Blindness in dogs can be caused by various conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, thickening of the lens known as nucleus sclerosis, a rare condition called SARS where the retina is attacked by the immune system, or high blood pressure.

Yes, a dog's vision can be tested by an ophthalmologist, a specialty dog doctor who focuses on eyes. The test can measure whether or not there's any eyesight, but we can't conclusively determine the exact vision quality.

I would not recommend using over-the-counter eye drops for your dog. There are specific medicated eye drops that we would administer at the hospital.

If you notice that your dog is pawing at his face, blinking excessively, or showing redness around the eye, or if there is any sort of yellow or green discharge, you should consult a veterinarian. Especially if you don't see any improvement within a day or so.

95% of the time, no. Eye infections typically need treatment, even if they're viral. This could include drops to help keep the eye moist or antibiotic drops if it's become a bacterial issue.

No, I would definitely not recommend treating your dog's eye infection at home. There isn't anything over the counter that will treat an eye infection. Most of the time, attempts to self-treat can make the condition worse.

Cat-proofing your house as much as possible can help prevent emergencies. Store medications and cleaning products out of their reach. If your cat spends time outdoors, be aware of the increased risk of trauma. Also, be mindful of common household hazards such as knives in the sink or open dryers, which can be dangerous if a cat decides to explore. Candles can also be a risk as cats are naturally curious. Try to think like a cat and act accordingly to minimize potential dangers. Cat’s are also more inclined to move vertically than dogs, so you may have certain things out of your dog or child’s reach, but your cat is still exposed to it.