When should I call a vet for a dog eye injury?
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Overview
Call a vet for a dog eye injury if your dog is squinting a lot, pawing at the eye, holding it closed, has a visible scratch or cut, swelling, bleeding, cloudiness, discharge, or seems to be in pain. Eye problems can look small at first, but they can change quickly, so it’s sensible to get advice early when you’re not sure.
Things To Check
1. Check whether your dog is keeping the eye shut, squinting, blinking more than usual, or rubbing at it.
2. Look closely for redness, swelling, discharge, cloudiness, blood, a scratch, a cut, or something stuck on the surface.
3. Notice if the eye looks different in size, shape or position, or if the pupil seems uneven.
4. See whether the problem started after play, walking in long grass, grooming, a scratch from another animal, or a bump to the head.
5. Check if there are signs of pain such as yelping, head tilt, reluctance to let you near the face, or changes in behaviour.
6. Watch for any worsening over a few hours, because eye injuries can become more noticeable quite quickly.
7. Consider whether your dog may have been exposed to dust, seeds, shampoo, household products, or other irritants.
Common Causes
The most common causes are a small scratch to the eye surface, irritation from dust or grass, or a bit of debris trapped under the lid. A knock to the face, a scratch from a paw, or a grooming-related irritation can also be involved.
Less commonly, there may be a deeper eye injury, a foreign body that’s hard to see, or an underlying eye problem that has become more obvious after the injury.
What To Do
Keep your dog calm and stop them rubbing the eye if you can. Avoid using any human eye drops or leftover medicines, and don’t try to remove anything that looks stuck in the eye itself.
If the eye looks mildly irritated but your dog is otherwise comfortable, keep a close eye on it and note whether it improves or worsens. If the eye is painful, looks damaged, or the signs are not settling, contact your vet promptly.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet the same day if your dog has a visible cut, keeps the eye closed, has cloudiness, bleeding, marked swelling, a foreign body you can’t remove easily, or seems distressed. Seek urgent advice if the eye looks bulging, the pupil is very uneven, or the injury happened after a serious knock or fight.
Products That May Help
For minor eye-area clean-up or general grooming support, the Pet Care collection may be useful as part of your usual routine. It can help with everyday washing and care around the face, but it isn't a substitute for veterinary advice if the eye itself looks injured.
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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.