Steph Van Noort
Whether your dog is happy, stressed, or unwell, you can often see it reflected in her eyes. Because of this ... it’s crucial to pay attention when your dog’s eyes turn red.
Many dog owners wonder what red eyes in dogs mean. The truth is, they can be a sign of various issues, ranging from minor irritations to more serious health concerns that need immediate attention.
Recognizing the symptoms early on can make a major difference in your dog's well-being and help prevent long-term damage. So it's crucial to understand the common causes for red eyes in dogs, and whether you can fix them yourself, or if they're a more severe medical issue. We'll walk you through the common causes and solutions below.
10 Reasons For Your Dog's Red Eyes And How To Fix Them
1. Dog Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common causes of red, itchy eyes or a cherry eye in dogs. These allergies can be triggered by environmental factors like pollen, dust mites, or mold, and often lead to symptoms such as inflammation, redness, and constant face rubbing or scratching.
The whites of your dog’s eyes may become swollen and irritated, and in severe cases, they might even lose hair around their eyes due to the constant rubbing.
Managing dog allergies can be challenging, but working with a holistic vet can help you find a tailored approach to your dog’s specific needs. Natural remedies, such as dietary adjustments or herbal supplements, can offer relief and help reduce the frequency and severity of allergic reactions.
2. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” is an infection of the eye’s conjunctiva—the tissue lining the inside of the eyelids and the white part of the eyeball. This condition can be caused by bacterial or viral infections and typically results in red, swollen eyes that may produce a mucky or pus-like discharge.
Conjunctivitis can be painful, causing your dog to squint or blink excessively, even if there isn’t an ulcer present.
For mild cases of conjunctivitis, you can try treating your dog at home with a simple saltwater rinse or a herbal tea made from chamomile, calendula, or Euphrasia. To prepare the rinse, mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of boiling water, let it cool, and then use a dropper or cotton ball to apply it to your dog’s eyes. If you choose a herbal tea rinse, let the tea steep and cool before applying it in the same way.
However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to seek veterinary care to prevent further complications and ensure your dog’s eyes heal properly.
3. Corneal Ulceration
Corneal ulceration occurs when the clear membrane covering the front of your dog's eye, known as the cornea, becomes scratched or injured. This eye injury can allow bacteria to enter, leading to a painful infection that, if left untreated, can worsen rapidly. The bacteria can dissolve parts of the cornea as they grow, making it essential to act quickly.
Symptoms of corneal ulcers include severe squinting, a mucky or pus-like discharge from the eye, and constant scratching or pawing at the affected eye. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care immediately to prevent permanent damage or even loss of sight.
In some cases, particularly with flat-faced breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs, a corneal ulcer can develop quickly and may require urgent treatment.
4. Eye Trauma
Minor eye trauma in dogs, such as bumping into something or getting a bit of dust in their eye, can cause redness, swelling, and an increase in tear production. These symptoms are usually temporary and should resolve on their own within 12 to 24 hours.
You might also notice your dog squinting or blinking more than usual right after the incident, but this should subside fairly quickly.
However, if the redness or swelling doesn’t go down or if your dog continues to show discomfort, it’s wise to consult your vet to rule out more serious damage.
On the other hand, severe trauma, such as being hit by a car or running into a tree at full speed, can cause significant injury to your dog’s eye. This type of trauma can lead to pronounced swelling, bleeding either in small patches or throughout the white of the eye, and even internal damage to the eyeball itself.
If your dog experiences severe eye trauma, it’s crucial to get them to a vet as soon as possible. Immediate professional care can prevent long-term damage, including potential loss of vision, and ensure that your dog’s eye heals properly.
5. Environmental Irritants
Environmental irritants are common culprits behind red and irritated eyes in dogs. Smoke, chemicals like cleaning products, and chlorine from swimming pools are all potential triggers that can cause your dog’s eyes to become red and uncomfortable.
Even when you're out on a walk, exposure to smog, crop-spraying drift, or cigarette smoke can lead to temporary eye redness. These irritants typically cause mild symptoms that should resolve once the source of irritation is removed.
To manage this, the first step is to remove your dog from the environment causing the irritation. If your dog’s eyes remain red or irritated, consider using a gentle eye rinse made from clean, lukewarm water to help soothe their eyes and wash away any lingering irritants.
If the redness persists or worsens, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet to ensure there isn’t a more serious underlying issue.
6. Uveitis in Dogs
Uveitis is a serious and painful condition characterized by inflammation of the entire eye, often stemming from underlying systemic infections or diseases. This inflammation can be caused by various factors, including viral infections like distemper, bacterial infections such as Lyme disease, or even metabolic conditions like diabetes.
Uveitis is not only uncomfortable for your dog but can also lead to significant complications if left untreated, making it a condition that requires immediate attention.
