Swollen eyes in dogs, also known as blepharitis, refers to a medical condition in which your pup’s eye or eyes might look puffy, irritated, or infected. Seeing your dog with swollen eyes all of a sudden can be alarming, and it’s important to consult your vet as soon as you notice symptoms. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for swollen eyes in dogs.
Symptoms of swollen eyes in dogs
Blepharitis, which refers to the swelling of the eyelid tissue and surrounding area, can affect one or both of your dog’s eyes. Here are some of the symptoms that might appear in dogs who suffer from blepharitis:
- Puffy eyes, sometimes red
- Repetitive blinking
- Pawing at the eyes
- Discharge from the eyes
- Sneezing or coughing
- Withdrawing or hiding
If left untreated, your dog might scratch or paw at their eyes for relief, which can cause secondary trauma in the eye area. This is why it’s important to consult your veterinarian as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.
Causes of swollen eyes in dogs
Unfortunately, there are a host of reasons as to why your dog’s eyes might appear irritated or puffy. The cause could be something minor, like irritation from dust in your dog’s eyes, or it can be serious and even life-threatening, such as in the case of an extreme allergic reaction. Dogs with certain features, like skin folds on the face or inward-pointing eyelids, are also more prone to blepharitis.
In most cases, if your dog’s eyes are a little puffy and seem red or itchy, chances are your pup has an irritant in their eye, has an infection (conjunctivitis), or is dealing with allergies. Still, in conjunction with other symptoms, there can be another reason why your dog has swollen eyes.
For example, if your dog seems to be gasping for breath along with having swollen eyes, they might be having an extreme anaphylactic reaction and require immediate care. Swollen eyes in dogs can also be a symptom of a larger medical condition, like glaucoma.
Here are several possible causes that can lead to blepharitis in dogs:
- Allergies
- Glaucoma
- Conjunctivitis – viral or bacterial
- A foreign object in the eye
- Fungal infection
- Parasites
- A scratched cornea
- Tear duct issues (Cocker Spaniels and Poodles are especially prone to this)
Treatments for swollen eyes in dogs
Since there are so many possible causes of swollen eyes in dogs, your veterinarian must examine your dog to determine the right course of action. Some swollen eye treatments are fairly simple, like eyedrops for conjunctivitis. More serious eye issues, like increased pressure in the eye due to glaucoma, may require immediate surgery.
Preventing swollen eyes in dogs isn’t always possible, but routine hygiene tips can help lower the chances of your dog suffering from blepharitis. If your dog is prone to eye issues, be sure to gently clean them irritant-free eye wash regularly.
If the reason your dog has swollen eyes is due to allergies or infection, be sure to properly administer medication prescribed by your vet. In general, keeping your dog’s environment clean will also help eliminate potential foreign objects or irritants from making their way into your dog’s eyes.
