Why is my dog squinting after being scratched in the eye? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog is squinting after being scratched in the eye, it's usually a sign the eye is sore or irritated. It could be a simple scratch to the surface of the eye, a bit of grit still trapped there, or a more significant injury that needs a vet to look at.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the squinting started straight after the scratch or some time later.
2. Look for redness, swelling, watery eyes, discharge, cloudiness or any blood around the eye.
3. See whether your dog is pawing at the eye, rubbing their face, keeping the eye closed or seeming more sensitive to light.
4. Compare both eyes for size, shape and how open they are.
5. Notice if your dog is otherwise bright and eating normally, or if they seem dull, uncomfortable or unsettled.
6. Check whether there may still be a cause of irritation nearby, such as dust, grass seed, shampoo, grooming debris or another scratch on the face.
7. If you can do so safely, look at the eye from the front without touching it to see whether the clear surface looks cloudy or very wet.
Common Causes
The most common reason is a minor scratch to the surface of the eye, which can make blinking painful and cause squinting.
Something trapped in or around the eye, such as grit, grass, dust or a loose hair, can also keep the eye irritated and make your dog keep it partly closed.
Sometimes the eye itself is more inflamed than it first appears, especially if the scratch has affected the clear surface of the eye.
Less commonly, a deeper injury, a foreign body stuck under the eyelid, or another eye problem may be involved, which is why ongoing squinting shouldn't be ignored.
What To Do
Keep your dog calm and stop them rubbing the eye if you can.
Avoid using human eye drops or trying to remove anything stuck in the eye unless a vet has shown you how to do it.
If the eye looks dirty, you can gently observe it for a short time to see whether the squinting settles, but don't delay if the eye is very sore, cloudy, bleeding or rapidly worsening.
Keep your dog's environment low-risk for the moment by avoiding rough play, windy walks and anything that could add more irritation.
If the squinting is mild and improves quickly, keep a close eye on it over the next few hours. If it doesn't improve, or you feel the eye looks worse, speak to your vet.
When To Contact A Vet
Eye injuries can worsen quickly, so contact your vet promptly if your dog keeps squinting, won't open the eye properly, has cloudiness, discharge, bleeding, a visible scratch, or seems very painful. Get advice the same day if the eye has been scratched by a cat, a sharp object, or anything that may have gone under the eyelid.
Products That May Help
For dogs that need regular washing, grooming or general coat and skin care around the face, a few routine pet care items may help support a calmer hygiene routine while the eye settles.
Related Questions
How can I tell if my dog's eye scratch is serious?
Should I rinse my dog's eye after an injury?
How long should squinting last after a minor eye scratch?
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.