Why is my dog pawing at its eye after playing outside?
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If your dog is pawing at its eye after playing outside, the most common reason is irritation from dust, grass, grit or a small scratch. It can also happen if something is stuck under the eyelid or if the eye has been rubbed during play.
It’s worth checking the eye fairly soon, but don’t try to force it open if your dog is resisting. Some causes are minor and settle with rest, while others need veterinary attention.
Things To Check
1. See whether it started straight after running through long grass, bushes, sand or muddy ground.
2. Look for redness, squinting, blinking more than usual, or the eye being held partly closed.
3. Check for clear, watery discharge, thicker discharge, or any blood around the eye.
4. Notice if the eye looks cloudy, swollen, or if the pupil seems a different size from the other side.
5. Gently check the fur around the eye for grass seeds, dirt or debris, without pressing on the eye itself.
6. Watch whether your dog is rubbing the eye repeatedly with a paw or rubbing its face on the ground or furniture.
7. See if the discomfort eases after a short rest indoors, or if it carries on and seems to be getting worse.
Common Causes
The most common cause is simple irritation from dust, pollen, grit or bits of plant material blown into the eye during outdoor play.
A small scratch on the surface of the eye can also happen quite easily if your dog has been through rough grass, hedges or excited play with other dogs.
Less commonly, a seed, thorn or other foreign body may be trapped under the lid or around the eye and keep causing irritation until it’s removed.
Inflammation, an allergy flare-up or an eye problem that wasn’t caused by play may sometimes show up around the same time, so it’s best not to assume it’s just dirt.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet promptly if your dog is keeping the eye closed, the eye looks cloudy or damaged, there is blood or thick discharge, or the pawing doesn’t settle quickly. Eye injuries can worsen if they’re left, especially if something is trapped or the surface of the eye has been scratched.
If your dog seems painful, very sensitive to light, or the eye looks different from the other one, it’s sensible to get it checked the same day.
What To Do
Keep your dog calm and stop more running, jumping or face rubbing for now. If your dog will tolerate it, you can look closely for obvious debris around the eye, but don’t poke inside the eyelid or try to remove anything stuck to the eye surface.
If the irritation is mild and your dog otherwise seems settled, monitor it closely over the next few hours. Outdoor grass seeds, dust and minor scratches can sometimes cause temporary irritation, but ongoing pawing or squinting needs attention.
Try to note what your dog was doing before it started, because that can help a vet work out whether the problem is more likely to be debris, a scratch or something else.
Related Questions
Can I flush my dog’s eye at home?
How do I know if my dog has something stuck in its eye?
Why is my dog squinting after being outside?
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.