22 Common Dog Eye Problems

Dog eye problems are concerning for pet parents and can cause several worrisome symptoms.   

If your dog is suddenly squinting, pawing at his eye, or experiencing eye discharge, he may be dealing with an eye issue.  

Dog eye issues are common and should be addressed by a veterinarian.  

If left untreated, a dog’s vision may be at risk.  

If you suspect your dog has an eye problem, schedule an appointment for a prompt diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. 

Common Dog Eye Problems

Let’s look at some common dog eye problems that pet parents should be aware of. 

1. Eye Infections 

Dog eye infections can affect the eyelid, the conjunctiva (pink part inside the eye), or the eye itself. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungus. 

Take your dog to the vet if you notice: 

• Yellow, green, or red drainage from the eyes 

• Swelling, crusting, and hair loss on the eyelids 

• Very red and swollen conjunctiva and whites of the eyes 

• Your dog squinting or holding their eyes closed 

Your veterinarian may do an eye stain to check for injury to the cornea.  

The treatment involves giving your dog eye drops to heal the infection and relieve inflammation. If there is an infection of the eyelid, your veterinarian may also prescribe oral antibiotics.   

2. Cherry Eye 

Cherry eye is a prolapse (displacement) of the tear gland on a dog’s third eyelid.  

It occurs most often in brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, such as English Bulldogs and Pugs, and in giant dog breeds with droopy eyelids, such as Bullmastiffs and Newfoundlands.  

However, it can happen to any dog. 

Always take your dog to the vet if you suspect they have cherry eye. 

3. Glaucoma 

Glaucoma in dogs is increased pressure in the eye.  

Normally, fluid flows in and out of the eye to maintain pressure.  

With glaucoma, there is either too much fluid going in, or there’s a drainage problem, which causes a greater amount of pressure. 

To help avoid eye loss, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs of glaucoma. 

4. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) 

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is inflammation of a dog’s conjunctiva (the moist mucosal tissue around the eye and under the eyelid). 

Conjunctivitis in dogs is triggered often by an allergy, foreign object, bacteria or, rarely, a virus. It’s treated with a bacterial eye drop or ointment (like Neo-Poly-Bac Ophthalmic Ointment for Dogs), and sometimes, a steroid (such as dexamethasone) is used to reduce inflammation.  

Take your dog to the vet so they can be evaluated and prescribed the appropriate treatment. 

5. Ectropion 

Ectropion is a condition where the bottom eyelid droops or folds outward, away from the eye.  

Some breeds of dog can naturally have mild ectropion, including Bullmastiffs, Bassett Hounds, Bloodhounds, Retrievers, Bulldogs, and Spaniels. 

It’s often not a problem, but it can result in chronic inflammation, dry eye, and eye infection in some dogs, so take your dog to the vet if they are exhibiting any of these signs.  

Surgery can correct this condition. 

6. Entropion 

Entropion is a condition of the eyelid that causes it to roll inward.  

It can affect both the upper and lower eyelids.  

Breeds commonly affected are: 

• Chow Chows  

• English Bulldogs 

• Irish Setters 

• Labrador Retrievers 

• Golden Retrievers 

• Saint Bernards 

• Shar-Pei 

• Rottweilers 

• Great Danes 

• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers 

Very mild entropion may not cause a problem, but if the hair around a dog’s eyes or their eyelid rubs the surface of their eye, it results in irritation and injury as well as infection.  

In chronic cases, it can cause permanent damage to the cornea, resulting in loss of vision. Entropion in dogs can be fixed with surgery.  

Visit your vet to determine the best option for your dog. 

7. Cataracts 

In dogs with cataracts, the central part of their eye appears cloudy because the lens has lost transparency. 

Cataracts can affect one or both eyes. 

Depending on the size and the severity of the cataract, some dogs may lose significant vision and become blind. 

See your vet to have the underlying cause of the cataract identified so your dog can be treated accordingly.   

8. Lazy Eye 

Lazy eye, or strabismus, is a condition that affects a dog’s eye muscles where one or both eyes do not look straight forward. 

In some breeds of dogs, such as Pugs and Boston Terriers, strabismus is congenital and common; this does not require treatment.  

However, if a lazy eye comes on suddenly, always seek veterinary assistance. A sudden lazy eye in dogs can signal a neurological problem that affects the balance system, or it could be caused by a mass in the ring of bone surrounding the eye. 

9. Corneal Ulcers 

A corneal ulcer is a scratch or injury on the surface of a dog’s cornea, or the clear part of the eye. A dog with a corneal ulcer will have cloudiness in the front of the eye. There may be green, yellow, or clear discharge. 

Corneal ulcers in dogs can be caused by an injury or infection, or they can result from inflammation of the cornea due to chronic dry eye.  

Corneal ulcers are very painful, so the dog usually squints the eye closed and may rub at it.  

Seek treatment from the vet as soon as possible to help make your dog more comfortable. 

Treatment involves giving your dog an antibiotic eye drop (like Terramycin) and using a recovery collar to prevent your dog from rubbing their eye, causing further damage.  

10. Retinal Issues 

A dog’s retina is in the back of their eye. It contains the cells, called rods and cones, that absorb light signals to send to the brain. The retina is what ultimately allows all mammals to see. 

All diseases of the retina cause blindness. There are inherited retinal diseases seen in Irish Setters, Briards, and the Papillon. 

