If you've ever seen your dog with red, watery eyes, or have caught them squinting, or rubbing their face repeatedly, you know how alarming it can be.
Just like humans, dogs are prone to a variety of eye issues – some mild, some serious, and all deserving of attention.
In this guide, we’ll explore five common eye conditions in dogs, how to recognise them, and what steps you can take to treat and prevent them.
Common eye conditions in dogs explained
1. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Just like humans, dogs can catch conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the whites of the eyes. It’s a common ocular condition in dogs and, although it can appear concerning, it is often easily managed with appropriate veterinary treatment.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs:
- Redness or swelling of the eyes
- Discharge from the eyes (clear, yellow, or green)
- Squinting or excessive blinking
- Rubbing or pawing at the eyes.
Causes of conjunctivitis in dogs:
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Environmental allergies (to pollen, dust, mould food, etc.)
- Exposure to irritants such as smoke, wind, or grooming products
- Presence of foreign bodies in the eye
- Underlying conditions such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye).
Treatment for conjunctivitis in dogs
Treatment will depend on the specific cause but often includes medicated eye drops, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by your vet. Antihistamines may be recommended for allergy-related cases, and if a foreign object is involved, professional removal is essential. Your vet might also suggest an Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from rubbing or scratching the affected eye.
At home, you can support recovery with cool water (that has been boiled and left to cool down) and gentle cleaning around the eyes to ease discomfort and remove discharge. However, you should always prioritise a veterinary diagnosis to ensure the condition doesn’t worsen or lead to more serious complications.
2. Cataracts in dogs
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes opaque or cloudy, preventing light from passing through effectively and resulting in reduced vision. While commonly associated with aging, cataracts can develop in dogs of any age, especially in certain breeds with a known genetic predisposition. If left untreated, cataracts may progress and lead to complete blindness.
Symptoms of cataracts in dogs:
- A noticeable cloudy or bluish-white appearance in one or both eyes
- Bumping into furniture or obstacles
- Hesitation with stairs or navigating unfamiliar environments.
Causes of cataracts in dogs:
- Inherited (genetic) factors – particularly in breeds such as Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, and Siberian Huskies
- Diabetes mellitus – a leading cause of rapid-onset cataracts in dogs
- Age-related changes – most common in senior dogs
- Ocular trauma or chronic inflammation – such as uveitis or lens luxation.
Treatment of cataracts in dogs
If you suspect your dog has cataracts, it is recommended to book an evaluation with a veterinary surgeon or ophthalmologist. The most effective treatment is surgical removal of the cataract, which can often restore vision and significantly improve a dog’s quality of life. While certain eye drops are marketed as cataract treatments, their effectiveness remains unproven. With timely intervention, many dogs go on to lead happy lives with good eyesight.
However, if cataracts are left unaddressed, they can progress to complete blindness and may also lead to complications like glaucoma. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek veterinary examination as soon as you notice any of the signs mentioned above.
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3. Glaucoma in dogs
Glaucoma is a painful and potentially blinding condition caused by a build-up of intraocular pressure (IOP) – pressure inside the eye. This pressure damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for carrying vision signals from the eye to the brain. Prompt treatment is essential to preserve sight, as delays can result in permanent blindness.
Symptoms of glaucoma in dogs:
- Cloudy, hazy, or blue appearance to the eye
- Redness in the white of the eye
- Dilated pupil that does not respond to light
- Pain indicators – squinting, tearing, sleeping more, head shyness, or tilting the head
- Sudden loss of vision – especially in one eye.
Causes of glaucoma in dogs:
Glaucoma can be primary (inherited) or secondary to other eye problems.
Primary glaucoma includes:
- Primary closed angle glaucoma (e.g. from goniodysgenesis)
- Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).
Secondary glaucoma may result from:
- Inflammation (uveitis)
- Cataracts or cataract surgery
- Lens luxation
- Retinal detachment
- Eye tumours.
When caught early, glaucoma can sometimes be managed effectively, preserving vision and comfort. However, most cases require lifelong care and monitoring. Without treatment, glaucoma often leads to irreversible blindness and chronic eye pain, highlighting the importance of regular veterinary check ups and immediate attention to any changes in your dog’s eyes.
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Treatment for glaucoma in dogs
Treatment may involve medication, surgery, or both. Medical options include anti-glaucoma eye drops that lower IOP. In more advanced or unresponsive cases, surgical interventions like shunt placement or laser surgery are considered. In eyes that are permanently blind and painful, enucleation (removal of the eye) may be the kindest option.
Lifelong management, including regular pressure checks and medication adjustments, is typically required. If blindness occurs, pets often adapt well, especially with owner support and environmental modifications.
4. Corneal ulcers in dogs
A corneal ulcer is a wound or abrasion on the surface of the eye. It's painful and can worsen quickly if left untreated. While many ulcers heal with appropriate care, some become persistent and require more advanced treatment.
