If your dog’s eye looks puffy or swollen, it could be a sign of something going on beneath the surface. A “dog with puffy eye” could be dealing with a variety of different health problems.
Whatever the cause, it’s important to take your dog to the vet right away. Early detection and treatment is key to preventing complications like scarring and vision loss.
Below, we’ll walk through the common causes of puffy eyes in dogs, what symptoms to watch out for, how your vet might treat the issue, and what you can do to help prevent it.
Common causes of puffy eyes in dogs
A variety of things can cause your dog’s eyes to swell up. Here are some of the more common reasons:
Allergies
Just like people, dogs can develop allergies to things in their environment or in their food.
- Environmental allergies. Pollen, dust, and mold can cause your dog’s eyes to itch and swell, just as they can in humans. Other signs of environmental allergies include a runny nose and itchy skin. Antihistamines can sometimes help, but your vet may need to prescribe stronger medications like corticosteroids.
- Food allergies. Food allergies can also show up as swelling around the eyes. If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, talk with your vet about doing an elimination diet to figure out which food is the culprit.
Infections
- Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Infections are a common reason for eye swelling in dogs. If your dog has an eye infection, you may notice discharge, squinting, and redness in addition to swelling. Viral, bacterial, fungal, and even parasitic infections in other parts of the body can also cause eye swelling.
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye). Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the lining of the eye. It usually requires attention from a veterinarian and can be either infectious or non-infectious. Recurring conjunctivitis can be a sign of an underlying problem.
Trauma and foreign objects
- Injuries. If your dog has been injured in the eye, face, or head, that could cause swelling and possibly more serious problems. Dogfights, car accidents, and even rough play can all lead to these types of injuries.
- Foreign objects. Sometimes, dirt or debris can get stuck in your dog’s eye, causing it to swell up quickly and produce a watery discharge.
More serious causes of eye swelling
Sometimes, a dog’s puffy eye can signal a more serious underlying issue. Here are a few to watch out for:
Glaucoma
Glaucoma happens when fluid builds up in the eye, raising the pressure inside. This increased pressure can cause swelling, pain, and even vision loss if it’s not treated quickly by a vet.
There are two main types: primary glaucoma, which is often passed down through genes, and secondary glaucoma, which develops because of other eye problems. Glaucoma causes increased pressure, bulging, and apparent eye swelling.
Dental Abscesses
Believe it or not, a bad tooth can cause a puffy eye! Dental abscesses, especially those around the upper fourth premolar (a common culprit due to its long roots), can cause swelling under the eye. When bacteria infect the root of the tooth, it creates an abscess, leading to inflammation and swelling of the surrounding tissues.
Tumors and Growths
Less often, tumors or growths can be the reason for eye swelling, particularly in older dogs. Tumors in the mouth, on the face, or even in the skull can put pressure on the eyes and cause them to swell, along with the nearby tissue.
Symptoms and when to seek veterinary care
A puffy eye is often just one symptom of a larger problem. Look for other signs, such as:
- discharge
- redness
- squinting
- obvious pain
- changes in vision
If your dog’s puffy eye doesn’t improve, if the symptoms are severe, or if other symptoms appear, you should take your dog to a vet.
Recurring puffy eyes may indicate an ongoing issue, so it’s worth having your dog checked out.
Conditions like orbital cellulitis or retrobulbar abscesses need immediate veterinary care.
A photo of your dog’s eye may also help your vet make an accurate assessment.
Diagnosis and treatment options
If you notice that your dog has a puffy eye, the first thing to do is make an appointment with your veterinarian. They’ll do a thorough exam to determine the cause of the swelling.
To get more information, your vet may recommend blood tests, tear tests, X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans.
Treatment depends on what’s causing the swelling, but may include:
- Eye drops
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatories
- Steroids
- Surgery
In the meantime, you can give your dog some temporary relief with warm compresses and saline rinses until you can get to the vet. But remember, these are just stop-gap measures until your dog can be seen by a professional. Don’t delay getting them the veterinary care they need!
Key Takeaways
To keep your dog’s eyes healthy, take steps to avoid areas where there could be irritants, and keep your home as free from dust and dander as possible. Also, keep your dog away from other dogs who have eye infections.
Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are also essential for spotting potential problems early.
If you notice any signs of eye swelling or other problems, contact your vet right away. Prompt treatment is the key to ensuring your dog’s health and well-being.