5 Most Common Reasons Your Dog Has Red Eyes

We all struggle with eye irritation from time to time, and that includes our precious pups.  One minute our dog may have clear, bright eyes and the next minute our dog’s eyes are red and puffy, or bloodshot.  Bottom line – when this happens, there is something wrong.  It’s our job as a loving owner to find out why our dog’s eyes are red and how to treat bloodshot eyes. 

We may have a general idea of what causes dog eye irritation, but luckily veterinarians have weighed in on the most common culprits of red eyes in dogs.  Anything from dust particles to more serious medical conditions may help to explain why your dog’s eyes are suddenly swollen or your dog’s eyes are red and puffy.
Let’s take a look at the 5 most common reasons why dogs get red eyes.

Allergies

Your dog’s eyes are red and puffy for the same reason your eyes are!  Allergies. Whether it be dust mites, dirt, mold, pollutants such as smog or smoke, or certain foods, your dog may struggle with redness and irritation in their eyes.  Allergies are temporary but they can be irritating for your dog. Sometimes probiotics help.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Why are my dog’s eyes red around the outside?  One explanation may be that your dog has pink eye.  Similar to humans, a dog’s eyes may have an allergic reaction if exposed to certain irritants like dirt, dust or smoke.  Tissue around the eye can become inflamed or develop into an infection caused by a virus or bacteria. This condition may benefit from medication, so check in with your veterinarian. 

Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

Dry eyes are caused by lack of tear production in your dog’s eyes.  Without tears constantly flushing irritants out, your dog’s eyes may become irritated, red and possibly infected. Lubricating drops can help with this condition, but you will need to receive guidance from your veterinarian.

Eye Injury

Eye injuries can happen to any active dog.  Try finding goggles to protect them! Scratches, objects making contact with the eye, or more serious trauma to the eye can cause redness and inflammation.  It may be difficult to see a minor injury, so always be cautious and consult a veterinarian. 

Glaucoma

Dogs can develop more serious conditions like glaucoma, which causes pain, redness and possible vision loss.  Fluid build up in the eye can increase pressure around the eyeball.  Consult your veterinarian immediately.  Early detection can prevent the most serious symptoms, which can include blindness.

Conclusion

Our dogs have red eyes for different reasons, and some are more serious than others.  Sometimes you can see dirt or dust in your dog’s eye, and it may take a simple water or saline rinse to alleviate the redness.  If your dog’s eyes are red or seem to cause discomfort for more than a few days, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to confirm the cause and determine the best treatment.  

Learn about more ways to improve your dog’s dental health here and check out this list of useful dog wipes for ears and eyes!