When your dog’s eyes turn red, it can be a sign of several things ranging from minor irritations to more serious medical conditions. Just like humans, dogs have sensitive eyes that can become swollen or inflamed due to allergies, physical trauma, or even a foreign object. Red eyes could also indicate an underlying issue like conjunctivitis or other eye diseases that require immediate attention.
In this blog, we’ll explore the common causes of red eyes in dogs, how to recognize the signs of more serious problems, and when to seek help from a veterinarian. From mild cases that can be treated at home to more complex conditions that need professional care, we’ll help you understand the redness and how to keep your dog’s eyes healthy.
Why are My Dogs Eyes Red?
Red eyes in dogs can happen for many reasons, like allergies, injury, or irritation from foreign objects. It could also be a sign of a more serious issue like conjunctivitis or an infection. If your dog’s eyes stay red or worsen with symptoms like pain or squinting, it’s best to visit a vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
13 Causes of Red Eyes in Dogs
1. Eye Injury or Trauma:
Eye redness can happen from external irritants like grass, dirt, or hair, or from a foreign object like a branch or dirt stuck in the eye. Dogs might experience pain, squinting, rubbing, or excessive tearing. If the injury is serious, it may require topical eye medications, oral medications, or a visit to the vet. It’s important to examine the eye and flush out any irritants with a pet-safe eye wash or saline solution.
2. Allergies:
Allergies can cause redness in the eyelid and eyes due to environmental irritants like pollen or dust. Dogs with allergies may have itchy, swollen eyes, watery eyes, or even a runny nose. Seasonal allergies or food allergies can lead to discomfort, excessive tearing, and red edges around the eyes. Eye medications, oral medications, or soothing allergy-friendly shampoos can help.
3. Conjunctivitis:
This is inflammation of the surface of the eye, causing redness and excessive discharge. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies. Dogs with conjunctivitis might squint, have yellow or greenish discharge, and exhibit excessive blinking. It may require topical medications, such as eye drops or ointments, and sometimes oral medications to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
According to the study published in PubMed Central (PMC) “the term conjunctivitis is most often a misnomer as most cases of “red eyes” are in fact conjunctival injection or hyperemia occurring secondary to more common diseases affecting other ocular tissues.”
4. Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, KCS):
Dry eye syndrome happens when your dog’s tear production is insufficient, leading to redness, inflammation, and eye irritation. This condition can result in excessive blinking, squinting, and the appearance of eye gunk or mucus in the eyes. Artificial tears and antibiotic eye drops may be needed to keep the eyes moist and relieve discomfort.
5. Uveitis:
Uveitis is an inflammation of the eye’s internal structures, causing redness, pain, squinting, and sometimes cloudiness of the cornea. It may result from infections, injury, or underlying diseases like metabolic conditions or tumors. Uveitis often leads to high eye pressures and glaucoma, which can cause vision loss if left untreated. Corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drops, or oral medications are used for treatment.
6. Glaucoma:
This condition involves increased pressure inside the eye, causing redness, squinting, and sometimes a cloudy cornea. Glaucoma can cause pain, swelling, and vision loss if not treated. Your dog may have bulging eyes or swelling. Surgery and medication are used to manage the condition.
7. Cherry Eye:
Cherry eye occurs when the third eyelid gland becomes inflamed and protrudes, creating a visible lump or swelling in the corner of the eye. It is often accompanied by redness and requires treatment with anti-inflammatory eye drops or corrective surgery if the condition is severe.
8. Entropion:
This happens when the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to irritate the surface of the eye, leading to redness, pain, and potential eye infections. It is often a chronic condition that may need corrective surgery to prevent further irritation and damage to the eye.
9. Blepharitis:
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid, often caused by infection, trauma, or allergies. It causes redness, itchiness, and swelling, and may lead to rubbing or squinting. Eye medications, oral medications, or surgery may be needed to treat the underlying cause of the inflammation.
