Why is my dog blinking a lot after getting scratched? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog is blinking a lot after getting scratched, it often means the eye is irritated or painful. A scratch can be minor, but it can also affect the surface of the eye, so it’s worth watching closely rather than assuming it will settle on its own.
The main possibilities include simple irritation from hair, dust or a small graze, but the eye can also be scratched itself. Because eye problems can become more serious fairly quickly, it’s sensible to check for changes and get veterinary advice if the blinking continues or the eye looks painful.
Things To Check
1. Look for redness, swelling, discharge, cloudiness or a change in the way the eye looks.
2. Check whether your dog is squinting, keeping the eye partly closed or pawing at the face.
3. See if there is a visible scratch, foreign material or stuck hair near the eye or eyelid.
4. Notice whether the blinking started straight after the scratch or only later on.
5. Check if both eyes are affected or just one, as one-sided signs often point to local irritation or injury.
6. Watch for sensitivity to light, head tilting or reluctance to go outdoors.
7. Check whether your dog is otherwise bright and comfortable, or seems unusually quiet and bothered by the eye.
Common Causes
Most often, repeated blinking after a scratch is due to surface irritation. The eye may be sore from the scratch itself, or a tiny bit of grit, hair or debris may still be irritating it.
Sometimes the scratch may have affected the cornea, which is the clear surface of the eye. This can make blinking, squinting and watery eyes more noticeable.
Less commonly, the eyelid or the skin around the eye may be bruised or inflamed, which can also make your dog blink or keep the eye partly closed.
What To Do
Keep your dog calm and stop any rubbing or pawing if you can. Try to prevent more irritation from play, walking through long grass or rough handling until you know the eye is settling.
If there is obvious dirt around the eye, you can gently clean the surrounding area with clean, lukewarm water on a soft pad, but avoid touching the eye itself or using any human eye drops unless a vet has told you to.
Watch for any change over the next few hours. If the blinking is getting worse, the eye looks red or cloudy, or your dog seems uncomfortable, that’s a sign to seek veterinary advice rather than waiting it out.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet promptly if the blinking does not settle, your dog is squinting, the eye looks cloudy or very red, there is discharge, or your dog is clearly in pain. Eye injuries can worsen if they’re left too long, so it’s better to get checked sooner if you’re unsure.
Products That May Help
If your dog has a scratched eye, keeping the face and surrounding coat clean and free from extra debris can be part of sensible home care while you monitor the eye. A suitable pet care collection may help with routine grooming and hygiene around the eyes and face.
Related Questions
Why is my dog squinting one eye after a scratch?
How do I know if my dog has something stuck in their eye?
Can a dog eye scratch heal on its own?
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.