Kingsdale Quick Takes
• Red eyes in dogs usually signal irritation, injury, infection, or an underlying medical problem.
• Some causes are mild, but others, like glaucoma or corneal ulcers, can threaten your dog’s vision.
• Treatment depends on the cause and may include eye drops, oral meds, or even urgent surgery for severe cases.
• If your dog’s eye is painful, cloudy, or swollen, or if vision changes, see your vet right away.
• Never use human eye drops without talking with your vet first.
Have you noticed your dog's eyes looking red? Red eyes in dogs are a symptom of various issues; some are simple and easily treated, whereas some are more serious. It's essential to know the potential causes as to why your dog's eye is red and take action as soon as possible if your dog is showing signs of discomfort or pain. In this article, we'll look at the top five common causes of red eyes in dogs: conjunctivitis, KCS (dry-eye), irritant/foreign material allergies, glaucoma, uveitis, and corneal ulcers. We'll also discuss how to recognize warning signs and when it's time for a trip to your vet for further investigation.
1. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is one of the most common causes of red eyes in dogs. The conjunctiva is the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white part of your dog's eye. When this tissue becomes inflamed, due to bacteria, for example, it causes discomfort and redness in the dog's eyes.
Treatment typically involves topical medications aimed at the specific cause. While mild cases may resolve on their own, most dogs require therapy to fully recover, so consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has conjunctivitis.
2. Trauma or Injury
Trauma, injury, irritants, foreign materials, or objects all play a role in the development of red eyes in dogs. If a dog's eye comes into contact with dust, sand, grass seeds, or other small particles, it can become irritated, resulting in redness. Both trauma and contact with foreign objects can cause significant redness and discomfort, prompting you to ask why your dog's eyes are red. Immediate veterinary attention is essential to prevent potential complications such as permanent damage or vision loss.
3. Dry Eye (KCS)
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), commonly known as "dry eye," is a frequent cause of red eyes in dogs. KCS occurs when there's inadequate tear production, leading to dry, inflamed, and red eyes in dogs. This lack of proper lubrication can cause discomfort, and if left untreated, may result in damage to the cornea and chronic secondary ocular infections.
Treatment typically involves medications to stimulate tear production or replace lost moisture in the form of artificial tears. It's important to consult with your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and treatment if you suspect your dog has KCS.
4. Allergies
If you notice that your dog's eyes are red, it would not be wrong to think of the possibility of allergies. Allergic red eyes in dogs are a result of a type-1 hypersensitivity reaction. Alongside the redness in your dog's eyes, you may also notice your dog become more itchy when it excessively licks and chews at itself. The excessive itchiness is often a sign of systemic allergies or atopy. This is usually more common in the spring and fall when seasonal allergies are more prevalent.
Treatment for allergic red eyes in dogs involves topical anti-inflammatories or systemic medication designed to combat the allergic response.
5. Glaucoma
Moving on to the much more serious causes of why your dog's eyes are red, glaucoma is considered an urgent medical condition. It occurs when there's inadequate drainage of aqueous fluid in the eye, leading to high intraocular pressure.
Treatments for glaucoma include a variety of medications designed to decrease the production of intraocular fluid and improve drainage. Pain management is also a very important facet of treatment as glaucoma is very painful.
6. Uveitis
Uveitis is another cause of red eyes in dogs and refers to the inflammation of the uvea, a collection of structures inside the eye. Uveitis can be triggered by various factors, including infections, diabetic cataracts, trauma, toxins, and ocular tumours.
The treatment for uveitis is directed towards the specific cause of uveitis, but often requires anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.
7. Corneal Ulcers
Corneal ulcers will almost always cause your dog's eye to be red. These ulcers occur when there's damage to the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. al ulcers are caused by either insufficient protection of the cornea or excessive loss of epithelial tissue, which is the outer layer.
If left untreated, corneal ulcers can lead to serious complications, including vision loss, therefore, immediate veterinary attention is important. Treatment will often involve medication to promote healing, manage pain, and prevent infection.
Red eyes in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from relatively simple to serious medical conditions. The most common causes are conjunctivitis, trauma or injury, dry eye (KCS), irritants or foreign material, allergies, glaucoma, and uveitis. It is important to take your dog for immediate veterinary attention if you suspect any of these issues, as some may require specific treatment to prevent further complications such as vision loss or permanent damage. By understanding the potential causes of red eyes in dogs and being aware of symptoms that indicate when it's time for a visit to your veterinarian, you can ensure that your furry companion receives proper care and prompt attention whenever necessary.
If you have any further questions or are wondering why your dog's eyes are red, please contact your veterinarian.