Why is my dog rubbing its face after something hit its eye? | arlo.® Atlas
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If your dog is rubbing its face after something hit its eye, the eye may be irritated, scratched, or just reacting to a small foreign body like dust or a bit of debris. It’s also possible the impact caused discomfort around the eyelids, face or nose, so it’s worth checking closely rather than assuming it will settle on its own.
Most cases are mild irritation, but eye injuries can change quickly, so it’s sensible to keep a close eye on what your dog is doing and whether the eye looks different from normal.
Things To Check
1. See whether your dog is rubbing one eye or both, and whether it started straight after the knock or a little later.
2. Look for redness, swelling, discharge, cloudiness, a half-closed eye, or a pupil that looks different from the other side.
3. Check for visible debris, grit, grass seed, a scratch, or any sign that the eyelid has been nicked.
4. Notice if your dog is blinking more than usual, keeping the eye shut, or avoiding bright light.
5. Watch for pawing at the face, head shaking, or rubbing the muzzle on the floor or furniture.
6. Check whether your dog seems painful around the face, resists touch, or is unusually quiet or restless.
7. Think about what the eye was hit by, especially if it was a stick, stone, plant material, or something sharp.
Common Causes
The most common reason is simple irritation from dust, dirt, pollen or a tiny foreign body that’s made the eye feel scratchy.
A minor scratch on the eye surface can also cause rubbing, blinking and discomfort, even if the eye only looks mildly red at first.
Sometimes the impact affects the eyelids or surrounding skin rather than the eye itself, which can still make a dog rub its face.
Less commonly, the eye may have a more significant injury such as a deeper scratch or damage that isn’t easy to see without a proper examination.
What To Do
Stop your dog from rubbing the eye if you can, because repeated rubbing can make irritation worse.
Keep them calm and indoors if possible, and avoid any rough play or windy, dusty environments until you’ve had a chance to see how the eye settles.
If your dog will tolerate it, you can gently look for obvious debris on the surface of the eye or around the eyelids, but don’t try to pull anything out if it seems stuck.
Don’t use human eye drops or ointments unless a vet has told you to, and don’t put pressure on the eye.
If the rubbing settles quickly and the eye looks normal again, keep monitoring closely for the rest of the day because symptoms can sometimes return later.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet promptly if the eye stays red, your dog keeps rubbing it, the eye looks cloudy, there’s discharge, the eyelids are swollen, or your dog seems painful or reluctant to open the eye. Eye injuries can be hard to judge at home, and getting advice early can help avoid complications.
Related Questions
Why is my dog squinting after bumping their eye?
What should I do if my dog has something in their eye?
How can I tell if my dog’s eye injury is serious?
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.