If your dog’s eyes are red, you’re probably worried — and you have good reason to be. Redness in a dog’s eyes is a common sign that something isn’t right. It’s a sign of inflammation, and that inflammation could be caused by a number of things.
It’s important to get your dog to a vet for a proper diagnosis. Figuring out what’s causing the redness is key to getting them the right treatment. Early intervention can also help prevent more serious problems, like vision loss.
In this article, we’ll go over the common reasons why your dogs eye are red, how vets diagnose the problem, and what treatment options are available.
What does it look like when a dog’s eyes are red?
Redness in a dog’s eye can present in different ways, and what you see can offer clues to what’s going on.
Different types of redness
- Conjunctival hyperemia is when the conjunctiva — the membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye — appears superficially red.
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage looks like a bright red spot or area. It can look alarming, but it’s simply blood under the conjunctiva.
- Episcleral injection is a deeper redness involving the episclera, which is the layer under the conjunctiva. This type of redness may indicate a more serious problem.
What other symptoms might you see?
Along with the redness, you might notice:
- Watery eyes
- Discharge that’s clear, or contains pus or mucus
- Squinting
- Your dog is rubbing or pawing at their eye
- Swelling around the eye
- Changes in vision
Be sure to note any other symptoms you see besides redness. These additional clues can help your veterinarian figure out what’s going on.
Common causes of red eyes in dogs
If your dog’s eyes are red, it’s a sign that something’s irritating them. Here are some of the more common reasons why dogs get red eyes:
Allergies
Allergies are a common trigger for red eyes in dogs. If your dog has allergies, you may also see sneezing and watery eyes.
Both environmental allergies (pollen, dust mites) and food allergies can cause inflammation in the eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is a type of eye inflammation caused by an allergic reaction. If your dog has allergic conjunctivitis, you may see redness, swelling, and discharge from the eyes.
Conjunctivitis (pinkeye)
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye.
It can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, as well as allergies or other irritants.
Pinkeye causes redness, irritation, and inflammation, and can generally be cleared up with medication.
Corneal ulcers
A corneal ulcer is a sore on the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye.
Trauma, infection, or underlying diseases can cause corneal ulcers.
If your dog has a corneal ulcer, you may see squinting, pain, and excessive tearing.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is increased pressure inside the eye.
If glaucoma isn’t treated quickly, it can lead to blindness.
Symptoms of glaucoma include redness, pain, and cloudiness of the cornea.
Uveitis
Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye.
It can be caused by infection, trauma, autoimmune disease, or cancer.
Symptoms of uveitis include redness, pain, light sensitivity, and decreased vision.
Foreign objects and trauma
If your dog gets a foreign object in their eye, it can cause immediate discomfort and redness.
Trauma to the eye requires immediate veterinary care.
To help prevent your dog from getting foreign objects in their eyes, avoid letting them run through long grass and give them a head-to-toe check after walks.
Diagnostic procedures
If your dog has red eyes, your vet will likely perform some diagnostic tests to determine what’s causing the redness. Here are a few of the tests they might use:
Comprehensive ophthalmic examination
A thorough eye exam is crucial to finding out what’s causing the redness. The exam will include checking your dog’s vision and carefully examining the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, iris, and lens.
Schirmer Tear Test (STT)
The STT measures tear production to see if your dog has dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Fluorescein stain
Fluorescein stain helps detect corneal ulcers or abrasions. The stain sticks to any damaged areas of the cornea, making them visible under a blue light.
Tonometry
Tonometry measures the pressure inside your dog’s eye. This test is used to diagnose glaucoma. Normal eye pressure in dogs is usually between 10 and 20 mm Hg.
Cytology and culture
If your vet suspects an infection, they may collect samples to look at under a microscope. They may also do a culture to find out what kind of organism is causing the infection.
Blood tests
Blood tests might be recommended to rule out any systemic diseases that could be causing uveitis or other eye problems. Common blood tests include a complete blood count, a serum biochemical profile, and tests for tick-borne diseases.