Symptoms of corneal ulcers in dogs:
- Squinting or blinking excessively – a common sign of eye pain
- Redness in the white of the eye – due to inflammation
- Watery or thick discharge – can indicate irritation or secondary infection
- Cloudiness or a bluish/white spot on the surface of the eye
- Pawing or rubbing at the eye or face – dogs often try to relieve the discomfort
- Light sensitivity – dogs may avoid bright environments
- Behavioural changes – some dogs may become quiet or irritable due to discomfort.
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Causes of corneal ulcers in dogs
- Trauma – scratches from claws, thorns, or foreign bodies like grass seeds
- Infections – bacterial or viral infections that damage the corneal surface
- Eyelid or eyelash abnormalities – such as entropion (inward rolling eyelids) or distichia (abnormal lashes)
- Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) – leads to inadequate tear production and poor corneal protection
- Chemical irritation – exposure to household cleaning products or grooming sprays
- Chronic rubbing or self-trauma – especially in dogs with allergies or irritants in the environment.
Treatment of corneal ulcers in dogs usually involves antibiotic eye drops, pain relief, and managing the underlying cause. In persistent cases like Spontaneous Chronic Corneal Epithelial Defects (SCCEDs), minor surgical procedures may be needed to promote healing. Prompt veterinary care and follow-up are key to preserving your dog’s comfort and vision.
At home, it’s important to keep your dog calm and prevent them from scratching or rubbing their eye. Follow all veterinary instructions closely, as corneal ulcers can escalate rapidly and may become medical emergencies if not properly managed.
4. Dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) in dogs
‘Dry eye’ is medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and is a common condition in dogs where the tear glands produce an insufficient amount of tears. Tears are essential to lubricate, nourish, and protect the surface of the eye. Without enough tears, the eye becomes dry, irritated, and more prone to infection and damage.
Dry eye typically affects both eyes and is diagnosed using a Schirmer Tear Test, which measures tear production.
Symptoms of dry eye in dogs:
- Recurrent conjunctivitis – frequent eye inflammation or infection
- Sticky discharge – thick grey, white, or green material from one or both eyes
- Cloudiness or dull appearance of the cornea (the clear surface of the eye)
- Eye discomfort – shown as excessive blinking or rubbing at the eyes
- Redness and irritation – may appear in or around the eye area
- Vision changes – in more advanced cases, scarring or pigmentation can affect sight.
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Common causes of dry eye in dogs:
- Immune-mediated destruction of the tear glands (most common cause)
- Breed predisposition – seen more often in breeds like Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, and West Highland White Terriers
- Certain medications – such as sulfa drugs
- Neurologic disorders – affecting nerves to the tear glands
- Trauma or removal of tear-producing glands.
To diagnose dry eye, the vet will perform a Schirmer Tear Test to measure how much moisture your dog’s eyes are producing. Most dogs with this condition require lifelong management, which may include tear-stimulating medications such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus, artificial tears to keep the eyes lubricated, and antibiotics if secondary infections occur. In more severe cases that don’t respond to standard treatment, surgical options may be explored.
With consistent, ongoing care, many dogs live comfortably despite having dry eye. However, if left untreated, the condition can lead to chronic pain, recurrent infections, and permanent damage to the cornea. Prompt veterinary attention and a dedicated home care routine are essential to keeping your dog’s eyes healthy and irritation-free.
Treatment for dry eye in dogs
Treatment for dry eye in dogs typically involves the administering of topical medications such as cyclosporine (Optimmune™) or tacrolimus, which help stimulate natural tear production and address the underlying immune response. Artificial tear supplements – including gels, drops, or ointments – are used to keep the eye moist, especially in more severe cases.
If medical treatments fail, a surgical option called Parotid Duct Transposition (PDT) may be considered; this procedure redirects saliva to the eye to act as a tear substitute.
Tips on how to keep your dog’s eyes healthy
Keeping your dog’s eyes healthy is essential for their comfort, safety, and quality of life. Here are a few simple but important ways to protect their vision:
- Perform regular eye checks
Routinely examine your dog’s eyes for signs of redness, cloudiness, excessive tearing, or discharge. Early detection of abnormalities allows for quicker intervention and more effective treatment. - Maintain proper grooming
Keep the hair around your dog’s eyes neatly trimmed—especially in long-haired breeds—to reduce the risk of irritation, tear staining, or foreign hairs entering the eye. - Address changes promptly
If you notice squinting, pawing at the eyes, or any unusual discharge, seek veterinary advice without delay. Early medical attention can prevent minor conditions from progressing into more serious or permanent issues.
Consistent care, observation, and routine veterinary visits are key to preserving your dog’s eye health throughout their life.
Common eye conditions in dogs: final thoughts
Eye conditions in dogs can be alarming, but the good news is that most are treatable, especially when caught early. Whether it's irritation, cloudiness or wateriness, being aware of the signs and acting quickly can help protect your dog’s vision and comfort.
Always consult your vet if you suspect an eye problem. With attentive care and a little vigilance, you can keep your dog’s eyes bright, healthy, and full of vitality.
