What to do if your dog has red eyes: causes, symptoms and treatment

A dog's eyes, like a person's, are the organ through which they communicate with the outside world. A dog's eye is an organ specially adapted for the animal to perceive light waves. With the help of vision, your dog navigates the world around him, perceives the intensity of light, color, shape of objects, distance to them, as well as the movement of objects in space. With the help of vision, a dog in the wild obtains food for itself, has the ability to move in the direction it needs, and, in the event of an attack, to defend itself

Eyes, like a keen sense of smell and keen hearing, are important for the full life of an animal. Therefore, owners of all diseases that can lead to decreased visual acuity or even blindness of your pet must be noticed and treated in time. How to recognize when a dog’s red whites of the eyes are a pathology that requires immediate treatment, and when is this the norm due to the breed?

By the condition of the eyes you can always determine whether your dog is healthy or not; the eyes are a “mirror” not only of the soul, but also of the health of the animal.

Before talking about whether red eyes in a dog are a particular disease, the dog owner needs to have a general understanding of the structure of the eye.

A dog's eyes are located in the orbits - bony sockets formed by the bones of the skull, where they are held by several muscles that ensure their mobility and orientation in different directions. The dog's eye itself is protected by auxiliary organs - eyelids and glands.

The dog has three eyelids. The upper and lower eyelids are folds of skin, the inner surface of the eyelids is lined with mucous membrane. The outside of the eyelids is bordered by eyelashes, which protect the eyes from dust and other foreign particles. A dog's third eyelid is a simple film in the inner corner of the eye that dog owners usually cannot see. This film covers the eye when it is closed or irritated, as well as during nervous disorders.

The eye in the cornea area comes into contact with the external dry environment, so it needs protection of the lacrimal glands, which produce tear fluid - a secret that moisturizes the surface of the cornea. A dog's tears accumulate in the space between the eyelids and the eye and are then drained through a narrow channel that begins at the inner corner of the eye and opens into the nasal cavity. When there is excessive lacrimation or blockage of the tear duct, tears flow from the eyes and, when oxidized, form red stripes on the fur that look like blood.

The eye consists of two parts. The anterior portion includes the cornea, iris, and lens. They absorb beams of light from the dog, like a camera lens. The cornea and lens are clear and act like optical lenses, and the iris acts as a diaphragm, regulating the amount of light entering the eye through the pupil (the hole in the iris).

The back of the eye consists of the vitreous body, the choroid (choroid) and the retina, which converts optical light signals into nerve impulses that are transmitted to the visual center of the brain.

Thinking of the eye as an analogy to a camera, the back of the eye is like a photographic film on which the dog's brain captures the image.

If there is redness in the eyes, your dog will strive to hide from the light in a secluded place in his kennel, and to find a shaded corner at home to rest. The dog becomes apathetic and there is a decrease in appetite. Sometimes the dog may itch, shake its head, and whine. The dog's owner notes that redness of the sclera of the eye is often accompanied by an increase in body temperature and nasal discharge.

Often, redness of a dog's eyes is accompanied by inflammation of the conjunctiva, and depending on the form of conjunctivitis, mucous, white, greenish, yellow and brown discharge is additionally noted.

Causes of red eyes in dogs

The causes of red eyes in a dog can be of different nature: heredity, infectious and non-infectious diseases, injuries, and so on. In addition, redness can be local or widespread, observed for a short period of time or for a long time, accompanied by accompanying symptoms or be the only sign of pathology.

Infectious diseases that cause red eyes

This group of causes of red eyes includes contagious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Chlamydia. It often occurs in a chronic form. The eyes are affected alternately. If left untreated, uveitis can develop, which ultimately results in blindness.
Viral diseases of puppies. Red eyes are usually accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, high body temperature and loss of large amounts of fluid from the body.
Toxoplasmosis. Delayed assistance leads to the development of uveitis, just like with chlamydia. Newborn dogs usually do not survive, and infected pregnant females often experience spontaneous abortions.
Telaziosis. This is a parasitic disease; Thelyasia are spread by flies. Feeding on the dog's eye secretions, the flies are carried to the mucous membrane of the larvae. Redness of the eyes is accompanied by clouding, inflammation of the eyelids, conjunctiva, and loss of vision.
Conjunctivitis. This is an inflammatory process in the connective membrane of the dog’s eye, which occurs for a variety of reasons. Viral or bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious to other animals and humans. Depending on the nature of the disease, redness of the eyes is accompanied by various accompanying symptoms.
Keratitis. With this disease, the cornea becomes inflamed. As in the previous case, the pathology has a different nature. In addition to red eyes, the dog has: increased secretion of tear secretion, thickening of the eyelids, deposition of calcium salts, and possible formation of pus in the organs of vision.
Plague. The dog's eyes turn red at the same time as the lungs are affected. At the same time, the lymph nodes enlarge, vomiting and diarrhea appear, body temperature rises, and the eyes fester. The disease can lead to the death of the pet.

