Dog symptom
Red or runny eyes in dogs
Redness, discharge, squinting, or pawing at the eye. Eyes can deteriorate quickly, so eye problems should be seen promptly.
Common causes of red or runny eyes in dogs
- Conjunctivitis (irritation or infection)
- A scratch or ulcer on the surface of the eye
- Allergies or irritants
- Glaucoma or other internal eye disease
Who's most at risk
- Brachycephalic breeds (prominent eyes)
- Outdoor or active pets (trauma, foreign bodies)
- Pets that rub or paw at the face
- Breeds prone to glaucoma or dry eye
What you can do at home
- Gently wipe discharge away with a clean, damp cloth (one wipe per eye)
- Stop your pet from rubbing the eye (a recovery collar can help)
- Do not use leftover, human, or steroid-containing eye drops without veterinary advice
When to see a vet
- Squinting, holding the eye shut, or obvious pain
- A cloudy, bulging, or visibly injured eye
- Thick or colored discharge, or no improvement within a day
When it's more serious
- A cloudy, bulging, or injured eye can threaten vision — urgent care now.
- Pain and squinting suggest a scratch, ulcer, or pressure problem — see a vet today.
- That points to infection or a deeper problem — get it checked promptly.
What your vet may do
- Stain the eye to check for a scratch or ulcer
- Measure eye pressure (glaucoma) and tear production
- Treat infection, ulcer, or pain and protect the eye
- Refer to an eye specialist for serious cases
Questions to ask your vet
- Is the surface of the eye scratched or ulcerated?
- Is the eye pressure normal?
- Is vision at risk?
- Which drops are safe, and how often?
Frequently asked questions
What causes red or runny eyes in dogs?
Redness, discharge, squinting, or pawing at the eye. Eyes can deteriorate quickly, so eye problems should be seen promptly. Common causes include: Conjunctivitis (irritation or infection); A scratch or ulcer on the surface of the eye; Allergies or irritants; Glaucoma or other internal eye disease.
Is red or runny eyes in dogs an emergency?
See a vet today. See a vet right away if: Squinting, holding the eye shut, or obvious pain; A cloudy, bulging, or visibly injured eye; Thick or colored discharge, or no improvement within a day.
What can I do at home for a dog with red or runny eyes?
Gently wipe discharge away with a clean, damp cloth (one wipe per eye) Stop your pet from rubbing the eye (a recovery collar can help) Do not use leftover, human, or steroid-containing eye drops without veterinary advice
Sources
Reviewed by the Webvet Veterinarian Team
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis, and does not replace an exam by your veterinarian. If your pet is in distress, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.