Why is my dog’s third eyelid showing after an eye injury?
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If your dog’s third eyelid is showing after an eye injury, it usually means the eye is irritated, sore or swollen. It can happen with a simple scratch, a blow to the face, something stuck in the eye, or discomfort from the eye itself. Because eye injuries can be hard to judge at home, it’s worth taking it seriously even if your dog still seems fairly settled.
Things To Check
1. Compare both eyes and see whether the third eyelid is partly covering the eye or has suddenly become more obvious than usual.
2. Look for redness, squinting, tearing, discharge, cloudiness, or any sign that the eye looks different from normal.
3. Check whether your dog is rubbing the eye, pawing at the face, keeping the eye closed, or avoiding bright light.
4. Notice if there is a visible scratch, swelling around the eye, bleeding, dirt, grit, or a foreign body near the eyelids.
5. Think about what happened before it appeared, such as a walk through long grass, play, a bump, grooming, or chasing through undergrowth.
6. Watch whether the third eyelid only shows when your dog is tired or unwell, or whether it stays visible most of the time.
7. Check for other signs of pain or illness, such as reduced appetite, dullness, head shaking, or keeping away from touch.
Common Causes
The most common reason is local irritation after the injury, which can make the third eyelid rise to help protect the eye.
A corneal scratch or ulcer is another common cause. These can be very uncomfortable and often make the eye water, squint or look cloudy.
Swelling or inflammation around the eye can also push the third eyelid into view, especially after a knock or a rough play injury.
Sometimes something small is trapped under the eyelid, or the eye has dried out a little after being damaged, which can make the third eyelid show more clearly.
Less commonly, the injury may have affected the structures supporting the eye, or there may be another eye problem that’s happening alongside the injury.
What To Do
Keep your dog calm and stop any rubbing or scratching if you can. A collar or soft cone may help prevent more damage while you arrange help.
Check the eye gently in good light, but don’t try to pull the eyelid open if your dog is resisting or seems painful.
Do not use human eye drops, ointments, or leftover pet medication unless your vet has told you to.
If there is dirt or loose debris on the surface, you can only use plain sterile saline if your vet has previously shown you how. Otherwise, leave the eye alone and get advice.
Monitor whether the third eyelid is improving, staying the same, or getting more obvious, and note any changes in squinting, discharge or cloudiness.
Even if the injury seemed minor, eye problems can change quickly, so it’s sensible to speak to a vet the same day if the third eyelid is still showing or your dog seems uncomfortable.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet promptly if the eye is painful, very red, cloudy, swollen, leaking discharge, or your dog is keeping it shut. Eye injuries can worsen quickly, and a third eyelid showing after trauma is often a sign that the eye needs a proper examination.
Get urgent veterinary advice if there has been a puncture, a sharp object, bleeding from the eye, a sudden change in vision, or if the eye looks very different from the other one.
Related Questions
Why is my dog squinting after an eye injury?
Can a scratched eye heal on its own in dogs?
What should I do if something is stuck in my dog’s 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.