Why are my Dog’s Eyes Red? Top 6 Reasons

Oh, how your pooch’s puppy-dog-eyes can melt your heart and convince you into giving him some treats! And how those very same eyes can turn you into a puddle of concern when your dog’s eyes turn red. Before you panic, take a look at some of the possible reasons behind your canine’s crimson gaze.

TOP SIX CAUSES OF RED EYES IN DOGS

1. ALLERGIES, ALLERGIES!

Sadly, allergies aren’t so different for our furry friends than they are for us. It’s by far the most common cause of eye redness in dogs.

Here are some signs that allergies are irritating your dog’s eyes:

• Eyes appear red
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes

Some dogs have seasonal allergies, and some have allergies that last all year long. If you suspect allergies, take your pup to the vet for a clear diagnosis. For severe cases, your vet may offer some regular allergy medication. If not, a short course of eye drops may be all that your pet needs to treat any allergic flare-ups.

2. EYE SEE FOREIGN OBJECTS

Doggies get their noses (and eyes) into everything! It’s possible that a foreign object like dirt may have snuck its way into your dog’s peepers, causing discomfort and redness. Whether it’s a speck of dirt or a trapped eyelash – it’s uncomfortable and needs to be removed, as it could scratch the cornea or cause other damage. Best to leave removal to the professionals, and at VEG, we’ll assess the situation immediately and relieve your pup of the ocular offender!

3. SCRATCHY SHENANIGANS

Anything from rough play to an actual injury can cause cuts, scratches, and telltale redness in your pet’s eyes. In some cases, the injury can be severe. If your dog’s eye has been injured, visit your vet right away. Even if the injury does not appear serious, it’s important to get it checked out to eliminate the risk of infection or worse, loss of sight.

4. I SPY… PINK EYE

Pink eye, otherwise known as conjunctivitis, is a condition that causes the eye to turn red or pink and become irritated and inflamed. Our furry friends’ pink eye symptoms are very similar to ours:

• Crust or drainage from the eye
• Redness
• Pain
• Itching
• Swelling

A trip to the family vet can help treat pink eye easily through medicated eye drops. For more severe cases, your vet may also recommend oral medication along with eye drops to help clear up the problem fast.

WHEN EYE PROBLEMS A BIGGER PROBLEM

There may be more serious causes for red eyes in dogs. Some of the more concerning issues include:

5. GLAUCOMA

This is an eye condition that causes a buildup of pressure within the affected eye. In most cases, dogs have glaucoma only in one eye at a time, but it’s possible that some may experience it in both eyes at once.

Glaucoma could be the reason for your dog’s eye redness if it’s also accompanied by eye pain and discomfort. If left untreated, it can eventually lead to blindness. Talk to your vet about a formal diagnosis of glaucoma and recommendations for treatment and management.

6. GRAND PROLAPSE

Don’t let the playful sound of “cherry eye” fool you. It’s a nickname for a condition in which a gland in the dog’s eye prolapses and becomes puffy, inflamed, and downright uncomfortable.

For some dogs, cherry eye can be no big deal and they can live perfectly normal lives. For others, it can be a cause for significant pain and the afflicted may need surgery to correct it. Reach out to your family vet to get more information about the proper treatment and management of your pup’s condition.

VEG IS HERE TO HELP WITH YOUR DOG’S RED EYES

Your pupper’s peepers are priceless (now say that 3 times fast) and the good news is that most of these problems can often be treated with the help of a trusted vet. Staying attentive to your dog’s eye health and visiting the vet whenever needed is a great way to ensure healthy, lifelong vision for your pup.

If you want more information or advice, contact VEG by calling one of our locations. The emergency vets at all of our VEG hospitals are available 24/7, including weekends and holidays. We’ll triage your pet immediately, get to the bottom of the issue, and help you and those puppy eyes through it all. Best of all, you get to stay with your pet the entire time!