A DOG wears stylish shades on every walk to protect her eyes from sun exposure that could worsen her rare eye disease.

Cocoa, a Belgian shepherd and collie mix, has to wear the special goggles to save her from harmful rays.

Owner Megan Novak, from Worthing, says she spent £100 on the shades and spare lenses after advice from a vet.

"They look like skiing goggles, and I had to order them from America as we don't have many options in the UK,” she said.

"I think she looks really cool in her goggles She's a very fashionable dog - she's pretty photogenic, but I am biased.

"But it does also make me a bit sad that she has to wear them for the rest of her life now."

The Argus: Megan Novak, from Worthing, and Cocoa who wears shades on every walk to protect her eyes from sun exposure Megan Novak, from Worthing, and Cocoa who wears shades on every walk to protect her eyes from sun exposure

The eyewear - called Rex Specs - are specifically designed to protect dogs' eyes from up to 95 per cent of UV.

Megan brought Cocoa back to the UK in 2013 after volunteering with a charity which finds homes for Greek dogs.

It wasn't until late in 2021 that the 32-year-old noticed a cloudiness in both of her pet's eyes - which she initially believed could be cataracts.

After taking Cocoa to the vet, Megan was shocked to leave her pooch was diagnosed with Pannus.

Also known as chronic superficial keratitis, Pannus a hereditary immune system condition that occurs as a result of ultraviolet damage to the corneas.

Megan said: "Pannus is apparent in America and hotter countries but it seems not many people know about it in the UK.

"I'm a dog walker so we are out all day so that could be a factor, or it could be one of the breeds she's mixed with that is more susceptible to Pannus.

"The sun's UV rays are higher than they used to be in the UK too so that could be a reason.

"The vet suggested buying 'doggles' which look like swimming goggles, but after some research, I decided to buy her Rex Specs as they don't sit on each individual eye."

Dog walker Megan also lives with her rescue cat Bonny and her tree surgeon fiancé Paolo, 33.

She says that despite the eyewear, Cocoa is still a happy dog - and even comes before her husband-to-be.

She said: "Cocoa is my life, we do everything together. I can't imagine her not being a part of my life - she's my best friend.

"I'm getting married in July and she's going to be my dog of honour or ring bearer and walking down the aisle with me - my fiancé knows he comes second to Cocoa.”