using doggie eyewear
- In particular, German Shepherds, Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, and Dachshunds are susceptible to the eye ailment Pannus, which can be treated with these devices.
- Dogs who have albinism or other UV-sensitive eye conditions can wear goggles to shield their eyes from the sun.
Do dogs enjoy glasses?
When selecting “dog sunglasses,” there are various things to consider. Getting a dog accustomed to wearing them is one of the toughest obstacles, according to Meekins. “Some dogs are happy to wear visors or goggles while others never do.
According to Stine, eyewear should fit properly and be comfortable. “All dog sunglasses will be goggle-style frames with straps. No dog is going to wear sunglasses made for humans for very long.
Your dog’s way of life shouldn’t be restricted by the dog goggles or visor “While wearing eye protection, a dog should be able to readily eat, drink, and move around in its surroundings, according to Vallone.
Most likely, you’ll need to buy doggie eyewear from a shop.”
According to him, dogs rarely need corrective lenses, unlike people who frequently need prescription glasses or sunglasses for short-, far-, or astigmatism. “Thus, prescription glasses are not commonly used in veterinary practice.
A professional assessment is the first step in safeguarding your dog’s vision “As usual, Stine advises that you take your dog to your primary care veterinarian twice a year for older dogs and annually for younger pups. Choose a high-quality pair of glasses that fit her properly and are comfortable for her to wear if your vet recommends protective eyewear. Plus, they might even make her seem cuter than she actually is.
Why are goggles worn by working dogs?
Teams of service dogs operate as a single entity. The other half always follows the first half. This includes any extreme surroundings or circumstances the team faces, such as blazing pavement, streets covered in salt, obnoxious noise, and blinding lighting or brightness. The necessary safety equipment for their Service Dog may be a wise purchase for handlers of Service Dogs who frequently find themselves outside or in extremely noisy or light environments.
Service Dogs can operate longer if their eyes and ears are protected with protective equipment. Quality protection gear can also enable a Service Dog to operate comfortably and efficiently for an extended period of time.
Service Dog Eye Protection: Rex Specs
Safety glasses or goggles with shatterproof lenses totally enclose or cover the eyes serve as eye protection. The goggles offer some degree of defense against UV rays, chemicals, sparks, missiles, and extreme heat. Eye protection is made to be comfortable to use for extended periods of time. Eye protection is unquestionably at the top of the list of “must haves” when it comes to PPE and Service Dogs.
There are endless and diverse settings and scenarios when a Service Dog can need eye protection. Basically, your Service Dog generally needs eye protection if you would be wearing eyewear or sunglasses for comfort and safety. The following are a few scenarios and settings when your service dog will unquestionably need eye protection:
- exposure to high-speed winds, water, or circumstances where there is a chance of flying debris, such as when riding a sidecar, surfing, kayaking, rafting, or in close proximity to a helicopter.
- Regardless of the activity, prolonged exposure to the sun’s glare and ultraviolet light, such as while in the desert or out in the snow.
- excursions into and through dense vegetation, the backwoods, or other similar terrain, particularly if your service dog is sprinting, chasing, or moving swiftly.
- working with a handler in a lab or job that frequently handles chemicals
- working in any sterile or clean-room setting that requires the handler to wear eye protection
Why are goggles worn by K9s?
Dog goggles made by Rex Specs are excellent eye protection for working and energetic dogs. They normally sell for $80, but the business is holding a donation drive for the Military Working Dog Team Support Association during the holiday season (MWDTSA). Rex Specs will collaborate with MWDTSA to offer protective eyewear for a military working dog stationed in a global conflict zone if you donate $40.
Q: In what situations can dogs benefit from protective eyewear?
A: It’s crucial to think about whether a dog also needs eye protection in any circumstance where humans are required to wear eye protection.
Dogs could be injured by UV radiation, dust, dirt, debris, even grass, seeds, and sticks. High-altitude canines that live in sunny climates are subjected to extreme and persistent UV radiation that can damage their eyes. In rare situations, spending time in the sun might make pre-existing medical issues worse, such as pannus or iris atrophy. The time a dog spends outside does not need to be limited or restricted because goggles offer UV protection.