10. Subconjunctival Hemorrhage:
This occurs when small blood vessels in the conjunctiva break, causing redness in the white part of the eye. It can happen from trauma, over-restraint, or clotting disorders. Although it often resolves on its own, it can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying problem, and a visit to the vet is recommended.
11. Tumors:
Tumors, whether benign or malignant, can cause redness and swelling around the eye. The extent and severity of the condition depend on the type of tumor. Surgery may be required to remove the tumor and prevent further damage to the eye.
12. High Blood Pressure:
High blood pressure can cause the small blood vessels in the eye to rupture, resulting in red eyes. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness. Oral medications and treating the underlying cause can help manage this condition.
13. Breed Issues:
Certain breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus are more prone to eye issues due to their droopy skin and loose eyelids. These breeds may experience irritation, red eyes, and tearing due to hair around the eyes or facial structure. Regular eye health checks, trimming hair around the eyes, and using eye drops or ointments can help manage these issues.
Types of Red Eyes in Dogs
Episcleral Injection
Episcleral injection occurs when the sclera (the white of the eye) becomes red and congested due to enlarged blood vessels. These blood vessels can appear straight, tortuous, or winding, which often signals an intraocular disease like uveitis or glaucoma. This condition mainly affects the outer part of the eye, causing noticeable redness.
Conjunctival Hyperemia
Conjunctival hyperemia happens when the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that lines the eye and eyelid, becomes congested. This leads to increased redness as blood vessels in the conjunctiva enlarge. It’s commonly caused by extraocular diseases such as conjunctivitis, which makes the red eye more obvious in dogs.
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
In subconjunctival hemorrhage, blood vessels in the conjunctiva break, causing diffuse redness across the white part of the eye. This condition is often linked to trauma, over-restraint, or clotting disorders and can sometimes result from conditions like strangulation.
Corneal Neovascularization
Corneal neovascularization occurs when new blood vessels grow on the cornea, often due to a defect in the eye. This can cause redness on the surface of the eye, and these vessels may appear superficial or deep, sometimes spreading around the eye in a 360-degree pattern. It can be caused by scratches, inflammatory conditions, keratitis, or diseases like glaucoma and uveitis.
Hyphema
Hyphema refers to the pooling of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, which leads to a dull red line or a bright red line in the eye. It can result from trauma, uveitis, or systemic hypertension (high blood pressure). Clotting disorders are another cause of hyphema.
What To Do If Your Dog Has Red Eyes
If your dog has red eyes, it’s best to have them evaluated by a veterinarian. They can help figure out the cause and recommend the right treatment to avoid any serious vision problems. According to Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster, “Quick intervention means it’s less likely your dog will experience serious complications like vision loss. Waiting can also make treatment more expensive.”
How Vets Diagnose the Cause of Red Eyes in Dogs
When your dog has red eyes, a veterinarian will do a thorough examination to figure out what’s going on. They’ll start with a physical exam and ask about your dog’s medical history. If needed, they may use laboratory testing to look for an underlying cause. Some common tests include:
- Schirmer tear test: checks tear production for KCS (dry eyes).
- Fluorescein stain: helps detect scratches or ulcers on the cornea.
- Tonometry: measures intraocular pressures to check for conditions like glaucoma or uveitis.
- Laboratory work like a complete blood count, chemistry profile, electrolyte panel, and urinalysis may be needed for a more detailed look at your dog’s medical condition.
- If necessary, more advanced tests like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can be done to check the surrounding tissue and rule out other issues like tumors or infections.
These tests help the vet diagnose the exact cause of the red eye and figure out the best way to treat it.
What Are Treatments for Red Eyes in Dogs?
If you notice your dog’s red eyes, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian to get them examined. Sometimes it could be a medical emergency, so don’t wait too long to get help. Here are some treatments your vet might suggest:
- Cold compress with a soft washcloth to soothe pain and discomfort, and help reduce inflammation.
