Red eyes in dogs may be permanent or temporary depending on the cause behind it. Depending on the situation, your pet might have either one or both eyes that are red. Allergies can cause temporary redness of the eye, but underlying health issues or genetic health defects can cause permanent redness.
Red eyes occur when there are internal or external inflammations on the eyes, which causes a large amount of blood flow. Any condition that causes the enlargement of the eye’s blood vessels will lead to red eyes in dogs. Even though the cause of that red-eye might be insignificant, please consult a vet if you want to make sure.
Why Does My Dog Have Red Eyes?
In the list down below, I have listed several main causes of red eyes in dogs and major health disorders that can cause red eyes as a side effect. In addition, I have added several solutions that might relieve the pain of your dog!
1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctiva tissue is a transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye, and the disease conjunctivitis is the inflammation/infection of this tissue. If a dog gets a pink eye, it will result in redness and itchiness around the eyes, which can lead to discharge and crusting around the eyes as well (Highly Contagious).
Conjunctivitis can be caused by bad air quality such as smoke, dust, and aerosols. If your dog likes swimming, check the water quality since bad water quality can cause eye infections. In addition to water and air, make sure to prevent your dog from frequently rubbing his eyes since rubbing eyes with unwashed paws can also cause conjunctivitis.
Solutions to Conjunctivitis
Due to many causes that can cause conjunctivitis, it is best to take your dog to a professional vet for further diagnosis. If you are not able to take your dog to a vet, then try some of these products down below if you suspect that your dog is suffering from pink eye.
Formulated by Vetericyn Plus, the Eye Wash offers a pain-free solution for all pets, including cats and dogs. Providing safe relief by thorough washing, this bottle has been reviewed by thousands of pet owners, and it has been proven to work for dogs with pink eye and allergy symptoms.
Also created by Vetericyn Plus, this Eye Gel provides a painless product that is recommended by many veterinarians. Made with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, this bottle has been officially approved to solve problems such as eye abrasions, irritations, pink eyes, and allergies.
2. Glaucoma & Cataracts
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve that occurs when there is increased pressure inside the eye due to improper drainage of the fluids inside the eye. While glaucoma can be caused by increased eye pressure, cataracts are mostly formed due to old age, which can be also seen as cloudy white spots in your dog’s eye.
Prominent symptoms of glaucoma are eye pain, discharge of water from the eye, swelling of the eyeball, and a cloudy or bluish eye. The increased pressure in the eye causes a pinch in the optic nerve, which is the source of vision. If the optic nerve is damaged, your dog’s vision is also affected as well.
Solutions to Glaucoma & Cataracts
Since your veterinarian can quickly assess the pressure in your dog’s eye, they can quickly determine whether the red-eye is caused by inherited diseases such as glaucoma. Please don’t try to get supplements to avoid appointments with a vet! I know that supplements cost less, but your vet’s advice can be priceless at times.
Patented by animal eye specialists, the Vision Supplement goes a long way for dogs with poor eye health. Providing the daily dose of needed ingredients, this supplement contains healthy nutrients and 12 antioxidants that help dogs with cataracts and glaucoma.
3. Eye Injury or Trauma
Injury to the eye can be caused by blunt objects and sharp instruments that come into direct contact with your dog’s eye. Some of the causes might be due to natural means, such as thorny bush, prickly branches, and irritated insects. If you can prevent your dog from going into risky environments, please do so!
Naughty people may also throw stones or other blunt objects at your dog, which can cause inflammation on the outer eye. These eye injuries and trauma can cause sharp objects to get into your dog’s eye, which can be a huge problem down the road if it is not treated immediately!
Solutions to Eye Injury or Trauma
As always, take your dog to a vet if you see blood formation on your dog’s eye due to past injuries and traumas. Any trauma to the eye can lead to serious cases if not treated properly, so please schedule an appointment with a vet!
Even though I have recommended this product in my previous section, I will mention it again here since this Eye Gel is also formulated for eye wounds. Due to its application to the eye, this product was made toxin-free and antibiotic-free to provide immediate relief to dogs with pain.
4. Allergens
Perceived as a threat to the immune system, allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions such as red or pink eyes, tears, wheezing, sneezing, itchy skin, runny nose, watery discharge, and even more.
Mostly found in the environment, common allergens in dogs are dust, pollen, and insect bites. You can also detect allergic reactions if you have given your dog a new type of food, and if you see these symptoms (listed above), your dog is probably allergic to that food.
Solutions to Allergies
If you want to figure out the exact source, you can go to your vet for help, which can include various skin and blood testings to figure out the root of this problem. If you think that you can figure out this problem all by yourself, I have listed several solutions down below that might help.
For red eyes, the Eye Wash by Vetericyn Plus will do the job since it was also made to relieve allergy symptoms for dogs. If you have any doubts regarding this product, be sure to visit the customer review section for further evaluation of VP Eye Wash.
If you want a supplement for allergies, Zesty Paws Chews will do the job by providing the necessary ingredients for a strong immune system. Containing vitamins, protein, fiber, and various antioxidants, these supplements support digestive and immune health through their natural ingredients.
5. Foreign Objects
Foreign objects refer to any external material whether microscopic or macroscopic that enters the eye and causes irritation. For example, objects such as leaves, grass seeds, dust, and wooden splinters can accidentally form their way into your dog’s eyes, which can cause red eyes in dogs.
If that object is visible, you can soothe your dog into stillness and get the object out. However, if the object has penetrated deep into the eye or inner lids, please seek the help of a professional veterinarian for further treatment.
Solutions to Foreign Objects
DO NOT attempt to remove objects that have penetrated the flesh of the eyelid or the eyeballs. You may add salt to the injury instead of salvaging the situation. The eye is a very sensitive organ that should be handled with utmost care. You might think that you are helping your dog out, but your actions can end up jeopardizing your dog’s vision.
6. Hair/Fur
Even though this might not happen as much, excess hair can form over your dog’s eye. If that is the case, hair can fall into your dog’s eye, which can cause irritation (red eye). To prevent this, you can either shave off the excess hair yourself or go to a professional groomer for a nice haircut.
If you are cutting the hair yourself, please be careful and extra gentle around the eyes. If you are not careful enough, you will end up poking the eyes of your dog, which is not good for your dog. Practice a lot beforehand before trying it on your dog!
Solutions to Hair/Fur
Solutions to this problem were already mentioned since you just need to cut the excess hair off your dog. Make sure to regularly cut your dog’s hair since well-groomed hair is a great way to maintain a healthy coat and a healthy lifestyle.
If you need help with maintaining a healthy-looking coat, be sure to check out the pet grooming brush for dogs. Being a durable tool for hair-shedding canines, this brush can work wonders in just ten minutes. Make sure to check out the customer reviews at this link!
Conclusion: Be Responsible!
As a dog owner, your job is to be responsible for your dog at all times! Try to keep the environment around your dog safe from harmful objects that may affect their eye. Choose to walk and exercise your dog on clear paths and ensure his safety.
Some of the causes of red eyes in dogs are accidental so it may be hard to prevent them but you can always take precautions. If you have not gotten one yet, be sure to get pet health insurance that makes it easier to cover your bills if any of these emergency situations arise!