Goggles are used to help prevent foreign particles from entering into the eyes of dogs who are deployed from helicopters (MWDs, Police K9s, Search and Rescue, etc.) or who live and work in places with a lot of particulates.
Why not the dog? There are dogs that go along with their handlers in unusual circumstances and settings, including chemistry labs or welding shops, where everyone wears eye protection. For protection when poking their heads out of automobile windows or riding on motorbike sidecars, many dogs wear goggles.
Many pet owners decide to shield their four-legged friend’s eyes before an accident happens, regardless of whether their dog has healthy eyes or is afflicted with an eye condition.
Working dogs with hundreds or thousands of hours of training include MWDs, hunting dogs, and other highly skilled K9. Their career could be ended by an eye injury. Rex Specs serve as insurance to safeguard your partner’s eyes.
Q: What are the risks dogs (and their owners) face if a dog does not wear protective goggles?
Dog goggles from Rex Specs are made to be durable for working dogs. A low-profile strap system for a personalized fit and harness integration, as well as a sturdy frame that can withstand rough use, are features. ANSI-rated UV400 spherical lenses offer a wide field of vision and impact defense. (Image provided by Rex Specs)
A: Some canines inherit genetic eye issues, while others are exposed to workplace or environmental risks. Depending on the situation, there may be risks involved in not wearing goggles.
Yaz, one of our dogs, has a lack of pigment in the area around his eyes, which causes him to burn badly in the sun. After spending too much time in the sun, her eye would become red and puffy for a few days. She occasionally even got a scab on her eyelid. She required eye surgery for entropion when she was 8 years old.
We felt guilty about taking her on all-day outdoor outings without covering her eyes before the procedure and especially after because it was an expensive procedure. With Rex Specs, we can take her on the boat or leave her in the sun for a long day knowing that she will be okay.
At the age of 2, our other dog, Tuckerman, was identified as having pannus. The cornea (the transparent component of the eye) is impacted by this autoimmune disorder. If ignored, it may eventually leave an eye scar that impairs vision or renders a person blind. UV radiation exposure can make this disease worse.
Steroid drops taken every day are one treatment for pannus. Considering the cost of this prescription over a lifetime, it is not inexpensive. A less expensive option are goggles. Even though Tuckerman still has pannus, he is doing well for a 9-year-old. We feel okay about taking him on extended runs and outings because we know he is UV-protected thanks to his Rex Specs.
Q: Some dogs swipe their eye area with a paw in an effort to remove an irritant. What other signals/symptoms should dog owners watch for that might indicate an eye injury or irritation?
The act of wiping or pawing at the eye should prompt owners to examine their dog’s eyes more closely. Discharge, redness, or swelling are other indications that an irritation may be present. Document the problem, take pictures, and check your dog’s eye periodically if you think something is amiss. Consult your veterinarian if it is getting worse or not getting better. Eyes are fragile and sensitive. If you have any questions or concerns, call your veterinarian since it’s better to be safe than sorry. Early injury treatment can reduce discomfort, hasten the healing process, and lower the overall cost of the injury.
Q: Are there any basic first aid/home care tips that owners should know when caring for their dogs’ eyes? In addition to goggles, are there any particular dog eye care supplies owners should always have on hand?
We advise giving your dogs a general checkup on a regular basis, especially when they are exposed to severe settings or exhibit potential injury symptoms. not just their eyes, but their entire physique. Dogs trained to hunt birds, for instance, frequently sprint through thorny weeds and dense grass. Make sure there are no scratches, embedded objects, or grass seeds by paying great attention to their paws, bodies, faces, and eyes. Saline solution is one thing to keep on hand because it can be used to flush or rinse a dog’s eye.
Q: What are common mistakes dog owners make when caring for their dogs’ eyes, and what should owners do instead?
A: Not paying enough attention to your dog’s eyes may be the most frequent error. If you don’t keep an eye on your four-legged buddy, the majority of medical disorders deteriorate slowly over time and are simple to ignore. When our customers learn about a condition or accident, a common phrase they use is, “If only I had known earlier.