Treatment Options
Red eyes in dogs can stem from a variety of causes, so treatment depends on the specific diagnosis. Here are some common approaches:
Conjunctivitis Treatment
The course of treatment for conjunctivitis will vary depending on the underlying cause.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: Typically, your vet will prescribe topical antibiotics to combat the infection.
- Allergic conjunctivitis: Antihistamines or corticosteroids might be used to relieve inflammation.
- Flushing the eye: Your vet may recommend flushing your dog’s eye with a sterile saline solution to help clear away any irritants or debris.
Corneal Ulcer Treatment
Treatment for corneal ulcers also depends on severity.
- Superficial ulcers: For ulcers that are just on the surface of the cornea, your vet may prescribe topical antibiotics to prevent infection, along with pain medication. They might also use atropine to dilate the pupil and relieve pain. Superficial ulcers usually heal within a few days.
- Deep or complicated ulcers: These require more intensive treatment, and sometimes surgery. Corneal grafts or conjunctival flaps might be used to help the healing process.
- Diamond Burr Debridement (DBD): This is a newer technique that vets are using to treat chronic corneal epithelial defects that are only on the surface.
Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma treatment aims to lower the pressure inside the eye (IOP).
- Acute glaucoma: This is an emergency that requires immediate treatment to bring down the IOP and prevent blindness. Your vet might use topical prostaglandin analogs or intravenous mannitol.
- Chronic glaucoma: Treatment focuses on medications to manage the IOP, such as topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) or beta-blockers. Sometimes, surgery is necessary.
Uveitis Treatment
Uveitis treatment is aimed at tackling the underlying cause and reducing inflammation within the eye.
- Your vet may prescribe topical and/or systemic NSAIDs or glucocorticoids.
- It’s also essential to address any underlying systemic diseases that might be contributing to the uveitis.
Foreign Body Removal
If a foreign object is causing your dog’s red eye, it’s important to have it removed by a veterinarian to prevent further injury. After removal, your vet may prescribe topical antibiotics and pain medication.
Surgical Interventions
Surgery might be necessary in certain situations:
- Cherry eye: A prolapsed gland (cherry eye) often requires surgery to reposition the gland.
- Severe corneal ulcers: May need surgical repair to promote healing and prevent complications.
- Glaucoma: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to lower IOP and manage the condition.
Home care and when to seek veterinary attention
Sometimes, a little home care is all your dog needs to feel better. Here are a few things you can do at home, along with some guidelines on when it’s time to call the vet.
Home care considerations
- Gently wipe away any eye discharge with a warm washcloth.
- Apply a warm, damp compress to the affected eye.
- Flush any irritants from your dog’s eyes using sterile saline solution or contact lens solution.
- Keep your dog from rubbing or pawing at the eye. An Elizabethan collar or “cone of shame” may be necessary.
When to seek veterinary attention
If your dog’s eye redness hangs around for more than a couple of days, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms that concern you, it’s time to schedule a vet appointment.
Seek immediate veterinary care if:
- Your dog experiences any type of eye trauma.
- Your dog is squinting, pawing at their eye, or showing signs of pain.
- You notice any changes in your dog’s vision.
Important: Never use human medications on your dog without first consulting with your veterinarian. And never attempt to remove a foreign object from your dog’s eye or try to manipulate an eye that seems to be dislodged.
In Summary
Red eyes in dogs can be triggered by everything from a speck of dust to a serious health issue. That’s why it’s important to pay close attention to your dog’s eyes and seek veterinary care if you notice any changes in their appearance.
An accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Without prompt and appropriate treatment, your dog could develop complications or even lose their vision.
As a dog owner, you play a key role in safeguarding your dog’s eye health. By regularly monitoring your dog’s eyes and quickly addressing any redness or other changes, you’ll help ensure your dog enjoys a lifetime of good vision and overall well-being.