Why is my dog keeping one eye closed? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog is keeping one eye closed, it usually means the eye is sore or irritated. Common causes include a small scratch, dust or grit in the eye, a bit of discharge sticking the eyelids together, or an injury to the eye surface. It can also happen with a more general eye problem, so it’s worth checking carefully.
Things To Check
1. See whether your dog is closing the eye all the time or only in certain situations, such as after being outside, during a walk, or after grooming.
2. Look for redness, swelling, squinting, tearing, discharge, cloudiness, a misshapen pupil, or any sign that the eye looks different from the other one.
3. Check whether your dog is rubbing the face on the floor, pawing at the eye, or keeping away from bright light.
4. If you can do so safely, look for visible grit, a loose hair, or anything obvious on the eyelids or around the eye, without touching the eyeball.
5. Notice whether there has been any recent rough play, a twig strike, long grass, grooming around the face, or a bump to the head.
6. Check for any thick discharge, blood, or crusting that may be making the eye stick shut.
7. See if your dog still seems comfortable eating, moving normally, and using the eye a little when indoors, or whether they seem generally unwell.
Common Causes
The most common reason is irritation from something small, such as dust, pollen, a hair, or a speck of dirt. A minor scratch on the eye surface is also common and can make a dog keep one eye shut because blinking hurts.
Sometimes the problem is a simple discharge or eyelid irritation. Less commonly, there may be a foreign body under the lid, a bite or knock to the eye, or another eye condition that needs treatment.
What To Do
Keep your dog calm and stop them rubbing the eye if you can. If there’s obvious dirt around the lids, you can gently wipe the outside with clean, damp cotton wool, using a fresh piece each time.
Try to keep them indoors or away from long grass, wind and dusty areas until you know what’s going on. Avoid using human eye drops or trying to remove anything stuck in the eye yourself.
Watch for changes over the next few hours. If the eye seems to be getting more painful, more closed, or more watery, it’s sensible to seek veterinary advice.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet promptly if your dog keeps the eye closed, is clearly sore, or the eye looks red, cloudy, swollen, or injured. Eye problems can worsen quickly, especially if there’s a scratch, a foreign body, or pain that doesn’t settle.
Get urgent help if the eye has been hit, there’s bleeding, the pupil looks uneven, or your dog seems very distressed.
Products That May Help
If your dog is prone to getting debris in their eyes, or you like to keep on top of daily grooming and general hygiene, this collection may be useful as part of your routine.
Related Questions
Why is my dog squinting and rubbing one eye?
Can a small scratch on a dog’s eye heal on its own?
What should I do if my dog has something in their eye?
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.