Other causes of retinal diseases in dogs include: 

• High blood pressure 

• Distemper virus 

• Fungal infections 

• Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) 

• Glaucoma 

• Ivermectin toxicity 

If your dog suddenly becomes blind or seems to be blind, have them seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. In some cases, you may be able to reverse the damage and preserve their vision.  

11. Dog Eye Allergies 

Allergic disease can affect a dog’s eyes just as it can affect their skin. 

Dogs with eye allergies have red, itchy eyes. Bacterial infections are common, and they will sometimes produce a green, yellow, or clear discharge from the eyes. 

Treatment involves corticosteroid eye drops (such as dexamethasone) and, sometimes, antihistamines like hydroxyzine. 

Talk to your vet to determine which are necessary for your dog. 

12. Dry Eye 

Dry eye is caused by decreased tear production or increased exposure. 

• Exposure-related dry eye is common in brachycephalic dogs because they do not close their eyes completely. 

• Decreased tear production is typically due to destruction of the tear glands—either by an autoimmune disease or a nerve problem. 

Dog-formulated eye lubricants like Optixcare help preserve moisture, and special dog eye ointments, such as Optimmune, are used to stop destruction of tear glands, which increases tear production.  

Lifelong treatment is necessary to prevent serious damage to the eyes, so see your vet for the appropriate medications.  

13. Watery Eyes  

Epiphora, or watery drainage from a dog’s eyes, is commonly seen in some breeds of dogs, such as Poodles, Spaniels, and brachycephalic dogs. 

If your dog has watery eyes but you don’t see redness in their eyes or skin, it does not require treatment. 

If your dog’s eyes are red, or if the skin on their face where the tears ran is red and irritated, have your dog assessed by a veterinarian to treat the inflammation. 

14. Bulging Eyes 

A dog’s eyes can appear to be bulging for two reasons: 

• The eye is larger than normal, which is a sign of glaucoma, or increased pressure in the eye. 

• The eye is pushed out of the eye socket. This can be caused by a tumor or a shallow eye socket, which is typical of brachycephalic breeds like Pugs. 

Sudden bulging of the eyes in dogs require immediate assessment by a veterinarian. 

15. Swollen Eyes 

Swollen eyes can be caused by infection, allergies, or injury. It can also be associated with corneal injuries or eyelid abnormalities, like entropion.. 

Any swelling of your dog’s eyes should be assessed by a veterinarian to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.  

16. Irritated/Red Eyes 

Red eyes in dogs are a common symptom of many eye diseases.  

It could be caused by something as simple as an allergy. However, it could also be caused by several other issues. 

Go to the vet if your dog has redness in their eyes. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the cause by looking for other symptoms, including discharge from the eyes, squinting, and cornea cloudiness. 

17. Squinting  

Squinting is a sign of eye pain in dogs. It’s common with many eye diseases.  

It can also be associated with painful eyelid afflictions, such as entropion, tumors, and skin infections.  

Take your dog to the vet if you see them squinting. 

18. Glassy Eyes 

Glassy eyes are a symptom of eye inflammation, which can be caused by pink eye, chronic dry eye, or allergies.  

Dehydration also causes glassy eyes. 

Solving the issue relies on determining the cause and treating it.  

So, if your dog has glassy eyes and is lethargic or not eating or behaving normally, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.  

19. Cloudy Eyes  

There are many causes of cloudy eyes in dogs. 

Cloudy eyes should be assessed by a vet as soon as possible to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. 

Addressing the issue promptly ensures your dog’s comfort, and a reduced risk of permanent damage to the eye. 

20. Discharge 

All dogs produce a small amount of clear or white discharge at the corners of their eyes; this is normal.  

The color and amount of eye discharge are important clues to what eye disease your dog may be suffering from. 

Some breeds of dogs normally produce more tears than other dogs, causing rust-colored staining on the inside corners of the eyes.  

Watery clear discharge is typical of allergies or a nasolacrimal duct blockage. Yellow or green discharge is typical of a bacterial infection.  

Very thick and dry discharge that sticks to the eye is usually associated with chronic dry eye.  

If you see any discharge from your dog’s eyes, contact your vet. 

21. Growth or Lump on Eyelid 

Eyelid tumors are very common in middle-aged to older dogs. 

Benign tumors at the edge of the eyelid, called meibomian cysts, are usually not a problem unless they are large enough to rub on the surface of the eye.  

If the cyst becomes inflamed or large enough to injure the dog’s eye, surgery will be required to remove it. 

There are malignant tumors that can occur on the eyelid, such as mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, and these will require surgical removal.  

Have any lumps on your dog’s eyes checked out by your vet. 

22. Third Eyelid 

A dog’s third eyelid is an important structure—it holds the largest tear gland in the eye and protects the eye. 

When the tear gland prolapses (becomes displaced), it’s visible on the third eyelid as a large, smooth, red mass on the top edge of the third eyelid.  

The third eyelid can also have tumors on it. Tumors make the third eyelid larger and visible. 

A nerve condition, such as Horner’s syndrome, and tetanus can cause the eye to fall back into the socket, causing the third eyelid to move up into view. 

Eye pain also causes a dog to pull their eye deeper into the socket, which can bring the third eyelid into view as well. A shrunken eye and dehydration are two other causes of a visible third eyelid.  

Go to your vet if your dog’s third eyelid is visible. 

When To Go to the Vet

If you notice any abnormalities within or around your dog’s eye, it’s time to see a veterinarian.  

Prompt diagnosis and treatment for eye issues in dogs is important to protect their vision and ensure their comfort.  

Dogs with eye issues can experience a range of symptoms—so it’s important to receive an accurate diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can begin.