Does your dog have red eyes? Are you concerned about what might be causing this clinical sign in your pet? Is there anything you need to do about your dog’s red eyes, or can you just wait for them to clear up on their own?

Red eyes in dogs are sometimes a cause for worry, especially if they don’t get better in a couple of days. However, in some instances, red eyes may not be a serious cause for concern. In the article below, we’ll explain some of the most common causes of red eyes in dogs to help you figure out what’s going on with your pet.

Causes of red eyes in dog

Listed below are the top 6 causes of why your dog may have red eyes:

1. Allergies can cause red eyes in dogs

Allergies are by far the most common cause of eye redness in dogs. If your dog’s eye appears red and you see other clinical signs, then allergies are one potential culprit. Some dogs have seasonal allergies, and some have allergies that last all year long.

Allergy symptoms in dogs

Watch for these signs to understand if your dog may have allergies:

• Sneezing

• Wheezing

• Coughing

• Runny nose

• Red eye or eyes

• Scratching or biting their coat

• Excessive paw licking

• Excessive shedding

If you suspect that your dog may have allergies, take him to the vet to be diagnosed. Your vet may recommend regular allergy medication if your dog has severe allergies. Otherwise, your dog may just need a shorter course of eye drops or other types of medication to treat any allergic flare-ups that may occur.

If your dog has red eyes, call VEG or bring your dog right in. No appointment. Our 24/7 emergency vet will help determine the cause of your dog's red eye and how to treat it.

2. Object in the eye can cause redness in dog's eyes

Your dog’s eye may appear red because of a foreign object that is affecting the eye. If your dog gets any type of irritant or object stuck in its eye, it will cause discomfort and redness until the object is removed. This is similar to a human getting a piece of dirt or an eyelash trapped within the eye.

Most of the time, the redness and pain will go away as soon as the object is removed. However, in some cases, an object in the eye could cause scratching or damage that may need to be seen and treated by a vet.

3. Red eyes due to trauma

Trauma to the eye can cause a wide range of problems. Most of the time, dogs who suffer from some type of eye trauma experience a cut or scratch on the eye. However, some eye injuries can be very severe and may even result in the loss of the eye, especially if left untreated for too long.

If your dog is injured on or around his eye, take him to the vet right away. Even if the injury is not serious, it is important to get it checked out and eliminate the risk of further infection.

4. Glaucoma in dogs can cause red eyes

Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes a buildup of pressure within the affected eye. Most dogs have glaucoma only in one eye at a time, but some may experience it in both eyes at once. Glaucoma can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated, and it can be a serious problem for some dogs, too.

If your dog seems to have a lot of eye pain and discomfort along with his eye redness, glaucoma could be the problem. Talk to your vet for a formal diagnosis of glaucoma and recommendations for treatment and management.

5. Dog pinkeye aka conjunctivitis

Pinkeye, otherwise known as conjunctivitis, is a condition that causes a dog’s eye to turn red or pink and become irritated and inflamed. Pinkeye in dogs is very similar to pinkeye in humans, and it may cause similar symptoms too. Some of the symptoms of pinkeye include pain, itching, swelling, and crust or drainage from the eye.

Pinkeye can be easily treated with the help of medicated eye drops. You will need to take your pet to the vet to receive these drops. In severe cases, your vet may also recommend oral medication along with the eye drops to help clear up the problem fast.

Some dogs are more prone to cherry eye, such as hounds and terriers. Read on to learn more about cherry eye and other causes for red eye in dogs. VEG is open 24 hours every day if your dog is in an emergency crisis. Come in anytime for immediate vet attention.

6. Gland prolapse (cherry eye) in dogs

This condition is commonly referred to as “cherry eye.” It refers to a situation in which a gland in the dog’s eye prolapses, that is, it pops out of place, and becomes puffy, inflamed, and uncomfortable. Some dogs may not be affected by cherry eye very much, but others may show signs of pain related to this problem.

Ever see eyelids that slide across a dog's eyes as they get sleepy? This thin membrane, considered a dog's third eyelid, is there to protect the eye. You may not even notice that it's there, but it does serve a function. These nictitating, translucent eyelids, shield the eyes from debris which can cause irritation or inflammation. They help keep your dog's eyes moistened by their tear ducts. When the gland is prolapsed, aka the unmistakable cherry eye, your dog's eye will appear to pop out of place and the normally hidden third eyelid is visible.

Cherry eye is common in certain dog breeds like brachycephalic (flat-faced dogs), hounds, and spaniels, though other breeds can be susceptible to cherry eye:

• Basset Hounds

• Beagles

• Bloodhounds

• Cane Corsos

• English Bulldogs

• French Bulldogs

• Cocker Spaniels

• Shar-Peis

• Shih Tzus and more

How is cherry eye treated at the vet?

Your dog may need to undergo surgery to correct cherry eye. Our vets at VEG ER for Pets can give you more information about the proper treatment or management of this condition. We'll let you know if your pet is in need of surgery or not. Some dogs can live perfectly normal lives with cherry eye.

VEG 24-hour animal clinic is here to help your dog

As you can see, there are several potential causes of red eyes in dogs. The good news is that most of these problems are not much to worry about. The few that are more concerning can often be treated with the help of a trusted vet.

If you want more information or advice, contact VEG ER for Pets by calling one of our locations. The emergency vets at all of our VEG locations are available every day, including weekends and holidays, to help if your dog’s eye is red. We’ll find out the reason for this and develop the best course of action to take in solving the problem.