Eye Infections in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Care

Eye infections are fairly common in dogs and can range from mild irritation to more serious conditions. Prompt attention helps prevent complications and discomfort.

Common Causes

• Bacterial or viral infections

• Allergies (pollen, dust, mold)

• Foreign objects (grass seeds, dirt)

• Eye injuries or scratches

• Underlying conditions such as dry eye, eyelid abnormalities, or tear duct problems

Symptoms to Watch For

• Redness in or around the eye

• Excessive tearing or discharge (clear, yellow, or green)

• Squinting or keeping the eye closed

• Pawing or rubbing at the eye

• Swelling around the eyelids

• Cloudy appearance or visible film over the eye

What You Can Do at Home (Mild Cases)

• Keep the eye clean: Use a damp, clean cloth or sterile saline solution to gently wipe away discharge.

• Prevent scratching: Stop your dog from pawing at the eye—an Elizabethan collar (cone) may help.

• Monitor closely: If symptoms don’t improve within 24 hours, or if they worsen, contact your vet.

When to See a Vet Right Away

• Thick yellow/green discharge

• Severe redness, swelling, or pain

• Cloudy cornea or sudden vision loss signs (bumping into things)

• Both eyes affected

• Your dog seems lethargic, won’t eat, or has a fever

Veterinary Treatments

Depending on the cause, the vet may prescribe:

• Antibiotic or antifungal eye drops/ointment (for bacterial or fungal infections)

• Antiviral medications (for viral infections, though supportive care is often needed)

• Anti-inflammatory drops (to reduce pain and swelling)

• Flushing or surgery (if there’s a foreign object or structural issue)

Prevention Tips

• Regularly check and gently clean your dog’s eyes.

• Keep hair around the eyes trimmed.

• Avoid dusty or smoky environments.

• Protect your dog during outdoor activities where debris could enter the eyes.

---

Bottom line: Mild eye infections can sometimes improve with gentle cleaning and monitoring, but because eye problems can worsen quickly, it’s best to have your vet examine your dog if you see redness, discharge, or changes in vision.