Dog Having Eye Problems? Causes and What To Do

Eye problems in dogs are more common than many pet parents realize, and they can range from minor irritations to serious conditions that threaten vision or even indicate underlying disease. Because dogs rely heavily on their eyesight for daily activities, any issue affecting their eyes deserves prompt attention.

Understanding Eye Problems in Dogs

What Are Eye Problems?

Eye problems in dogs can affect the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, or deeper structures like the lens or retina. These issues cause discomfort, vision changes, or physical abnormalities, ranging from mild irritation to severe conditions like glaucoma or ulcers. If untreated, some problems can lead to vision loss or systemic health issues.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Signs of eye trouble may include redness, swelling, discharge, excessive tearing, squinting, cloudiness, visible third eyelid, or sensitivity to light. Some dogs will paw or rub at their face, which can worsen the condition if left unchecked. Any sudden change in your dog’s eye appearance or behavior should be taken seriously.

Types of Eye Problems in Dogs

Eye Infections

Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause redness, discharge, and discomfort. Infections often develop secondary to trauma, allergies, or foreign objects in the eye. Left untreated, they can progress into deeper structures of the eye, leading to more severe disease.

Corneal Injuries

The cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye, can be scratched by debris, plants, or rough play. Corneal ulcers cause pain, squinting, and increased tear production. They require veterinary treatment, as they can worsen quickly.

Conjunctivitis

Also called “pink eye,” conjunctivitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes around the eye. It may be caused by allergies, irritants, infections, or trauma. While mild cases may improve quickly, underlying causes must be identified to prevent recurrence.

Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

In dry eye, tear production is reduced, leaving the cornea unprotected. This leads to irritation, redness, and a thick, sticky discharge. Untreated dry eye can cause chronic pain and vision loss.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an emergency condition where fluid buildup increases pressure in the eye, damaging the optic nerve. It causes pain, redness, and sometimes a bulging appearance of the eyeball. Rapid treatment is necessary to save vision.

Cataracts

Cataracts cause cloudiness in the lens of the eye, leading to blurred vision or blindness. They are common in older dogs and certain breeds. While not always painful, they can lead to complications like lens-induced glaucoma.

Cherry Eye

This occurs when the gland of the third eyelid prolapses, creating a visible pink or red mass at the corner of the eye. It is more common in young dogs and certain breeds, and often requires surgical correction.

What to Do When You Notice Eye Problems

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Look at both eyes under good lighting. Compare the affected eye to the healthy one. Is there redness, swelling, or discharge? Is your dog squinting or rubbing the eye? Noting these details will help your vet diagnose the issue.

Avoid Home Remedies

It’s important not to apply human eye drops or ointments unless directed by a vet, as some medications can worsen certain conditions. Avoid touching or rubbing the eye.

Protect the Eye From Further Injury

If your dog is pawing or rubbing their face, use an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent self-inflicted damage until they are seen by a veterinarian.

Seek Prompt Veterinary Care

Eye conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Contact your vet the same day you notice symptoms, especially if your dog is in pain, the eye is cloudy, or vision seems impaired.

You can reach out to a Cuddlytails vet here.

What to Expect at the Vet

Examination

Your vet will examine the eye with specialized instruments, check tear production, measure intraocular pressure, and look for scratches or ulcers with fluorescein dye.

Diagnostic Tests

Tests may include corneal staining, Schirmer tear testing, tonometry (for glaucoma), or bacterial cultures. These help identify the cause and guide treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause and may include antibiotic or antifungal eye drops, anti-inflammatory medications, lubricating gels, or surgery in severe cases. Pain relief is also a priority in most eye conditions.

Preventing Future Eye Problems

Routine Veterinary Care

Schedule regular vet visits with eye exams to catch problems early, especially for breeds prone to eye issues (e.g., Pugs, Shih Tzus). Discuss breed-specific risks and preventive care, like tear testing for dry eye. Stay current on vaccinations to prevent infections like distemper that can affect the eyes.

Regular Grooming

Trim hair around the eyes to prevent irritation and accumulation of debris. Breeds with long facial hair may benefit from regular professional grooming.

Promote Eye Health

Feed a balanced, vet-approved diet rich in antioxidants (e.g., vitamin A) to support eye health. Ensure proper grooming to keep hair or debris away from the eyes. For brachycephalic breeds, monitor for exposure-related issues and consult your vet about protective measures.

Monitor Environmental Triggers

Check eyes after outdoor activities for debris like grass seeds, especially in summer. Avoid letting your dog stick their head out of the car windows, as wind or debris can cause trauma. Use saline rinses (if vet-approved) after swimming to remove irritants like chlorine.

Conclusion

Eye problems in dogs, from conjunctivitis to glaucoma, require immediate attention to relieve discomfort and protect vision. By recognizing symptoms, seeking veterinary care, and following treatment plans, you can address these issues effectively. Long-term management and preventive measures, like regular cleaning, allergy control, and vet checkups, reduce recurrence and keep your dog’s eyes healthy. Stay vigilant, work closely with your veterinarian, and provide the care your dog needs to thrive.

FAQs

Can I use human eye drops for my dog?

No. Some human medications can damage your dog’s eyes. Always consult a vet before applying anything.

How quickly should I take my dog to the vet for eye issues?

The same day. Eye problems can worsen quickly and may result in vision loss if untreated.

Is cloudy vision in dogs always cataracts?

Not necessarily. Cloudiness can be caused by cataracts, glaucoma, corneal ulcers, or other issues.

Can allergies cause eye problems in dogs?

Yes. Allergies can cause redness, itching, and watery eyes, but other causes should be ruled out.

Will my dog lose vision from an eye infection?

If treated promptly, most infections do not cause permanent vision loss. Delayed treatment increases the risk.