5 Warning Signs of Dog Eye Problems: When to See a Vet

This pet health content was written by veterinarians, Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD, and Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. This article was last reviewed on August 6, 2024

If you have questions or concerns, call your vet, who is best equipped to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

Importance of Seeking Veterinary Help for Dog Eye Problems

Every week, a veterinary office will field hundreds of questions concerning dog eye problems. “Watchful waiting” is advised with some minor complaints, but never with eyes.

• A non-veterinarian cannot assess an eye problem's severity.
• Descriptions over the phone are inadequate for proper diagnosis.
• Immediate veterinary attention is necessary for any eye abnormality.

In other words, when someone calls in and says their dog's eye “looks funny,” it’s time for a trip to the vet.

Your vet may even direct you to a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist for immediate assessment if the emergency requires it.

5 Warning Signs of Dog Eye Problems

Red, inflamed, or swollen eyes? Each of these symptoms can be caused by different ailments.

1. Red Eye

The white of the eye should be pristine white, with the odd lazy blood vessel meandering across the surface. If you’re not sure what this looks like, check out your own eye in the mirror. Red eyes are not normal.

• Gently lift the upper eyelid to check for anything from a rosy pink to a livid red.
• The angrier the eye looks, the more urgently it needs checking.

Causes of red eye range from irritation and infection to a condition called glaucoma.

• Glaucoma: Pressure builds within the eye, like blowing too much air into a balloon. The most common cause is a problem within the eye and is often breed related (Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, terriers, and northern breeds are at greatest risk). The pressure can damage the retina and cause blindness, so swift action is essential.
• Conjunctivitis: Infection causes reddening of the eye. Sometimes the problem can be self-limiting, but — especially if there is a sticky yellow-green discharge, too — see a vet.

2. Yellow-Green Discharge

It’s normal to have white gloop in the corner of an eye first thing in the morning. Just wipe this away with a clean, damp cotton wool.

• Rust-colored gloop is fine. This is normal gloop that’s been exposed to the air for a while and oxidized (like when you cut an apple in half and it goes brown).
• What isn’t normal is a thick, yellow-green discharge from one or both eyes. This is commonly a sign of infection.

Have the vet check the eye because some infections need antibiotics, while others can occur as a complication of another problem that needs attention.

3. Swollen Eye

If there’s something odd about your dog’s face, compare one eyelid with the other to see if one side is swollen.

It’s best to seek vet attention, because the eyeball needs checking to make sure it wasn’t damaged.

Eyelid swelling can be the result of an allergy, trauma, or infection.

4. Dull Eye

Is the eye lackluster?

A normal eye is bright, and you can see reflections on the surface. But sometimes the surface is dull and reflections aren’t clear, or those images are broken up or haphazard.

The most common reasons for this are either a dry eye or a corneal ulcer:

• Dry Eye: Our eyes are kept comfortable by the production of tear fluid. A dog with dry eye fails to produce enough tear fluid, which leads to the surface drying out. One consequence is a dull surface, and another is the eye tries to protect itself by producing a thick, glue-like discharge. In the long term, scar tissue forms, impairing the vision.
• Corneal Ulcer: This is like a burst blister on the surface of the eye. In some cases, it heals on its own, but other times it can be dangerous and cause perforation of the eye.

5. Closed Eye

A closed eye is painful: Just think of the last time you had grit in your eye.

• The pain might be due to a corneal ulcer, a knock to the eye, or a foreign body — anything from dust to a grass seed or even a twig.
• When our dogs are sniffing around, it’s not uncommon to get something lodged behind the eyelids.

Your vet will put drops of local anesthetic into the eye to get a better look.

Common Causes of Dog Eye Problems

Dog eye problems can arise from a variety of causes. Understanding these common causes can help in early detection and prevention.

• Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to eye problems in dogs. Symptoms may include redness, discharge, and swelling.
• Trauma: Injuries from scratches, bumps, or foreign objects like dust and grass seeds can cause significant eye issues.
• Genetic Factors: Certain breeds are predisposed to eye problems due to genetic factors. For example, Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels are prone to glaucoma.
• Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause eye irritation, leading to redness, swelling, and discharge.
• Aging: As dogs age, they may develop cataracts, dry eyes, or other age-related eye conditions.

Regular check-ups and being aware of these common causes can help maintain your dog's eye health and catch problems early.

5 Most Common Eye Emergencies in Dogs

Here, we go into more detail about some of the top ophthalmologic emergencies we see with dogs in general practice.

