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Why Are My Dog's Eyes Red?
Written By Alex Olsson
Published: 09/30/2015Updated: 04/02/2025
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
Why does my dog have red eyes?
Red eyes in dogs can be concerning for pet parents. Whether it’s a minor irritation or a symptom of a more serious condition, knowing the possible causes and how to address them can bring peace of mind.
Let’s explore why your dog’s eyes might be red, what you can do about it, and when it’s time to visit the vet.
Let’s explore why your dog’s eyes might be red, what you can do about it, and when it’s time to visit the vet.
Symptoms of Red Eye in Dogs
Identifying the symptoms of red eye in dogs is crucial for determining the severity of the issue and seeking timely care. Common symptoms include:
- Visible redness in one or both eyes
- Swelling around the eyes or eyelids
- Discharge (clear, yellow, green, or mucous-like)
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Pawing or rubbing at the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Cloudiness or changes in the color of the eye
- Changes in vision, such as bumping into objects or disorientation
If you observe these symptoms, it’s important to monitor their progression and consult a veterinarian if the condition does not improve or worsens.
Common Causes of Red Eyes in Dogs
Red eyes in dogs can occur for many reasons. Here are some common culprits:
- Allergies: Environmental allergens like pollen, dust, or mold can irritate your dog’s eyes, causing redness and itchiness. Food allergies may also contribute to inflammation, particularly in sensitive dogs.
- Pink Eye in Dogs (Conjunctivitis): Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common cause of red eyes in dogs. It’s characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue lining the eyelids. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and discharge. Pink eye can result from infections, allergens, or irritants.
- Dog Eye Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to red, irritated eyes. Signs of infection often include yellow or green discharge, swelling, and discomfort.
- Injuries and Irritants: Scratches, foreign objects, or exposure to smoke and dust can cause redness. These irritants can lead to further complications if not addressed promptly.
- Glaucoma and Other Serious Conditions: Glaucoma, an increase in intraocular pressure, can cause redness and pain. Other conditions, such as corneal ulcers or autoimmune diseases, may also lead to red eyes. These require immediate veterinary attention.
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Diagnosis of Red Eye in Dogs
A veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of your dog’s red eyes. Diagnostic steps may include:
- Physical Examination: The vet will check for visible signs of injury, swelling, or discharge.
- Ophthalmic Tests: Tests like the Schirmer tear test to assess tear production, fluorescein staining to detect corneal ulcers, or tonometry to measure intraocular pressure may be performed.
- Medical History: Your vet will ask about your dog’s recent behavior, exposure to potential allergens or irritants, and any pre-existing medical conditions.
- Laboratory Tests: In cases of infection or suspected systemic issues, samples of discharge may be analyzed, or blood tests may be conducted to identify underlying causes.
Treatment for Red Eye in Dogs
The treatment for red eye depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:
- For Allergies: Antihistamines or corticosteroid eye drops may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Adjustments to the dog’s environment, such as minimizing exposure to allergens, are also important.
- For Pink Eye: Antibiotic or antiviral eye drops are often used to treat infections. Regular cleaning of the eyes with a vet-approved solution can help manage symptoms.
- For Infections: Topical or oral medications may be required to address bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Consistent use of prescribed treatments is essential for full recovery.
- For Injuries: Protective measures like an Elizabethan collar may be recommended to prevent further damage. Severe injuries may require surgery or other specialized treatments.
- For Glaucoma: Glaucoma often necessitates long-term medication or surgical intervention to manage intraocular pressure and preserve vision.
In all cases, timely and consistent treatment is crucial to avoid complications and ensure a full recovery.
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Recovery and Prevention of Red Eye in Dogs
The recovery process depends on the severity and cause of the red eye. Mild cases often resolve within a few days with appropriate care, while more serious conditions may require longer treatment and follow-up visits.
To prevent red eye in dogs:
- Regular Grooming: Keep the hair around your dog’s eyes trimmed to avoid irritation.
- Routine Cleaning: Use vet-approved eye cleaning solutions to remove debris and prevent infections.
- Protective Measures: Limit your dog’s exposure to environmental irritants like smoke, dust, and pollen.
- Health Check-ups: Regular veterinary visits can help identify and address potential issues early.
By staying attentive to your dog’s eye health and seeking prompt care when necessary, you can help them maintain bright, healthy eyes and overall well-being.
For more support, consider Wag!’s 24/7 vet chat or wellness plans to ensure your dog gets the care they need when they need it most.
For more support, consider Wag!’s 24/7 vet chat or wellness plans to ensure your dog gets the care they need when they need it most.
Red Eye Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
American Bully
10 months
40 found this helpful
40 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
We noticed one of his eyes the pupil was very small and then it started to get back to normal and the following day it was the other eye. Symptoms went away and then we started noticed the white part of the eye is redish.
June 17, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
40 Recommendations
That eye is very bloodshot.
Possible causes for his signs would include an infection, reaction to something in the environment (such as dust or pollen), a corneal ulcer etc.
A vet visit is needed. They will examine his eyes and check his pupil responses. They may stain for any ulcers.
Treatment will depend on what is going on and may include e.g antibiotic eye drops and anti inflammatories.
