If a dog's eye is swollen all of a sudden, several health issues could be causing it, including allergies, injuries, infections, or abscesses.
Regardless of the cause, you'll need to head to your veterinarian for treatment. Ignoring it is never the answer because it can be painful for your dog.
Depending on the cause, the swelling can occur in one or both eyes. It can happen suddenly or slowly over time. The following causes are some of the most common, but other ailments can cause swelling, too.
One of the most obvious causes of eye swelling in dogs is an allergic reaction. Just like in people, insect bites and stings or exposure to other allergens can cause a dog's eyes to quickly become swollen. Facial swelling along with swelling of the throat can also occur during an allergic reaction, so this acute swelling should not be ignored.
Getty Images/Anant_Kasetsinsombut
Tumors in the mouth, on the face, or in the skull can put pressure on the eyes and cause them to swell (along with nearby tissue). The tumors aren't always obvious. Your veterinarian may not be able to see a tumor without your dog being sedated or fully anesthetized for an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. They can be painful and their prognosis varies depending on the type of tumor.
Various types of bacterial infections involving the eye and surrounding tissues can cause inflammation and swelling. Additionally, viral, bacterial, fungal, and even some parasitic infections that affect other parts of the body can cause eye swelling.
Even though they are inside the mouth, tooth root abscesses can cause eyes to swell. The upper fourth premolar is a common culprit for swelling just under the eye because of its long roots. Skin abscess can also cause eye swelling if the abscess is located near the eye.
Glaucoma is a disease that causes increased pressure inside the eye. The eye can bulge and appear to be swollen or larger than normal.
Another disease of the eye is keratoconjunctivitis sicca—also known as dry eye. With dry eye, a dog does not produce an adequate amount of tears to keep the eyes lubricated. Consequently, they become dry and inflamed, and they can swell.
Severe trauma can cause an eye to actually pop out of its socket. It's called proptosis, and the eye will appear swollen. Sometimes the eye comes completely out of the socket, though it will often simply bulge.
Bite wounds, bumps, and scratches on the face can all cause inflammation and swelling. If these injuries occur near the eye, the eye or the surrounding area may become swollen. Dogfights, being hit by a car, and rough play are common causes of these eye-swelling injuries.
If one or both of your dog's eyes are swollen, call your veterinarian immediately. They may recommend at-home treatments like warm compresses, a saline eye rinse, or oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine until you can get your dog into the hospital. Once they examine your dog and determine the cause, they may prescribe eye drops, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or steroids. Surgery, dental procedures, and other treatments may also be necessary depending on the cause of the swelling.
Because there are so many different causes of swollen eyes in dogs, it can be difficult to prevent. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help to detect any problems before they cause the eyes to swell. You should also keep your dog away from stinging and biting insects and situations that may cause trauma to the face.
Basic safety measures will help keep their eyes from being injured and getting swollen. The same goes for regular dental care. Avoid letting your dog chew on things that could crack their teeth, too. This can help prevent tooth-root abscesses from developing.
If your dog is peeing on your bed, you are likely beyond frustrated. Dog urine can ruin your bed. Plus, if you don't use a urine detector to find and
Can dogs eat plums? Pet parents who would like to share the occasional fruit with their dog may find themselves asking this question. The answer is ye
Whether your dog is getting older or they play a little too hard and tweak something, it's difficult to watch them limp along while you wait to bring
A dog may develop an intestinal blockage if they eat a toy or other non-food object, making it difficult for them to eat and poop. This problem can al
The black and tan coonhound is a large-sized, friendly, and sociable hound dog. The breed is known for its incredibly sensitive scent skills and a swe
The Appenzeller Sennenhund is a medium-size herding dog breed from Switzerland with a short but dense tricolor double coat. The dog has a square, well
The barbet (pronounced bar-bay) is a medium-sized birding dog that's probably best known for its distinctive, curly coat and beard at the muzzle. A qu
The bichon frise is a small non-sporting dog breed with long, curly white hair that makes their dark eyes and nose pop. Many say bichons are fluffy li
We are a comprehensive and trusted information platform dedicated to delivering high-quality content across a wide range of topics, including society, technology, business, health, culture, and entertainment.
From breaking news to in-depth reports, we adhere to the principles of accuracy and diverse perspectives, helping readers find clarity and reliability in today’s fast-paced information landscape.
Our goal is to be a dependable source of knowledge for every reader—making information not only accessible but truly trustworthy. Looking ahead, we will continue to enhance our content and services, connecting the world and delivering value.
