Did you know that your dog’s eyes work just about the same as your own? Just as your own can become irritated and red, so can your dog’s eyes.
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In this article we’ll take a look at the most common causes of red eyes in dogs, and what to do if your dog develops red eyes.
What Causes Red Eyes in Dogs?
It can be scary when your dog develops red eyes. You wonder if your dog’s eyes are irritated and hurting, itchy, and more. Who wants their dog to be uncomfortable or sick?
Red eyes can be caused by numerous health issues:
- Pink eye: it’s possible you may have experienced a bout of conjunctivitis at some point. This is also called pink eye. Dogs can also develop this problem. Pink eye happens when the conjunctive tissues around the eye become irritated or infected. This causes inflammation in the tissue, which causes redness in the eyes. Pink eye may develop due to allergies, dust, pollen, or a foreign object in the eye.
- Dry eye: can be caused when the eyes don’t produce enough tears. Tears work to keep the eye moist, while also washing out foreign objects, bacteria/viruses, and more. When dry eye develops, it causes the eyes to become inflamed. This can lead to pain and eye redness.
- Cherry eye: develops when the dog’s third eyelid can prolapse, which leads to inflammation and that “cherry” in the corner of your dog’s eyes. If left untreated, this condition can lead to other eye issues such as conjunctivitis.
- Uveitis: this is a condition that causes inflammation in certain parts of the eye. This is a painful condition and can cause red eyes in dogs.
- Corneal ulcers: this condition can develop when the cornea of a dog’s eye becomes eroded. This condition can be caused by trauma, such as a foreign object in the eye or the eye being scratched somehow.
- Glaucoma: is the fluid buildup in the eye that creates a dangerous pressure in the eye. If not treated, this condition can lead to blindness. Glaucoma causes swelling, which can lead to red eyes.
- Allergies
- Eye trauma or injury: can be caused by a foreign object in the eye or a scratch on the eye.
- Underlying health issues: can cause red eyes such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and even cancer.
What to Do If Your Dog Develops Red Eyes?
First, don’t panic. Your dog’s red eyes don’t always mean there’s a major problem. However, if your dog has never had red eyes and this condition comes on suddenly, then it’s a good idea to have him checked by the vet.
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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