- Pet-specific eye wash or eye wipes can gently clean the eye area and remove triggers like dust or pollen.
- Artificial tear eye drops can help if your dog’s tear production is low. They will lubricate the eye and surrounding tissues, making your dog feel better.
- If the cause of the red eyes is from irritants like smoke, fumes, or pollen, they should be avoided to prevent further issues.
Sometimes, diagnostics will be done to determine the exact cause, so your vet can offer the right initial treatment and help your dog feel better. If the problem is more serious, you might be referred to a local emergency vet for advanced care.
How to Keep Your Dog’s Eyes Healthy
To keep your dog’s eyes healthy, it’s important to protect them from things like eye irritants, injury, and illness. Here are some simple steps to help:
- Use a damp, soft cloth or eye wipe to gently clean your dog’s eyes. Wipe from the inside corner to the outside of the eyeball.
- Make sure your dog doesn’t rub their eyes with paws or scratch. It’s normal for them to paw at their face, but if you see redness or discharge, it might mean something’s wrong and needs investigating.
- Keep your dog’s long-haired breeds well-groomed and trim the hair around their eyes to avoid irritation.
- Pay attention to your dog’s eye health with regular check-ups, especially if they’re a senior dog. Annual or twice-annual visits to the vet help catch any issues early.
- Notice your dog’s behavior and body language; changes in their gaze or the way they act around their eyes can signal a problem.
Taking these preventative measures will help keep your dog’s eyes clear and safe for a long time.
Should I Worry If My Dog’s Eyes Are Red?
If you notice your dog’s eyes looking red or bloodshot, it might be because of irritation from something like dust or allergies. Sometimes, dogs rub their eyes, which can cause them to get a little irritated. If it’s just a little redness and your puppy seems okay, it’s probably no big deal. But, if you see bright red eyes, extreme redness, or your dog shows other symptoms like squinting, discomfort, or a change in behavior, it’s best to contact your veterinarian.
These could be signs of an infection or sickness, and it’s always good to get it checked out to be safe! If it’s not too bad and there are no unusual symptoms, there’s usually no need to worry too much. Just keep an eye on it.
Final Thoughts
If your dog’s eyes are red, don’t panic right away. It could be something simple like irritation or a little bit of dust. However, if you see that the redness is not going away, or if your dog is showing other symptoms like squinting or discomfort, it’s always a good idea to contact a veterinarian. Sometimes, red eyes can be a sign of something more serious, like an infection or sickness, so it’s better to be safe and get your dog examined. Keep an eye on how your dog is acting, and if things seem off, don’t hesitate to call for help.
FAQs
Why is the white in my dog’s eye red?
The redness in your dog’s eye could be caused by pressure building up in the eye, which might be from conditions like glaucoma. It can also be from rubbing or irritation. If you notice your dog’s eye is red and painful, it’s important to get the pressure checked to rule out serious problems.
Do dogs’ eyes get red when stressed?
Yes, when dogs are anxious or excited, their eyes might become bloodshot due to stress. Sometimes, this can also lead to conditions like conjunctivitis or dry eye syndrome. If it doesn’t go away, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a veterinarian.
Should I take my dog to the vet for a red eye?
If your dog’s red eye is persisting for longer than a day or two, or if your dog seems to be in pain, it’s important to visit a veterinarian. While it could be something like allergies, it could also be a sign of a more serious issue, like glaucoma.
How do I treat my dog’s red eye?
Treating your dog’s red eye could involve eye drops, antihistamines, or even steroids if it’s an allergy or irritation. In serious cases, surgery may be necessary, but always get guidance from a vet to find the right treatment.
Can dehydration cause red eyes?
Yes, dehydration can make your dog’s eyes look red or irritated. When the body is low on water, the eye tissue can dry out, leading to blurred or even double vision. It’s important to keep your dog well-hydrated to prevent this from affecting their eye health.
