced this with their pet, and if so what was done?

Thanx

[Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM]

Check your dogs ears. Canine ear infections, called otitis externa often cause dogs to itch their ears by sliding their faces on the carpet and their eyes become affected secondarily.

Be sure all the hair is well trimmed around your dogs so it doesn't irritate your dogs eyes.

If the above suggestions are not applicable, then perhaps allergies and/or atopy may be your dogs eye problem.

Consider a natural eye product to lubricate your dogs eyes as this may prove helpful to relieve the red eye problem and may also help to prevent future reoccurrences.

Dr Carol Osborne, DVM