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
Labrador Indian
Six Years
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Reddish On White Part Of Eye , Swollen Under The Eye On Cheek
2days ago once she got up from sleep her eye was swollen and red.
But the next day the swollen is reduced to ,10% but her eye is still red.
Feels like watery sometimes.
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
If she is still having problems with her eye, or her cheek, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 20, 2020
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Mix breed terrier
Five Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
My dog was getting groomed the other day and when the groomers were going to start, he tried to get away because he was scared and hit his head on the pole that secures the leash. This caused him to have redness in the whites of his eyes. He's acting normal and I have been applying ice to his head but I'm still worried. Should I go to a vet? This happened two days ago.
Sept. 22, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If you want to be careful, then having him seen by a veterinarian would be a good idea, as there may be some medication that can help resolve this more quickly. If it seems to be getting better, and he seems comfortable and not bothered by it, then you may be able to monitor. If he starts rubbing at his eyes, or his vision seems not right, or the redness is not improving, then having him seen by a veterinarian would definitely be a good idea. I hope that everything goes well for him.
Sept. 22, 2020
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Mix Yorkie
Fifteen Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eyes Have A Blood Almost Like Petechiae Hemorrhage
Why do his eyes look like that
Aug. 5, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
It is difficult to see from your picture, unfortunately, but it looks like your dog may have an ulcer, or an infection in the eye. It would be best to have them seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as they likely need medications to prevent things from getting worse.
I hope that all goes well for your dog.
Aug. 5, 2020
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Miniature Schnauzer
Eight Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Pawing At Face, Red Eyes, And Discharge
She has been pawing at her face and her eyes are bloodshot red and there is discharge
Aug. 1, 2020
Answered by Jessica N. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello-
Thank you for your question. Without looking at her it is hard to tell exactly what is going on. It could be something simple like potentially conjunctivitis or allergies or could be an allergic reaction. It would be best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately so they can take a look at her skin and eyes,. Then he or she will be able to provide a diagnostic and treatment plan for her to get her feeling better and get the irritation cleared up. I hope she feels better soon.
Aug. 1, 2020
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Miniature Pinscher
Fifteen Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
White And Red Thing Covering Eye.
what is wrong with my dogs eye, is it cherry eye?
July 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I am not able to tell from your picture, unfortunately, what is going on with her eye. It may be a tumor, an infection, or an inflamed gland. It would be best to have her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, as they can take a good look at her eye and give her a good examination. They will be able to let you know more what's going on, and what treatment might be needed. I hope that everything goes well.
July 27, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
Guinness
18 Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
One Red Eye
My 1.5 year old lab mix has had one red eye on and off for a couple of months. We take him to the vet and they just say he has pink eye. They prescribe antibiotic eye drops. We complete each therapy and the eye seems to be doing better, but then comes back a few days later. It’s only one eye and there’s no discharge or smell. He doesn’t seem bothered by it. It’s not cloudy. Just seems irritated.