Symptoms of uveitis in dogs include extreme sensitivity to light, noticeable discomfort, and sometimes even visible redness across the whole eye. Your dog may avoid bright environments and exhibit signs of pain, such as squinting or pawing at the affected eye. If you observe these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Your vet will need to diagnose the underlying cause of the uveitis and provide a tailored treatment plan to alleviate your dog’s discomfort and prevent potential damage to her eyesight.
7. Poor Conformation
Certain dog breeds that have been selectively bred for loose skin and folds, such as Shar Peis, Bloodhounds, and Mastiffs, are particularly prone to eye issues related to poor conformation. These breeds can suffer from conditions where the eyelids either roll inward (entropion) or outward (ectropion), leading to chronic irritation and redness in the eyes.
When the eyelid folds inward, the lashes can rub against the surface of the eye, causing significant discomfort and potential damage. Conversely, an outward fold can leave the eye exposed and vulnerable to environmental irritants.
For dogs with severe cases of poor eyelid conformation, surgical correction is often necessary to prevent ongoing discomfort and long-term damage to the eye. Early intervention is key to ensuring that your dog maintains healthy vision and avoids the complications that can arise from untreated eyelid issues.
If you have a breed that's prone to these problems, it’s a good idea to discuss preventive measures with your vet and monitor your dog’s eyes closely.
8. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious and potentially blinding eye condition caused by increased pressure within the eyeball. This pressure buildup occurs when the normal drainage of fluid from the eye is impaired, leading to a dangerous accumulation that can damage the optic nerve.
Glaucoma can develop rapidly and, if not treated promptly, can result in irreversible vision loss or even complete blindness in the affected eye.
Symptoms of glaucoma in dogs include noticeable swelling of the eye, excessive tearing, redness, and visible changes in the size of the pupils. You may also observe that your dog is squinting or showing signs of pain, and in some cases, the affected eye may appear larger than normal.
Given the urgency of this condition, it’s critical to seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your dog has glaucoma. Early intervention is crucial in managing the disease and preserving your dog’s vision ... and your vet may recommend a combination of medications or even surgery to relieve the pressure and protect the eye.
9. Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a condition where your dog’s tear glands fail to produce enough moisture, leading to chronically dry, red, and sticky eyes. This lack of adequate tear production causes the eyes to become irritated and inflamed, and you may notice a thick, tacky discharge accumulating around your dog’s eyes.
Breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, and Pug are particularly prone to this condition.
Dry eye syndrome is often an autoimmune issue, but it can also result from nerve damage, drug side effects, or hormonal imbalances.
Managing dry eye syndrome typically requires lifelong care to keep your dog comfortable and prevent further complications. It’s important to consult with a homeopathic vet to explore holistic treatment options, such as herbal remedies or homeopathic drops, which can be highly effective in some cases.
Sometimes conventional treatments like medicated eye drops or ointments are necessary to maintain eye health and manage symptoms. Combining these approaches under the guidance of a professional can help provide your dog with the best possible care.
10. Skin Diseases
Skin diseases such as mange, pyoderma, or even serious systemic conditions like cancer can lead to redness and inflammation in your dog’s eyes. These conditions can cause the skin around the eyes to become irritated, which in turn affects the eyes themselves.
You might notice your dog’s eyes becoming red and inflamed as a secondary symptom of these skin issues, and this redness often won’t resolve until the underlying skin condition is treated.
Comprehensive care is essential when dealing with skin diseases that affect your dog’s eyes. Addressing the root cause of the skin problem will help alleviate the redness and discomfort in your dog’s eyes. This may involve treatments ranging from medicated shampoos and topical ointments to more systemic approaches like dietary changes or immune support.
In this case, consulting with a vet is crucial to accurately diagnose the skin condition and develop a treatment plan that will relieve your dog’s skin issues and restore the health of her eyes.
FAQ
Should I worry if my dog's eyes are red? Yes, red eyes in dogs can indicate an underlying issue such as dogs' allergies, eye trauma, or even a foreign body in the eye, so it's important to monitor the symptoms and seek proper treatment if the redness persists.
How do you treat red eyes in dogs? To treat red eyes in dogs, you can start with artificial tears to soothe irritation, but if the redness is due to an infection or a foreign body, it's crucial to consult a vet for proper treatment and possibly more aggressive medical treatment.
Do red eyes mean a dog is tired? While tiredness can cause mild bloodshot eyes in dogs, persistent redness might also indicate other issues like allergies or irritation, so it's important to monitor your dog’s condition and seek proper treatment if necessary.
Why is the skin around my dog's eyes red? The skin around your dog's eyes can become red due to dogs' allergies, irritation from a foreign body, or inflammation of the blood vessels, and it may require proper treatment to prevent further discomfort or infection.
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