June 17, 2021
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bully
7 months
54 found this helpful
54 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Clear Red In One Eye Visible In Certain Lights
What can I do about it
Jan. 10, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
54 Recommendations
Hello, if there is blood in the eye causing this redness he needs to go to your vet right away. If the white part of the eye is red, this could be allergies. You can try allergy eye drop to help with this redness. Blood in the eye is never a good sign and needs immediate vet attention.
Jan. 10, 2021
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Chihuahua
Four Months
15 found this helpful
15 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Just noticed under her right eye is red and slightly swollen
Jan. 5, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
15 Recommendations
Hello, you dog could have an eye infection, core an ulcer or scratch around the eye. It is hard to tell for sure just based on this picture. It would be best for your vet to look at this. Eye issues can become severe very quickly if left untreated. You can gently clean her eyes with contact saline. I would try to schedule a vet appointment tomorrow
Jan. 6, 2021
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Cocker Spaniel
N/A
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
N/A
My dog has had his red eye all of a sudden, in the begginig he had a cloudy eye, but it progressed to red-eye. We went with a vent and gave us some injections to be able to clear his eye, but I haven't seen any improvements, I'm not sure what to do now and I'm very worried about his eye.
Oct. 12, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
If you have had medical treatment for the eye, and it is not getting better, it would be best to follow up with that veterinarian and let them know. Cocker Spaniels are prone to many eye conditions, and you may need to see your veterinarian more than once to clear things up. They may need to refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist, but they can give you more information about that if needed.
Oct. 12, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
Two Years
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
My dog is a lab/terrier mix. We just moved. He has red blotches around both of his eyes and now his mouth. He’s mainly been scratching his face against the floor. How can we treat or help him? We currently have him in a cone to prevent excessive scratching.
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
13 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. What you are describing can be caused by parasites, bacterial or fungal infections, or allergies. A safe dose of Benadryl for dogs is 1 mg per pound, so a 50 lb dog would get 50 mg of Benadryl. You may want to try giving a dose of that and see if it helps with the itching. If it does not, then it would be best to have your dog seen by a veterinarian, as they can determine why this is happening and get treatment for your dog. I hope that all goes well.
Oct. 3, 2020
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German Shepherd
Khylessi
7 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Red Eyes
My shepherd is 7yrs old. For the last 2years she has had red eyes. It doesn't bother her only me. The vet has given her antibiotic cream and it hasn't worked. Can you suggest any thing that could help her, and my stress. Red
Yorkchi
Penny
12 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Cloudy Red Eyes
My dog is quite elderly and has issues with her eyes-well, eye, as she has microphthalmia in one-since we've had her. Her remaining eye is cloudy, has cataracts and a reddish tint to it. She had been diagnosed with dry eye and irritation, and was prescribed three different eye drops. Despite all these meds, her eye is still red and cloudy. Since she's an older dog this isn't all that shocking, and she doesn't seem to be in pain. However any tips to keep her nice and comfy are always appreciated.
Chihuahua
Mac
13 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My chihuahua was stung by a yellow jacket bee 3 weeks ago both of his eyes have turned red, swollen and now is blind and losing weight quickly, his heart rate is very fast all the time. He is 13 years old I can't afford a vet for help. Is there a program in Washington State to help with low income households to get him seen and treated. *m afraid he will die if I can't get him help
Golden Retriever
Jax
11 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Red Eye
Third Eyelid
Pink Surrounding Eye
My 11 month old golden retriever had a flare up with his eye 5 months ago after a very exciting snow walk (he was running the entire time and kept putting his face in the snow/eating it). Right when we got in the car, his eyes looked like he had a hard time opening them - it kind of looked like he was just very tired but the third eyelid was coming up and covering most of both eyes. I was very worried but my vet was closed so I let him sleep it off.... It seemed to go away that next morning and did not come back until the day he was neutered. After neutering, this came back and his third eyelid started to show almost every day while on the pain meds.... It doesn't seem to bother him much... Sometimes he would paw at it but most of the time he just looked very tired. 3 months later, the eye is acting up again and I took him into the vet. She prescribed an ointment for his eye since she thought it was an eye infection... It went away after treatment but now has come back randomly only on some days. I have kept track of the occurrences and it seems like whenever we go outside and play for long amounts of time, the eyelid will come up and show. It is weird though.... Only in some parts of town. When I play with him at my parents house, he is totally fine when he comes inside their house. What the heck is happening? I don't want to have to keep paying bills for the vet if they just keep giving eye infection ointment. Could this be happening because of allergies? Or something that I am using in my house (cleaning supplies/etc.?) We also have a lot of hair because golden retrievers shed A LOT... I did notice a hair in his eye when the third eyelid showed up a couple days ago so I tried to flush it out. Maybe this happens every time something gets in his eye? But it is odd that it showed when he was on the pain meds - every single day. I just would like to get this figured out so I feel safe bringing him out in the environment for play time.
Pit bull
Thor
3 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching
Red Eye
Green Discharge
My Pit has had a red eye with green discharge for two days. I've given him Benadryl and it'll clear up mostly for a while. What else can I give him. The red eye and discharge started after I gave him a bath and wiped his face with a wet washcloth
