Dog Eye Infection: Can an Online Vet Help?

A red, goopy or squinting eye can mean a dog eye infection, but it can also mean an injury, allergies or something more serious. Eyes can get worse quickly, so it pays to act fast. An online vet can review photos, help you judge urgency and tell you when your dog needs to be seen today.

Common signs of an eye problem

• Redness of the white of the eye or eyelids
• Discharge that is clear, white, yellow or green
• Squinting or holding the eye closed
• Pawing or rubbing at the face
• Swollen eyelids
• Cloudiness on the eye surface
• Third eyelid showing more than usual

Our guide to dog eye discharge colors explains what different discharge can mean.

Possible causes

• Conjunctivitis from allergies, irritants or infection
• Corneal ulcers, or scratches on the eye surface
• Something stuck in the eye, like a grass seed
• Dry eye, when the eye does not make enough tears
• Eyelid problems, such as lashes rubbing the eye
• Glaucoma, a painful rise in eye pressure

When to see a vet the same day

Eye problems can worsen within hours. Get in-person care today if:

• Your dog is squinting or seems in pain
• The eye looks cloudy, bulging or bloody
• There was an injury, like a scratch from a cat or branch
• Vision seems affected
• Both eyes are suddenly affected along with other signs of illness

See our article on corneal ulcers in dogs for why squinting matters.

What an online vet can do

• Review clear photos or video of the eye
• Help judge urgency
• Suggest safe first steps, like gently wiping discharge with a damp cloth
• Explain what tests your clinic may run, such as a stain test to check for ulcers

Many eye treatments need a prescription and an exam with special tools. Our vets will tell you when that is the next step. Tips on taking photos for a telehealth vet can help you capture the eye clearly.

What not to do

• Do not use human eye drops or old medications. Some can make ulcers worse.
• Do not try to remove something stuck in the eye yourself.
• Do not let your dog rub the eye. A cone can help.

Frequently asked questions

Can a dog eye infection heal on its own?

Mild irritation sometimes clears up, but infections and injuries often need treatment. If it is not better within a day, or there is pain, see a vet.

Is dog pink eye contagious to people?

It is rare, but wash your hands after touching your dog’s eyes to be safe.

Concerned about your dog’s eye? Ask a vet

Talk to a licensed vet 24/7, even on holidays, by chat, voice call or video call. Your first month is free with code FREEMONTH, then US $9.99/month, at nyptelevet.com/. One membership covers up to 6 pets, and you can cancel anytime.

Our vets can’t prescribe medication, but they’ll tell you what’s likely needed and when an in-person visit is the next step.

Sources

• Dog Eye Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, American Kennel Club
• Conjunctivitis in Dogs, VCA Animal Hospitals
• Corneal Ulcers in Dogs, VCA Animal Hospitals