You may have seen a dog wearing sunglasses and wondered if the owner is just playing dress-up with the pooch or if the sun actually hurts their eyes. Dog sunglasses were invented in the early 2000s but at the time, it was pushed aside as one of the most useless inventions ever made. Nevertheless, these doggles have become cool with time and people, including experts, are beginning to see the benefits. The next time you see a dog wearing sunglasses, don’t be quick to conclude that they are just for fashion trends. There are other reasons for using this gear on a dog, some of which are available herein.
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Do Dogs Need to Wear Sunglasses?
Can dogs be sensitive to light? The simple answer is yes. Just like their human friends, a dog’s eyes can suffer severe damage if exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun for too long. Since they spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, dog sunglasses begin to make sense as they really help in protecting the dog from the sun.
Eye conditions like pannus which affects the cornea are common among German Shepherds while traces can also be found in other dog breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, Border Collies, and others. wearing Doggles will not cure your dog of pannus but will reduce the painful effect the ultraviolet light from the sun unleashes on dogs with the condition. These dog sunglasses have tinted lenses that shield the eyes from the direct hit of the sun.
While some may argue that dogs actually have deep-set eyes with thick brows covering them, and they don’t need sunglasses to protect them but the truth is, that these pets also suffer from eye defections that can get worse when they are out under the sun. Notwithstanding, this does not mean that dogs generally need sunglasses to survive, they can actually live out their days without needing protection from sun rays.
Why You Need To Get Dog Sunglasses for your Pooch
While they appear cool on dogs and all that, Doggles are not just a fashion trend and as aforementioned, if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, you might need to add sunglasses to its protective gear. Here are some reasons dog sunglasses are not just another fashion lifestyle.
They Protect the Eyes from UV Light
These Doggles come with tinted lenses which tone down the UV light while protecting the eyes from the sun. This is important, especially in the case of a dog with eye conditions like pannus, dry eyes, and sensitivity to light, among several others. You might not know it but your dog could be suffering from the effect of the sun on its eyes. However, it has not been proven that the sun causes eye problems like cataracts in dogs since the animals don’t live long enough for the effect to kick in. As a matter of fact, most eye conditions in dogs are inherited, but still, ultraviolet light makes them worse and unbearable which indicates the importance of dog sunglasses.
To Protect Their Eyes From Injuries
Dogs may appear tough but it’s good to know that they too can get hurt by mere debris flying around. If you have ever been hit by a bug or debris while in a moving car, you would understand the risk of having your dog riding in a car with its head sticking outside the window. This can cause a bug or small rock to hit their eyes and inflict pain or injury. Doggie sunglasses solves this problem for you and your dog. So, the next time you take your dog on a ride or spend time outside on a windy day, dog sunglasses might be required.
After Surgery or Trauma
Following the removal of a cataract, injury, or diagnosis of poor eyesight, prescription lenses are usually customized for dogs to protect the recuperating eyes. Exposing the eyes to the sun and other harmful things like bugs and debris can make recovery more difficult to achieve. Wearing eye protection also helps in curbing habits like scratching and rubbing the eyes which might cause more harm.
Helps with Pain or Discomfort in the Eyes
If you notice your dog always scratching its eyes or squinting, it may be experiencing pains in the eye. You may also notice redness in the affected eye(s) and failure to handle the situation might lead to more damage. The vet should be called in if these symptoms persist. Besides, the discomfort felt by your dog, probably due to light sensitivity can be ameliorated by using dog sunglasses.
They Look Good in Them
Try looking at a dog wearing sunglasses without laughing, highly impossible. Truly, when you see a pooch wearing sunglasses, you can’t help but stop to admire the cuteness. They really look good wearing them if you can get the dog to keep the eyewear on for a long time.
What Kind of Dog Needs Protective Eyewear?
Some dog breeds are more susceptible to eye problems than others. Naturally, these are the dogs that may benefit more from wearing protective sunglasses whenever they are outdoors. The Boston Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and many others have big eyeballs that can easily get hurt because of their bulging nature. Because of their prominent eyeballs, these breeds are prone to trauma to the eyes, something a pair of dog sunglasses could help prevent.
Again, the German Shepherds and Greyhounds that are often plagued with the eye condition known as pannus can also benefit from wearing protective eyewear. The reason for this is far from the possibility that the sun causes this condition but the shades help in reducing the pain the dog may experience if their eyes are exposed to too much sunlight.
Another group of dogs that may be in need of protective eyewear is the ones that work around places with higher chances of sustaining injuries. Rescue dogs, hunting dogs, police dogs, and other canines that are exposed to harsh conditions should be protected from potential trauma.
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How To Train a Dog to Wear Sunglasses
It’s one thing to identify that your dog needs doggles but a different ball game to get them to wear the sunglasses. While some dogs easily wear these protective glasses, some others just refuse to.
First off, the doggles should be comfortable on the dog and it is important to know that dogs have their customized goggles and won’t be comfortable wearing a pair designed for humans.
To get your dog used to doggles, gradually introduce them to the pooch by showing the glasses to them in a quiet environment with no distractions. Put the glasses on the dog and gently strap them in while praising the pooch and giving treats. Don’t force your dog to wear the glasses if they resist or you might end up making them dislike the piece of gear.