My Dog’s Eye is Swollen, What Do I Do?

It’s tough watching your dog in pain, and eye issues can be especially heartbreaking. Even if they’re still wagging their tail, red, swollen, watery, or itchy eyes are hard to ignore.

Here’s the most important thing to know: If your dog’s eye is swollen or red, call your nearest VEG ER for Pets right away. Eye problems can escalate quickly, and some causes of swelling can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.

Why Are My Dog's Eyes Swollen?

Infection is one of the most common reasons for a swollen eye and can occur in different locations of the eye. But a dog’s eye can become red or swollen for many reasons. Here are some of the most common:

• Infections

• Inflammatory conditions

• Eye injuries or foreign objects

• Allergies

• Eyelid or tear duct abnormalities

• Underlying diseases

  
  

Let’s take a closer look:

1. Infections Can Cause a Dog's Eye to Swell

Eye infections are one of the most common culprits. Depending on the type, an infection can affect different p arts of the eye.

Uveitis

Inflammation in the interior portion of the eye and consists of the iris, ciliary body, and the choroid. This is a deeper eye infection and is typically due to a systemic cause (something outside of the eye itself) such as tick-borne diseases, viruses, cancer, etc.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in Dogs

Inflammation of the thin tissue lining the eyelids, caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens, or irritants like dust or smoke.

Corneal Infections (Keratitis)

Infection of the eye’s outer surface, often due to injury or foreign material.

Tear Gland Infections or Blocked Tear Ducts

These can cause excessive tearing, redness, and swelling.

Other Infections that Can Cause Dog's Eye to Swell

As you can see, infection is not a straightforward cause and can be in a variety of locations within the eye. Other infectious causes include:

• Bacteria: Staph, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, brucellosis

• Viruses: Canine distemper, herpesvirus, adenovirus, influenza

• Fungi & parasites: Less common but possible (like Thelazia, or eyeworm)

2. Inflammatory Conditions in a Dog Can Cause Eye Redness or Swelling

Inflammation can lead to swelling, redness, and discomfort in your pet's eye or both eyes.

Blepharitis

Breeds like Shih Tzus, Poodles, Pugs, Bulldogs, Shar-Peis, and Retrievers are prone to eyelid inflammation.

Symptoms of blepharitis in dogs include:

• red, crusty, swollen eyelids

• pigment loss, discharge

• frequent blinking.

Uveitis

As discussed above, this is a serious eye inflammation that can arise from immune disorders, trauma, or infections, and may lead to vision loss if untreated.

3. Eye Injuries or Foreign Objects in Dog's Eye

Anything from rough play to a walk in the woods can cause eye trauma:

• Scratches from play or running through brush

• Debris like grass, sand, or dirt

• Chemical irritants like soaps or shampoos

• Blunt trauma (bumping into objects)

Pets get prompt, compassionate emergency veterinary medical attention at VEG.

4. Allergies Can Cause Redness and Swelling in Dog's Eye

   
   

Yes, dogs can have allergic reactions just like their humans! Keep vigilant in noticing if your dog is suffering from symptoms of allergies. Understand that the allergen can be all around.

Here are some common allergens to dogs:

• Pollen

• Dust

• Mold

• Certain foods

• Insect bites

• Topical medications

Symptoms often include red, itchy, watery, and swollen eyes. Important: Always talk to your vet before giving antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications.

5. Eyelid and Tear Duct Abnormalities in Dogs

   
   

Structural issues in the eye or eyes can lead to irritation and swelling:

Entropion in Dogs

Entropion happens when a dog's eyelids roll inward, causing lashes to rub on the eye.

Ectropion in Dogs

This occurs when a dog's eyelids roll outward, exposing the inner lid.

Dog with Blocked Tear Ducts

When tear ducts are blocked, it's exactly what it sounds like: it prevents tears from draining, causing overflow and irritation.

Many of these conditions require surgical correction. All VEG hospitals have surgical suites for pet emergency surgeries.

6. Underlying Diseases

   
   

Other health issues can cause or worsen eye swelling in dogs.

Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

Poor tear production in a dog's eye leads to irritation and infection.

Tumors Near a Dog's Eye

Even if a tumor isn't exactly in the eye, if it's in the vicinity of the eye, it can cause bulging or swelling.

Autoimmune Diseases or Vitamin Deficiencies

These can trigger chronic inflammation. Testing, such as a blood test, can help identify if your dog is deficient in a particular vitamin or if they have an autoimmune disease , such as Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE).

Dog has a red or swollen eye? VEG ER for Pets is open 24 hours, 7 days a week to diagnose, treat, and provide relief to your pet.

What to Do if Your Dog Has a Swollen Eye

Contact your nearest VEG emergency vet immediately. Eye conditions can worsen quickly.

At the vet visit, here’s what to expect:

• History & symptoms: You’ll see our vet immediately, and they’ll most likely ask when the swelling started, if there was recent trauma (like a run-in with bushes), and any other symptoms.

• Eye exam: Using an ophthalmoscope, often in a dimly lit room, your vet will examine the outer and inner eye.

• Diagnostic tests:

  • Schirmer Tear Test (measures tear production)

  • Fluorescein stain (detects scratches or ulcers)

  • Intraocular pressure (checks for glaucoma or uveitis)

  • Lab tests (if infections or systemic diseases are suspected)

Treatment Options

Treatment for a dog's swollen eye depends on the underlying cause:

• Allergies: Allergy testing, antihistamines, or anti-inflammatory medications.

• Infections: Antibiotic or antifungal eye drops, ointments, or oral medications.

• Blepharitis: Warm compresses, medicated ointments, oral antibiotics.

• Injuries or ulcers: Protective medications, pain relievers, sometimes an eye patch.

• Eyelid abnormalities or blocked ducts: May require surgery.

• Tumors or autoimmune diseases: Biopsy, specialized treatment, or referral to an ophthalmologist.

Follow-up care is critical. Complete all medications and attend recheck appointments to ensure healing.

3 Safe Home Remedies (With Your Vet’s OK)

While veterinary care is essential, in some instances, your regular vet may recommend mild home care for minor cases. Always get approval from your primary care vet or a VEG emergency vet before attempting any home remedies for your dog’s swollen eye.

1. Lukewarm saltwater rinse 

   Mix lukewarm water with ½ teaspoon salt, gently rinse the eye, and dab with a clean cotton pad. You can also use sterile saline eye wash.

2. Warm compress

   Apply a warm (not hot) washcloth over the eye for 5–10 minutes. Check the temperature on your inner wrist first to avoid burns.

3. Over-the-counter antihistamines

   Only if directed by your vet, as dosing depends on your dog’s breed, size, and health.

When to Call a VEG Emegency Hospital for Your Dog's Swollen Eye

Seeing your dog with watery, red, swollen eyes can be stressful. But remember: Call your VEG vet as soon as you notice a problem. The longer you wait, the worse it can get.

The emergency vets at VEG are available every day, including weekends and holidays, to help if your dog has a swollen eye. We’ll work with you to figure out the cause and get your dog back to their happy, tail-wagging self.