Common dog eye conditions can range from little irritants, like allergies and minor scratches, to more severe conditions, like glaucoma and significant wounds. Whatever the underlying reason for your dog's eye condition, the most important thing is to act and seek veterinarian care as soon as possible because even minor eye issues can get worse.

Symptoms of Common Eye Conditions in Dogs

The most common dog eye conditions are corneal damage, caused by trauma, followed by dry eye and pink eye. Other common eye issues in dogs include eyelid masses, cataracts, glaucoma, and cherry eye. Here are some of the symptoms your dog may have if they are suffering from one of these conditions:

• Pink or red eyes.
• Cloudy, goopy, or runny eyes.
• Excessive tearing or discharge.
• Squinting.
• Angular eyes.
• Dog pawing, scratching, or rubbing the eye area.
• Swelling.
• An elevated third eyelid (usually covers the inner corner of your pet's eye during sleep and should close while they are awake).
• Pain or distressed behavior.
• Ectropion or entropion (outward or inward rolling of your dog's eyelid.)
• Vision loss.

Symptoms of common eye conditions in dogs may appear in one or both eyes. If you notice tearing, tear-stained fur, discharge, closed or squinted eyes, a visible third eyelid, or pupils of unequal size, your dog may be experiencing a serious eye condition and you should call your vet immediately to schedule a consultation.

Causes of Common Dog Eye Conditions

There are several causes of eye conditions in dogs. The most prevalent dog eye issues are associated with trauma and certain eye conditions occur more in some breeds than others. Here are several eye conditions that commonly affect dogs:

• Allergies. Red, itchy, and watery eyes are frequently brought on by allergies which can also cause non-communicable conjunctivitis.
• Trauma. Cuts, ocular ulcers, and other wounds are associated with trauma and, while these issues may resolve quickly, require veterinary attention to prevent secondary infections. Deep corneal ulcers often need surgical treatment.
• Infections. "Pink eye" infections in dogs are uncommon, however, trauma-related secondary infections are typical in dogs. 
• Respiratory Infections. Your dog's eyes may be impacted by upper respiratory infections or other illnesses.
• Dry eye. Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye is an autoimmune disorder that calls for ongoing medication and can result in corneal ulcers, scarring, infections, or other eye issues if left untreated.
• Genetic Disorders. Some breeds are more prone to eye issues, such as the collie eye anomaly that affects herding breeds and pannus, a condition that affects the cornea of German Shepherds.
• Cherry Eye. A condition that occurs when a portion of the third eyelid protrudes, impacts tear generation, and requires surgery.
• Cataracts. Characterized by cloudiness in the eye's lens, cataracts impair vision but may be removed if your pet is otherwise healthy.
• Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a potentially painful condition caused by increased pressure inside the eye that can be controlled by drugs but sometimes requires the removal of the eye.
• Eyelids Masses. Typically innocuous, eyelid masses should be checked just in case because tumors that rub against the eye should be removed by your veterinarian.

Diagnosis of Common Eye Conditions in Dogs

Eye conditions in dogs need a proper diagnosis for effective treatment. Once your dog exhibits symptoms, take them to the vet because symptoms can escalate in a short period of time. Your vet can perform a series of tests to identify the issue and establish a treatment plan.

One of the first tests your vet may perform is the Schirmer tear test. This examination gauges your dog's ability to produce tears by placing small paper strips are placed beneath your dog's eyelids for one minute.

Your vet may also order a fluorescein stain which checks the surface of your dog's eye for blemishes, ulcers, and other abnormalities. It can also be used to assess the drainage and quality of tears. This test consists of the application of a green stain to each eye, followed by an examination of the eyes under a special blue light.

The most important test is the measurement of eye pressure. Certain eye conditions can induce changes in ocular pressure that can be painful and cause serious complications. A sensitive pressure-measuring instrument is used to tap the eye's surface throughout the procedure. Don't worry, numbing eye drops will be applied, so your dog will be comfortable during this process.

Blood tests and cultures may also be ordered to check for bacterial growth or other underlying conditions, depending on your dog's symptoms.

Treatment for Common Dog Eye Conditions

Your dog's physical examination and diagnostic test results will be used to guide the course of treatment. Here are a few typical remedies:

• Antibiotic drops. These drops are utilized for a number of canine eye issues, such as those that put the eye at risk of a secondary infection like scratches and ulcers.
• Anti-inflammatory Eye Drops. Used for inflammation or soreness, anti-inflammatory drops lessen discomfort and guard against inflammation-related harm.
  
  
• Synthetic Tears. Artificial tears can be beneficial for a number of eye conditions, including dry eye.
• Oral Medications. If your dog is in a lot of discomfort or has a condition that might benefit from whole-body treatment, oral drugs may be administered.
• E-collars. Elizabethan collars prevent your dog from scratching their eye and aggravating their eye condition.
• Follow-up. For canine eye issues, a follow-up appointment is especially important to make sure that everything is healing properly.

It's also good to know that many of the drugs offered as doggie eye "drops" are available as ointments. Your veterinarian can advise you on which option is best for your pup.

Prevention of Common Dog Eye Conditions

Unfortunately, not all eye issues can be avoided. However, there are certain things you can do to reduce the risk for your dog:

Avoid situations that could cause eye injuries, such as letting your dog run through bushes with pointed branches.

Have eye conditions treated by your dog's vet as soon as possible. If left untreated, eye issues can quickly worsen. Early intervention may prevent complications and keep your dog more comfortable.

Attend routine checkups as advised. Wellness checkups assist in spotting early warning signs of eye conditions in your dog and allow for quicker treatment and better outcomes.

While disorders such as glaucoma or deep ulcers may call for more intensive care, the majority of eye issues are easy to manage and have fast recovery times. So, it is likely that your dog will return to normal if you seek veterinary care for your furry family member as soon as their eye condition becomes noticeable.