1. Corneal Ulcers

Corneal ulcers are the most common acute eye problems seen. The cornea is the outer “skin” of the eye; an ulcer occurs if this layer has been damaged.

• Corneal ulcers are often traumatic in origin, although certain diseases of the cornea can result in an ulcer.
• Trauma to the cornea can occur with a scratch from a bush, a stick, or even another critter.

Treatment involves early diagnosis of the severity of the ulcer and the administration of appropriate eye medications.

• More serious ulcers may require surgery, and frequent re-checks are needed to ensure the cornea is healing nicely.
• When a corneal ulcer goes from bad to worse, the cornea can actually rupture—this is a true emergency indeed.

2. Proptosis

Proptosis occurs when an eye literally bulges out of the socket and the eyelids entrap the globe. This occurs most frequently in brachycephalic breeds and is a true emergency.

• Even with immediate care, the dog may lose the eye depending on the extent of trauma sustained by the extraocular muscles, nerves, and blood supply.
• Many of these eyes can be replaced, and vision saved in about 20% of dogs, but only if you act immediately.

3. Corneal Laceration

Corneal laceration occurs when there is a complete tear through the cornea.

• A sharp object, like a stick, can also puncture the cornea.
• The dog is almost always holding the eye completely shut and is in significant pain.

Immediate surgery may save the eye. Get to the vet as there is a very small window of opportunity when it comes to repairing these eye injuries.

4. Lens Luxation

Lens luxation is over-represented in certain breeds like the Russell Terrier and other terriers.

• In these dogs, due to a genetic disorder, the lens can spontaneously luxate, or become dislocated.
• In other breeds, causes may vary — head trauma is one example.

This is a difficult diagnosis and may require a visit to an ophthalmologist.

• Compared with the normal eye, a lens luxation can look like a very dilated pupil or a blue or whitish eye.
• Removing the lens can save the eye and save the dog from pain and total blindness.

Here are some helpful tips from a vet on how to medicate a dog's eye:

5. Acute Glaucoma

Acute glaucoma looks like a discolored, “red” or an inflamed eye. There may be discharge and painful blinking (called blepharospasm).

• Glaucoma occurs when, for whatever reason, the pressure in the eye elevates, leading to pain, secondary changes, and blindness.
• The condition is usually obvious in just one eye, but both eyes are at risk.

This is over-represented in certain breeds like the Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Shih Tzu, Great Dane, and northern breeds.

• As with every other eye problem discussed here, acute glaucoma should be assessed and treated immediately.
• Both systemic (oral) and ophthalmic drugs are used. Get an opinion from a veterinary ophthalmologist to help your primary care vet manage the case.

Preventative Measures for Dog Eye Health

Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of dog eye problems. Here are some preventative measures to ensure your dog’s eyes remain healthy:

• Regular Vet Visits: Schedule regular check-ups with your vet to catch any eye issues early.
• Cleanliness: Keep your dog's eyes clean by gently wiping away discharge with a damp cloth.
• Balanced Diet: Ensure your dog has a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support eye health.
• Avoid Irritants: Keep your dog away from irritants like smoke, chemicals, and harsh winds that can cause eye irritation.
• Protective Measures: Use protective gear like dog goggles if your dog is exposed to environments that could harm their eyes, such as during car rides or outdoor activities.

By incorporating these preventative measures into your dog’s routine, you can help protect them from developing serious eye problems.

Final Thoughts on Dog Eye Emergencies

Don’t mess around with eyes. Ophthalmic problems need early diagnosis and treatment.

• If someone at your vet’s office puts you off, be aggressive. Say you need to be seen today.
• Follow veterinary instructions to prevent further damage to the eye and see a veterinary ophthalmologist if your vet recommends a referral.
• Often, your vet can manage the case after initial assessment and treatment recommendations by the specialist.

Your chance to save your dog’s eye is today, not tomorrow. Advocate for your dog's health and get treatment immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• Haeussler, D.J. Jr., DVM, DACVO. "Top 5 Canine Ophthalmologic Emergencies." Clinician’s Brief 15, no. 1 (2017): 67–71.
• “Eye Problems in Dogs: Common Conditions and Treatments.” PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/evr_dg_eye_problems_in_dogs
• “Top Eye Problems for Dogs.” ASPCA Pet Insurance. https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/top-eye-problems-for-dogs/
• “8 Common Eye Conditions in Dogs.” Veterinary Vision Center. https://veterinaryvisioncenter.com/8-common-eye-conditions-in-dogs/