There are several factors that can cause red eyes in dogs. If you notice your dog has red eyes, make an appointment with your veterinarian without delay. An injury or disease of the eye could lead to vision loss; causes may include:
Trauma
If a foreign object, debris, dust, and other particles get into the eye and cause irritation, your dog’s eyes may become red. It is important to take your dog to the veterinarian to have him assess the situation and, if possible, remove the irritant safely before it causes any or more damage to the eye.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis occurs when there is an infection, either viral or bacterial, within one or both eyes. The eyes become red and can become very painful and infected. With conjunctivitis, there is typically a level of discharge that is present.
Corneal Disease
Corneal disease can cause reddened eyes. If the cornea is subject to damage by infection, disease, or any injury, the eye can become quite red. Diseases of the cornea, such as keratoconus, cause the cornea to become distorted and can cause redness and irritation.
Systemic Disease
Other diseases can cause redness of the eye, and your veterinarian or an ophthalmologist will be the one to diagnose a disease. There are many health conditions that can cause redness of the eyes, such as arthritis and scleroderma (tissue disease), and others.
Skin Disease
Skin conditions, such as dermatomyositis, mites or mange, can cause eye redness if it occurs close to the eye area. If a skin disease spreads to a vicinity near the eye, your pet may scratch and injure the eye while itching the area.