Non-infectious pathologies

Red eyes in a dog can be the result of non-contagious diseases and conditions.

Mechanical injury. Can be obtained during a fight with another dog or cat; the dog may accidentally damage his eyes with a branch; Seeds or other small objects may enter the organs of vision.
Inversion and eversion of the eyelids. In the first case, the hairs located on the eyelid irritate the cornea of the eye, which over time can lead to poor vision and blindness. In the second, the mucous membrane falls out, which provokes the penetration of infectious agents into it. The pathology is often genetically determined and is observed, for example, in bulldogs and sharpeis.
Blepharitis. Depending on the provoking factor (trauma, parasites, etc.), the disease may be contagious or not. In addition to the fact that the dog’s eyes are red, they fester, water, and stick together.
Prolapse (prolapse) of the third eyelid. This is a pathological condition in which the nictitating membrane (the third eyelid that includes the tear gland) covers part of the dog's eye in the form of a pinkish or red film. It prevents the eyes from closing, causes itching, redness of the whites, provokes infections and the development of inflammation. Most often transmitted genetically.
Diabetes. Dogs with diabetes may have red eyes due to spikes in blood glucose. In this case, the blood vessels become thinner and damaged - they rupture and hemorrhage. Associated symptoms: dull coat, dry mucous membranes (including eyes), rapid heartbeat, the animal drinks a lot.
Blockage of the tear duct. Leads to the appearance of red eyes and frequent inflammatory processes.
High blood pressure. Causes blood vessels in the dog's eyes to become overflowing with blood and turn red. Over time, it can cause vision deterioration or loss.
Malignant and benign formations. Various tumors (bumps) can also cause red eyes, having a mechanical, hormonal or other effect on the organs of vision. In older dogs, adenoma of the third eyelid often develops.
Allergic reaction. Red eyes are accompanied by itching of varying intensity, swelling of the mucous membrane, copious secretion of tear secretion, and sneezing. An allergen can be any irritant - pollen, medications, ingredients of feed mixtures, hygiene products.

Red eyes as heredity

In some cases, red eyes in a dog are normal. This occurs if the pet is an albino or belongs to one of the breeds that are genetically predisposed to reddening of the proteins of the organs of vision. These include the bulldog, cocker spaniel, Pekingese, pug, basset hound and others. In this case, it is not the redness itself that is inherited, but the diseases in which this occurs, for example, inflammation of the conjunctiva.

Red eyes as a normal response of the body to stress

In a number of situations, a dog’s eyes become red under the influence of some stress factor. For example, with excitement (moving, fear, aggression), the blood vessels in the eyes can dilate, which visually manifests itself as redness. As the pet calms down, the phenomenon goes away on its own.

The same thing occurs with prolonged exposure to the sun or in an overheated, stuffy room. Blood rushes to the eyes, shortness of breath appears, the dog loses coordination and is poorly oriented in space, may lose consciousness, vomiting and/or bleeding from the nasal passages is possible. In such cases, the pet needs urgent help: you need to give it water, pour it on top, put a wet cloth (ice) on its head, and place it in a cool, well-ventilated place.

Sometimes red eyes in a dog are observed after a walk, if there is a strong wind outside, especially with dust. When small particles get on the membrane of the organs of vision, irritation of the mucous membrane occurs, its dryness, which leads to redness.

Prevention

monthly (annual) deworming (getting rid of helminths and the causes that can cause them);
vaccination (prevention of infection with infectious, invasive, viral and autoimmune diseases);
eliminating the causes that can cause or are causing an allergic reaction;
the correct choice of walking areas for the animal so that the animal cannot be injured, become infected with helminths and other diseases transmitted from living organisms;
monitor the state of the environment. If the temperature outside is higher or lower than normal, then make sure that the dog does not get overheated or hypothermic;
the most important thing: if you notice any deviations in the dog’s behavior, or symptoms appear that were not noticed before, then immediately contact a veterinary clinic, where you will be provided with high-quality and specialized care.

If you still could not protect your dog from the negative effects of the environment and it acquired any disease, then you need to start treatment immediately.

Associated symptoms

What symptoms should you look out for if your dog has red eyes? To make the diagnosis as accurate as possible, before visiting a veterinarian, the owner needs to take a close look at his four-legged friend. Be sure to inform your specialist about the following accompanying symptoms:

difficulty opening eyes, eyelids sticking together;
purulent or other discharge;
profuse lacrimation;
itching (the dog often rubs the organs of vision);
pupil disproportion;
fear of light;
the appearance of spots, haze, neoplasms on the cornea, iris, eyelids;
swollen eyelids;
elevated body temperature.

You should also pay attention to the general condition of the animal: is it hiding in a secluded place, is it scared or has become aggressive and irritable, is it weakened, is there discharge from the nostrils or difficulty breathing, and so on. Even a seemingly insignificant clarification or detail will make it possible to undergo the necessary examination, make the correct diagnosis and quickly begin treatment.

Incomplete closure of eyelids

Lagophthalmos, caused by temporary swelling of the eye or orbit, is eliminated by performing temporary tarsorrhaphy using 1-3 non-absorbable mattress sutures passing through the edges of the eyelids at the level of the gray line. If the eyelid tension is slight, sutures can be applied without stents. If lagophthalmos is caused by a chronic disease (for example, enlargement of the eyelid fissure, conformational exophthalmos, eyelid paralysis), plastic surgery of the canthus is performed either laterally or medially, regardless of the most vulnerable area of the eyeball and cornea, the placement of which will best contribute to the preservation of eyelid function.

How to treat red eyesight in a dog

In most cases, treatment of red eyes in a dog is carried out using external means - ointments, drops and rinsing solutions. In difficult situations (depending on the disease), injections are prescribed. In therapy, drugs of different groups can be used: antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, regenerative, immunostimulating and others. At the same time, vitamin-mineral complexes and physiotherapeutic measures can be prescribed.

The most popular external remedies are:

Anandin – reduces inflammation, has an antiseptic effect, heals tissue;
Sulfacyl sodium – antibacterial effect;
Leopard - exhibits a powerful antiseptic effect, eliminates pain, prevents the development of secondary infections, contains an antibiotic, and can also be used for prophylaxis;
Diamond eyes – antimicrobial drops, stimulate the healing of damaged tissues, eliminate inflammation;
Maxidin – has immunostimulating activity;
Iris is a healing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agent, especially effective for ulcerative lesions of the cornea;
Sofradex - constricts blood vessels, eliminates the inflammatory process, destroys infection;
Tsiprovet – has a pronounced antibacterial effect;
Tetracycline ointment is an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory drug, effective against chlamydia;
Furacilin is an antiseptic, used to wash the eyes.

Features of the treatment of red eyes in a dog for certain diseases and conditions are described in the table below.

Disease/condition

How is the treatment carried out?

Toxoplasmosis

Anandin (Maksidin) is instilled into the pet's eyes. At the same time, immunomodulatory injections are prescribed.

Thelaziosis

To destroy thelyas, a large amount of 3% boric acid is instilled into the animal’s eyes once every 25 days throughout the summer.

Conjunctivitis

Bars is used in the form of drops.

Inversion (inversion) of the eyelids

Conservative treatment consists of using hormonal ointments, such as hydrocortisone. Or surgery is performed.

Presence of a foreign body

An extraction is made, after which the eye is washed with an antiseptic and ointment is applied.

Third eyelid prolapse

Treatment consists of removing the pathology surgically. Since the lacrimal gland is also removed, the animal is prescribed drops to moisturize the mucous membrane of the eyes for the rest of its life.

Fusion of eyelids

In animals, congenital and acquired eyelid fusions occur. Often noted are symblepharon - fusion of the eyelids with the eyeball and ankyloblepharon - fusion of the upper and lower eyelids. It should be remembered that dogs are born with fused edges of the eyelids (the first 11-12 days after birth). Therefore, acquired fusion of the eyelid margins poses a danger to the animal.

Eyelid fusion is treated surgically by making an incision along the very edge of the eyelid. The freed edges are cauterized with a 2% lapis solution and lubricated with tetracycline ointment to prevent re-union.

How to give first aid

Until you visit a veterinarian, you can relieve your pet’s condition on your own. First aid measures are as follows:

if there is pus or other discharge, or if household chemicals get into your eyes, rinse them well with warm water;
if the mucous membrane of the organs of vision is dry, it is necessary to instill a means to moisturize it, for example, Natural Tear;
if very severe redness is observed, you can use Ciprovet.

You cannot use any drugs based on antibacterial, antifungal, hormonal or other active ingredients on your own! Such “treatment” can cause complications and lead to vision loss.

Stye and chalazion

A stye is a focal abscess in the sebaceous gland, usually caused by a staphylococcal infection. External styes are observed in the glands of Zeiss and Moll, and internal styes are observed in the meiobian glands. The latter type of stye is most common in dogs.

Treatment involves applying warm compresses, manually squeezing the gland to remove any remaining secretions, and using topical antibiotics. A chalazion is a delay in secretion in the meiobian gland, which is a reaction to a foreign body, or it is observed during the formation of a granuloma.

A chalazion appears as a firm, yellow mass on the conjunctival surface of the eyelid margin and usually does not require treatment. Curretage can be performed under local anesthesia, then the eyelid is everted and the contents of the chalazion are removed using a chalazion curette or other instrument. In this case, a short course of corticosteroids and antibiotics is indicated.

What to pay attention to during treatment

For a speedy recovery of your four-legged friend and to avoid complications, experts recommend the following:

Before the dog is examined by a veterinarian, the eyes can only be washed with water, weak tea, or furatsilin solution;
a visit to a specialist is necessary even if there are no associated symptoms;
do not try to “examine” the pathology yourself, as there is a risk of causing a secondary infection or becoming infected from a pet;
wash with rubber gloves; after the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

The sooner the animal is examined by a doctor, the greater the chance of avoiding complications and maintaining vision.

Purulent conjunctivitis

Purulent conjunctivitis in a dog develops due to the entry of various pathogenic microorganisms into the conjunctiva. Purulent conjunctivitis is one of the symptoms of carnivore plague......

Clinical picture. During a clinical examination, a veterinarian notes reddening of the conjunctiva, its swelling, and purulent discharge from the eye of a sick dog.

Treatment. With this form of conjunctivitis, a sick dog is treated with eye drops and ointments that contain antibiotics. Tetracycline eye ointment and Ciprovet drops are widely used. Before applying eye drops and eye ointment, it is necessary to clean the affected eyes of exudate.

How to wash your dog's eyes

To wash your dog’s eyes, you need to moisten a cotton wool disc or a piece of gauze (soft cloth) in a pre-prepared solution or regular boiled water. The solution should be at room temperature. Movements are made in the direction from the outer corner of the eye to the bridge of the nose. If there are dried crusts on the eyelids, apply a generously moistened disc to them several times, holding for 2-4 seconds. You need to apply the compress until the crusts get wet, after which they are carefully removed with a new, wetted and wrung-out disc.

Why do you need diagnostics in a veterinary clinic?

Diagnosis in a veterinary clinic is necessary to exclude diseases with similar symptoms and select effective, and most importantly, safe treatment. A set of laboratory and instrumental studies helps to identify the exact cause of the ailment. These include:

tests of urine, blood and feces, revealing deviations in baseline indicators and the presence of parasites;
bacteriological culture, used to determine the exact type of pathogen and drugs to destroy it;
measurement of intraocular pressure;
Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, determining the presence of pathologies of internal organs;
allergy test;
X-ray of the chest and skull, which helps detect closed injuries;
Schirmer test, which allows you to determine the level of tear production.

The list presented can be supplemented or shortened by a veterinarian. After receiving all the results, an individual treatment plan is selected for the animal.

Preventive measures

To prevent red eyes in a dog, you need to pay attention to the following points:

increase your pet’s immunity, provide balanced nutrition;
walk in a safe place;
prevent unnecessary “acquaintances”;
avoid stress;
carefully select hygiene products;
destroy parasites in a timely manner;
get vaccinated on time;
promptly contact a veterinarian without delaying treatment of diseases.

Periodic examination of the dog's eyes, careful attention to it, its behavior and mood, as well as a quick response to changes in health will serve as the key to a long and healthy life for your pet.

Convergent strabismus

Convergent strabismus is a noticeable visual deviation from the normal position and joint movement of both eyes of a dog.

Moreover, with paralytic strabismus, the dog's squinting eye does not repeat the movement of the fixed eye.

Cause. Traumatic eye injuries, hypertrophic processes in the orbit (tumors), damage to the central nervous system.

One of the reasons may be congenital underdevelopment of the periorbital muscles, congenital hydrocephalus.

Treatment. Treatment of convergent strabismus involves treating the underlying disease that led to the strabismus.