Check your dog’s body, eyes, ears, paws, nails, and coat frequently. Make a note of it and keep track of anything you notice that has changed or is different. Your vet may be able to manage an injury or illness better if you have greater knowledge and awareness at the outset. Additionally, request that your dog’s eyes be checked by your veterinarian at yearly checkups or if you suspect an issue. Nobody knows your dog as well as you do, so if something seems strange, trust your gut.
Why are goggles worn by German shepherds?
Sunglasses called “Doggles” Help Shield Dogs With Pannus From Dangerous UV Rays. Pannus, a disease that can result in blindness, is more likely to affect German Shepherds. Dogs are more vulnerable in places with high UV indices.
Do canines ever require glasses?
Dogs can and do have bad eyesight; but, because they don’t read or drive frequently, we often aren’t aware of it. However, it’s also true that many of the vision disorders that affect dogs differ from those that affect humans, so wearing glasses isn’t always the best solution.
How can I get my dog to put on his glasses?
Dog goggles have uses other than helping your dog stand out on the slopes, even though they are really fashionable and are guaranteed to attract lots of attention. Dog goggles should be a part of your equipment arsenal if you and your pet enjoy going on adventures together or if you have a working dog.
The most obvious way that goggles can protect your dog’s eyes and vision is probably through UV protection. While UV exposure doesn’t affect a dog’s vision in the same way that it does a human’s, it can still cause dry eyes and other conditions and aggravate eye problems in breeds like pugs and Boston terriers that already have or are more likely to develop eye conditions.
They will, however, aid in shielding your dog’s eyes from other irritants like plants, dust, and wind. Let’s start by examining all the advantages that dog eye protection and canine goggles have to offer.
Who Are Dog Goggles For?
Dog eye protection is beneficial for the majority of dogs. Here are some specific scenarios where having dog goggles on hand is a wonderful idea!
- Breeds more vulnerable to eye issues include: Short-nosed dog breeds known as bracheycephalics, such as Boston terriers, pugs, boxers, and Shih Tzus, are more prone to developing eye conditions that are made worse by dry eyes. Additionally, as these breeds frequently live closer to the ground, goggles can shield them from irritants. Other breeds, including greyhounds, border collies, and German shepherds, are prone to the autoimmune disease pannus. The danger of these breeds developing the diseases can be decreased by shielding them from greater UV exposure.
- Dogs with pre-existing eye conditions: If your dog is currently recovering from eye surgery, has recently sustained an eye injury, or is suffering from a condition like conjunctivitis or glaucoma, they may benefit from the security that doggy goggles provide to keep them comfortable and prevent any unnecessary irritation. Even if your dog’s eyes have been examined by a veterinarian and they have given the all-clear on any eye problems, if you notice that they are more sensitive to light and that they frequently squint into the sun, they may benefit from the UV protection that dog goggles provide.
- Active dogs: Just as you wear sunglasses outside, your dog may also benefit from additional eye protection. Both you and your dog could benefit from additional eye protection from UV rays when you’re at the beach or in the snowy mountains because the sun reflects off the snow or ocean and into your eyes. You are additionally exposed to irritants like sand, grit, and muck at the beach or in the snow. Dog goggles can provide further protection from these objects blowing into and getting caught in your dog’s eyes, even in extremely windy conditions or when you’re dealing with irritations flying by, such as when you take your dog for a run or they stick their head out the window during a car trip.
- Working dogs: Due to their greater exposure to irritants and the elements, all working dogs, including police and search and rescue dogs, can benefit from dog eye protection.
Getting Your Dog Comfortable Wearing Dog Goggles
You know how difficult it can be to get your dog used to wearing something new if you’ve ever tried boots on your dog or viewed a video of dogs wearing footwear for the first time. As a result, it’s important to get your dog used to wearing their dog goggles before going outside.
Just as you would when introducing your dog to wearing a collar and being on a leash, it is best to introduce your dog to eyewear or other apparel when they are young to allow them to become used to having these things on their body. But it doesn’t mean that an old dog can’t learn new tricks!
