When your dog looks at you with his big, soulful puppy eyes, it makes you want to melt. but, when those eyes are red and bloodshot, it can worry you. Dog eyes are quite similar to human eyes; the biggest differences are that dogs have a third eyelid to help protect the eye and dogs have more cornea rods. more rods allow dogs to track light and movement well, but they don’t see as many colors as humans.
Dogs can get red eyes for a number of reasons, many of which are easily fixed and not a cause for too much concern. however, if you notice red eyes in your dog, you should definitely investigate the situation as soon as possible.
what causes red eyes in a dog?
Your pup can have red eyes for a variety of reasons, including an injury, a foreign object in the eye, allergies, and a number of eye conditions such as glaucoma, conjunctivitis, and dry eye. If your dog has red eyes, some problems can be fixed at home, while others need to be addressed at a veterinary clinic.
Your veterinarian will perform a complete eye exam and run a number of different tests to determine the cause of your dog’s eye problems. Once you know why your dog has red eyes, you can treat him appropriately.
Several of the causes of red eyes in your dog and the symptoms and treatments for each are described below:
allergies
Allergies are one of the most common reasons for red eyes in dogs. Just like with humans, allergens can cause itchy and uncomfortable eyes for your canine companion. If your dog has an allergic reaction to particular irritants in the environment or in his dog food, his eyes may become swollen and red.
symptoms
- itching
- discomfort
- watery discharge
- excessive tearing
- red and puffy eyes
- your dog has redness, swelling, and discomfort (especially if it’s just in one eye)
- your dog is pawing at his eye and having trouble keeping it open
- excessive tearing
- squinting or blinking
- swelling and redness
- watery discharge, clear or with some mucus
- thick, white or yellow mucus around the eyes
- cloudy and dull eyes
- frequent eye infections
- excessive blinking
- rub eye with paws or rub eyes on ground
- pupils of different sizes
- tear
- excessive squinting
- redness and swelling
- vision loss
- cloudy eyes
- light sensitivity
- squinting
- redness
- kick the eye or rub the eyes on the ground
- eye drainage
- light sensitivity
- redness and swelling
- excessive tearing
- small and uneven pupil
- download
- cloudy or dull eye
- eye color changes or becomes uneven
- keep the fur around your dog’s eyes trimmed.
- Clean your dog’s eyes as needed with a soft, damp cloth.
- If your puppy is a breed prone to eye problems, use an eyewash to clean his eyes regularly.
- don’t let your pup stick his head out the car window while driving; this makes him an easy target for foreign objects that may fly into his eyes.
- Have your puppy’s eyes checked regularly by your veterinarian.
treatment
The best way to treat red eye from allergies is to take your pup to a veterinarian for an allergy test. together, you and your vet can identify what your dog is allergic to. then you can remove the offending items from your home, change your pup’s food if necessary, and your vet can prescribe your dog medication.
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Some of the most common causes of dog allergies are fleas, pollen, dust mites, certain foods, some household cleaning products, perfumes, dander, feathers, and smoke. clean up your pup after he’s been outside, be sure to use cleaners and products that are safe for your dog, keep his bowls clean, and avoid spraying strong fragrances around your dog. If your pup’s allergies are really bad, you can get an air purifier to help remove irritants from the air.
foreign object or injury
If your pup is injured in the eye area, or you notice his eyes suddenly turning red, there could be a foreign object in his eye. anything that gets into your pup’s eye can irritate it and cause redness. the item may be small, such as a piece of sand, or your dog may have an eye injury, such as a stick poking him in the eye.
symptoms
treatment
Examine your pup’s eye to see if you can spy the offending object. use a dog eye wash or saline solution to rinse your dog’s eye. you may need to put an Elizabethan collar on your pup to prevent scratching and pawing in the eye. It’s best to have your pup’s eye checked by a veterinarian to make sure everything is clean.
If something is stuck in your pup’s eye, don’t try to get it out. Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Conjunctivitis is relatively common in dogs and usually occurs in one eye. the tissue lining the eye becomes inflamed and the eye becomes red.
symptoms
treatment
If your puppy has conjunctivitis, take him to the vet. the vet can determine the real cause of the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Your dog may need certain medications for inflammation, or he may need an antibiotic ointment if a bacterial infection is present.
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In rare cases, your pup may need surgery. If a blocked tear duct is causing your problem, your vet will need to remove the blockage.
dry eye
If your pup suffers from dry eyes, he’s not producing enough tears to keep his eyes lubricated. His eyes may become very dry and red.
symptoms
treatment
You can use different eye drops to help keep your puppy’s eyes moist and clean. Talk to your vet about the best options for your dog and consider whether a prescription is necessary.
glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious problem caused by a buildup of fluid and pressure in the eye. If glaucoma is not treated quickly, it can lead to blindness.
symptoms
treatment
Your veterinarian will prescribe medication to treat your puppy’s glaucoma. In some cases, your dog may need surgery or have his eye removed.
corneal ulcers
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These ulcers are usually caused by an injury, such as a scratch to the eye. the thin membrane in front of the eye wears away, causing trauma to the eye.
symptoms
treatment
If the ulcers are not severe, your vet will prescribe antibiotic eye drops and advise you to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent pawing at the eye. For more severe cases, your pup might need surgery or a corneal transplant. In some cases, your pup may wear soft contact lenses over his cornea until it heals.
uveitis
Uveitis is when the tissue in front of your dog’s eye becomes inflamed, causing redness and pain. If not treated quickly, this condition can cause blindness.
symptoms
treatment
Your veterinarian will prescribe a combination of antibiotic eye drops and ointments and oral medications. In very rare cases, removal of the eye may be necessary.
If none of these issues are causing your dog’s red eyes, there may be underlying health issues at play, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or cancer. Your pup’s red eyes can be a sign to you and your vet that something is up, so it’s vital to investigate right away. when in doubt, always consult your vet!
Are some dogs more prone to eye problems?
While any dog can suffer from red eye, there are certain breeds more prone to eye problems than others. breeds with long facial hair, older dogs, and flat-faced breeds are more susceptible to specific eye problems.
how to keep your dog’s eyes healthy
While sometimes there’s nothing you can do to prevent your puppy’s red eyes, there are several things you can do to keep your dog’s eyes as healthy as possible:
