Dogs rely on their vision for everything: playing, eating, and hanging out. Unfortunately, there are a lot of problems that get in the way of their vision. Some of these are mild and easy to treat, while others can be more challenging to deal with.
The one thing they have in common is that once they start, they should never be left alone. This guide is here to give you a glimpse of the common dog eye problems and what you can expect. With this, we can give you clues on what to do and how to help your dog.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the thin layer that spans the white part of the eye, known as the conjunctiva. It’s also known as pink eye due to the symptoms it presents.
This dog eye problem is mostly caused by bacterial and viral infections, but it can also be triggered by allergies and irritants. Plus, other eye issues in dogs, like entropion or ectropion, can contribute.
Dogs prone to conjunctivitis are mostly those with flat faces like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus. Common signs include:
Red and swollen eyes
Water, yellow, or green discharge
Frequent blinking or squinting
Sensitivity to light
Pawing or rubbing the eyes
Treatment will focus on specific medications and lubricating eye drops. If the issue stems from the structure of the eyelid or a foreign body, then surgical correction may be required.
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Because of this cloudiness, light will have a harder time reaching the retina. This obstructs a dog’s vision.
Canine cataracts can develop from several reasons, including genetics, age, diabetes, eye trauma, and poor nutrition. Breeds prone to this dog eye problem include Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Boston Terriers, and Siberian Huskies. Symptoms include:
Cloudy or grayish eyes
Changes in pupil size
Increased clumsiness and accidents
Hesitation when going to unfamiliar spaces
Trouble seeing in dim light
The main method for treating this dog eye problem is surgery, specifically phacoemulsification. This works by breaking down the cloudy lens and replacing it with a new one. While surgery carries risks, it has a high chance of success. Medications will be used for recovery.
Cherry Eye
A dog’s eye is similar to a human’s in structure. This includes the cornea, lens, retina, iris, pupils, and optic nerve. However, they have something unique as well, which is the third eyelid, also called the nictitating membrane.
When this third eyelid pops out and slips out of place, it looks like a red, fleshy lump in the corner of the dog’s eye. This is cherry eye.
Cherry eye is usually caused by a weakness in the connective tissue that holds the third eyelid in place. Factors include genetics, age, inflammation, trauma, infections, and allergies. Dogs prone to cherry eye include English Bulldogs, Beagles, American Cocker Spaniels, and Cane Corsos.
Signs include:
A red or pink lump on the corner of the eye
Eye irritation and discomfort
Excessive tearing or watery eyes
Pawing and rubbing at the eyes
Mucus discharge
Surgery is the main method for treating cherry eye in dogs. This dog eye problem can be solved by repositioning the third eyelid while preserving its function. This means creating a small pocket for the third eyelid to fit into and then securing it in place.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious condition in which the fluid in the eyes builds up, leading to increased intraocular pressure. This increase in pressure inside the eyes can damage the optic nerve and retina, potentially causing blindness.
Canine glaucoma can be primary or secondary. Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Beagles are common examples of inherited glaucoma. Other triggers include uveitis, lens luxation, cataracts, tumors, and trauma. The signs of glaucoma in dogs include:
Excessive squinting and blinking
Cloudy or bluish cornea
Redness in the white part of the eye
Excessive tearing and discharge
Bulging or enlarged eye
For treatment, our goal is to relieve the pain and lower the pressure inside the eyes. This will make use of topical eye drops and oral drugs. If these are not enough, we can proceed to more invasive procedures, such as cyclophotocoagulation and drainage implants.
Dry Eye

Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, happens when the dog’s tear glands don’t produce enough tears to keep the eyes lubricated. When this happens, their eyes become vulnerable to irritation, infections, and injury.
The most common cause of dry eye in dogs is an autoimmune disorder. This dog eye problem can also be caused by congenital issues, medications, nerve problems, infections, and injuries. Breeds prone to dry eye include English Bulldogs, Yorkshire Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels.
Signs include:
Redness and swelling
Thick, sticky discharge
Frequent squinting or blinking
Rubbing or pawing at the eyes
Cloudy appearance of the eyes
Dry eye generally requires lifelong management and care. This will involve medications to stimulate tear production and keep the eyes moist. Common examples include cyclosporine and tacrolimus.
Entropion
Entropion is a dog eye problem in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub and touch the cornea. This constant friction can irritate the eyes, causing pain, tearing, and ulcers. If not corrected, it can cause permanent eye damage.
This dog eye problem is mostly an inherited condition, but it can also develop later in life because of eye infections, injuries, and nerve damage. Dogs prone to entropion include Saint Bernards, Chow Chows, and Bloodhounds. Signs include:
Excessive tearing or watery eyes
Frequent squinting and blinking
Redness and inflammation
Visible eye irritation and pain
Pawing or rubbing at the eyes
Treating entropion will require surgical correction, notably the Hotz-Celsus procedure. Here, the eyelids are reshaped and corrected so they no longer roll inward. Supplementary treatments will include pain meds and lubricating eye drops.
Corneal Ulcers
A corneal ulcer is an open sore or wound on the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye that helps focus vision. Because the cornea is so sensitive, ulcers are painful and can quickly worsen if untreated, sometimes leading to scarring or even vision loss.
Corneal ulcers are usually caused by scratches and foreign bodies. Sometimes, they can be caused by eye infections, long-term dry eye issues, and chemical irritation. Breeds prone to corneal ulcers include Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers. Common signs of this dog eye problem are:
Redness or swelling around the eye
Excessive tearing and discharge
Frequent squinting or blinking
Pawing or rubbing at the eye
Sensitivity to light
Treating corneal ulcers will involve the use of antibiotic eye drops and pain relief medications. Severe cases may require surgical intervention, such as corneal grafting.
Vet Tips: How to Prevent Dog Eye Problems

Regular care and attention go a long way in preventing eye problems in your dogs. To help you, here are some tips on preventing dog eye problems:
Clean Your Dog’s Eyes
Gently wipe away dirt and debris from your dog’s eyes using a soft cloth or a vet-approved eye wipe. This is important if your dog is always playing outside.
Schedule Eye Exams
Visits to our clinic can allow our pet ophthalmologists to give your dog’s eyes a quick exam. From here, we can catch your dog’s eye problems before they start to cause trouble.
Trim the Hair Around the Eyes
The fur around the eyes may poke in your dog’s eyes and transfer debris. If these get too long, be sure to give them a quick trim to protect their eyes and give them unobstructed vision.
“Protect your dog from all the eye problems and they’ll keep their eyes on you.”
- Dr. Nenad Misura
Final Thoughts
Your dog’s eyes are essential to its well-being, and being proactive about dog eye health can prevent many common eye issues from turning worse. From regular cleaning and grooming to monitoring for signs, your care can make a huge difference.
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