Additionally, the straps can be entirely adjusted to fit the particular shape of your dog. You must measure your dog’s head and muzzle circumferences in order to determine the appropriate size, then use the RexSpecs Size Chart to select the right size.
Remember that the head circumference will be where the goggles will rest on your dog’s forehead, and the muzzle measurement should be around where the goggles would touch your dog’s nose. As your dog gets used to you touching their face for more than just a rub behind the ears, even the measurement procedure can help prepare them for wearing goggles.
To guarantee that your dog is comfortable while wearing the dog goggles and that they are doing their job properly, you must first adjust the straps to fit your dog’s face after receiving them. Remember that you can modify them as your dog becomes accustomed to wearing eyewear.
Once you’ve made headway in settling your dog into wearing the goggles, say the following:
- Make sure the bottom strap is snug but not constraining by adjusting it under their chin.
- Buckle the straps by pulling them up behind your dog’s ears.
- the side straps until the goggles are securely on your dog’s head.
- As your dog grows accustomed to wearing them, adjust as necessary.
Keep Things Positive
When you first introduce your dog to their new eyewear, you’ll need to introduce other ways to reward them. Eventually, though, your dog will start to associate wearing their goggles with a walk or other pleasurable active experience.
Until your dog feels more at ease wearing the goggles, it is ideal to integrate high-value goodies such pieces of salmon, chicken, or cheese. After that, you may progressively reduce their use.
Reward your dog when they wear the goggles and don’t try to take them off. It may be a good idea to utilize clicker training now if you do so with your dog.
Be sure to give petting and vocal praise in addition to treats. Reassurance can go a far way in assisting your dog in feeling confident, just like it would with any new event that they are unfamiliar with.
Go Gradual
Allow your dog to use their sniffer and inspect the goggles rather than immediately putting them on to see how they react. Hold the goggles in front of your dog to help them become accustomed to them. Be careful to snap the buckles and slide the straps to help them become accustomed to the goggles and to help them understand that they are nothing to be afraid of.
With the aim of being able to hold the goggles and allow your dog to press their face into them so you can put the goggles on, you might start by softly touching the goggles to their face and then allow them to move forward into the goggles, depending on how your dog reacts.
Pay attention to your dog’s body language to determine whether they are prepared to advance to the next level. Remember that you don’t have to do everything at once when you do put the goggles on your dog.
Remove the lenses, give your dog some time to get used to wearing just the frames, and then gradually introduce the clear lenses so that the dog can understand that they don’t block their vision or their ability to detect their surroundings when they have the goggles on.
The tinted glasses should only be used as a last resort, and you should be sure to do this outside because wearing them indoors can make it harder to see, which may make your dog anxious.
Use the Power of Distraction
The objective is to get your dog accustomed to doing their normal activities while wearing these goggles, so attaching a leash to them and taking them for a brief walk is a great way to help them not only associate wearing the goggles with getting to go outside but also to help them feel comfortable doing so.
In order to help your dog focus and provide them the opportunity to receive a treat as a reward, try teaching them commands like “sit,” “come,” and “shake a paw.” Additionally, by keeping your dog on a leash while wearing the goggles, you can be confident that they are under your supervision and cannot take the goggles off themselves.
If you’re confined indoors, encouraging your dog to play with toys while wearing the goggles or engaging in enjoyable indoor activities like hide and seek or mental games can be fantastic ways to help your dog forget they’re wearing the goggles at all.
Your First Excursions
Keep your initial excursions outside with your dog wearing their new goggles brief. You can assist them progressively enhance their level of comfort by taking them on a walk in an area that they are comfortable with. Of course, you know your dog best, but as a general rule, try to work your way up to a 10-minute walk. Once you get here, you can move on to more daring pursuits!
If your dog isn’t yet ready to wear the goggles throughout the full trek or trip to the beach, you can take a brief stroll, followed by a hike they enjoy or a satisfying trip to the beach, to help your dog start to associate wearing the goggles with getting to go on an adventure.
It’s important to keep in mind that your dog should be able to perform all activities that they would normally be able to perform when wearing their goggles, including eating, drinking, and navigating. Your dog can become accustomed to wearing their doggie goggles with some practice and lots of praise!
