Watch for signs of common eye issues and get quick vet care to protect your pup’s vision.
Watching your beloved pet paw at red and swollen eyes is upsetting. While eye infections in dogs aren’t always dangerous, they can be extremely serious. Because of this, it’s important to consult your vet when you notice symptoms. Putting off treatment isn’t just delaying relief for your dog’s discomfort, leading to more significant issues, like pain, loss of vision, or your dog losing their eye.
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, targets the mucous membrane lining the eyelids and eyeball. Keratitis affects the eye’s clear outer layer, the cornea. Uveitis affects the eye’s inner structures. Blepharitis is an infection or inflammation of the eyelids. The eyelids and tear glands may also become infected. Tear gland issues, eyelid abnormalities, and trauma (such as plant awns or other foreign bodies in the eye) can also lead to infections.
Spotting the first signs of an eye infection makes getting early vet care for your pup possible. Some common symptoms to watch for:
Dogs commonly experience eye infections, which may result from any of the following:
Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species are frequent bacterial triggers of an infection and may cause a thick, greenish discharge.
Distemper and canine herpesvirus are common culprits of eye issues. They often cause eye infections along with other respiratory problems.
Allergens like pollen, dust mites, and smoke can trigger redness, itching, and watery eye discharge.
Debris in the eye or physical trauma can cause inflammation, corneal ulcers, and secondary infections. For pups that spend a lot of time outside, it’s important to be especially aware of things like plant awns and other foreign objects. Check your dog’s entire body—from looking for objects behind their third eyelid to foxtails between their toes—to ensure that your pup is healthy and safe.
Eyelid tumors in dogs may be malignant or benign and tend to be easily removed surgically. Tumors that affect the conjunctiva of dogs grow faster and require more extensive surgery to remove. Orbital tumors in dogs are more serious but not as common. They can push the eyeball forward and cause swelling throughout the eye structures. Treatment includes extensive surgery or even removal of the eye as well as the possibility of chemotherapy.
Occasionally, dogs experience eye problems when spores of fungi such as Aspergillus or Cryptococcosis invade the eyeball. Flies can transmit the eyeworm (Thelazia californiensis) to a dog’s tear ducts or conjunctiva. This parasite is found only in the western U.S., as well as in Europe and Asia.
Injuries and infections may cause eyelid and eyelash abnormalities, including entropion. Entropion occurs when the edges of the eyelid turn inward, causing eyelashes and fur to rub against the eye surface. It is the most frequently inherited eyelid defect in certain dog breeds.
The cause of your dog’s discomfort may be simple or complex, but only a vet can diagnose the problem. A vet will conduct a thorough eye exam and may perform some (or all) of these tests based on your dog’s symptoms:
Vets will remove any foreign bodies and treat any resulting irritation or infection. Topical antibiotic eye drops and ointments can effectively treat most bacterial infections. In contrast, viral infections need supportive care to manage symptoms until the virus runs its course.
In some cases, topical corticosteroids may be used to help decrease inflammation in the eye (but should never be used in dogs with corneal ulcers). It can be tricky to get drops into your dog’s eyes, especially when they have pain and irritation, but the tips in this video can increase the odds of being successful. Many dogs must wear a plastic cone around their head and neck to prevent them from rubbing their eyes and causing more problems.
Allergies are an infrequent cause of eye issues in dogs and are more likely to lead to skin issues. If your dog’s itchy, red eyes are linked to an allergen, however, your vet may prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids, or newer and more effective meds such as Apoquel and Cytopoint.
Don’t let eye problems cloud your pup’s vision. Get prompt vet care once you spot the first signs of an eye infection to ensure your furry friend gets proper treatment for a swift recovery.
OTC eye drops and ointments soothe eye discomfort in humans, but some contain ingredients that can hurt dogs or worsen their condition. Always follow a veterinarian’s recommendation before using any medications.
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is the most frequent eye infection in dogs. It involves inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the eyelids and eyeballs. Bacteria, viruses, allergies, or even structural abnormalities of the eye are all possible causes of conjunctivitis.
No, and leaving it untreated may lead to permanent eye damage or vision loss. It may also indicate a more serious health problem that needs veterinary attention.
It’s crucial to see a veterinarian when you suspect your dog has an eye infection. Early intervention minimizes discomfort and helps prevent potential vision problems.
No. Eye infections in dogs stem from various causes. Only a vet can diagnose the reason for your dog’s symptoms and prescribe the proper treatment.
