What should I check if my dog’s eye is bleeding?
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Overview
If your dog’s eye is bleeding, check the area carefully but keep handling to a minimum. Bleeding from or around the eye can have several causes, from a small scratch or eyelid injury to a deeper eye problem, so it’s best not to assume it’s minor.
You can look for a clear trigger, obvious damage, discharge, swelling or changes in how your dog is holding the eye. If the eye looks painful, cloudy, very red, swollen, or your dog is rubbing at it, a vet check is sensible.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the blood seems to be coming from the eye itself, the eyelid, or the skin nearby.
2. Look for squinting, blinking more than usual, pawing at the face, or keeping the eye closed.
3. Notice any swelling, visible cuts, discharge, cloudiness, or a red patch on the white of the eye.
4. Think about whether it started after play, a walk, rough contact with another dog, grooming, or running through brush.
5. Check if there could be a foreign body, such as grass seed, dust, grit, or a thorn, but don’t try to dig around in the eye.
6. See whether your dog is also off-colour, in pain, or unusually sensitive to light.
7. If your dog has any known eye condition, bleeding after treatment, or a history of injury, take that into account too.
Common Causes
The most common reasons include a scratch to the eye surface, a cut to the eyelid, or irritation after something has got into the eye. Small injuries can bleed surprisingly easily because the eye area has a lot of tiny blood vessels.
Less commonly, bleeding can be linked to a deeper injury, a severe ulcer, a bite or knock, or a problem affecting the tissues around the eye. In some cases, what looks like eye bleeding may actually be blood from the eyelid or the skin beside it.
What To Do
Keep your dog calm and stop them rubbing the eye if you can. Move them away from anything dusty, windy or scratchy, and avoid using human eye drops or homemade rinses unless your vet has told you to.
If there is mild bleeding from the skin around the eye, you can gently dampen the area with clean saline or cooled boiled water on cotton wool, but do not press on the eyeball. If the eye itself is bleeding, looks damaged, or your dog is in pain, arrange veterinary advice promptly.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet the same day if the bleeding is coming from the eye itself, if your dog is squinting or keeping the eye closed, or if you notice cloudiness, swelling, a deep cut, or a foreign body. These signs can suggest an eye injury that needs prompt assessment.
If the bleeding is heavy, keeps coming back, or your dog seems distressed, don’t wait to see if it settles on its own.
Products That May Help
For day-to-day dog eye and face hygiene, the Pet Care collection may be useful as part of a calm cleaning routine around the eyes, ears, paws and coat.
Related Questions
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.