Inflamed eyes in dogs

Written by N | July 21, 2025

A dog's eyes can become inflamed. There are several possible causes of eye inflammation in your dog. It can be caused by dirt or trauma, but there are also other reasons. Think of hay fever and problems with tear production. In this blog, we discuss the possible causes of an inflamed eye in your dog and what you can do to help your dog.

What is going on with an inflamed eye?

When we talk about inflamed eyes in dogs, it often involves an inflammation of the conjunctival membranes of the eyes. These are the conjunctiva, which line the inside of the eyelids and cover the eyeball itself. An eye infection is therefore also referred to as conjunctivitis.

What does an eye infection look like in a dog?

You can recognize an inflamed eye by the following symptoms:

Redness of the conjunctiva
Swelling of the conjunctiva
Pus in the corners of the eyes
Squinting or keeping the eye shut
(Usually) increased tear production

How does an eye infection occur in dogs?

An eye infection in dogs can have various causes.

Eye infection caused by pollen and dust

If your dog’s eyes are inflamed due to pollen or dust, rinsing the eyes can help. Ophta-Clean and Dr. Ann’s Optic Drop are suitable products for this. You can also use Optixcare Eye Lube to soothe and protect the eyes.

Your dog might also suffer from hay fever.

Inflamed eyes due to a foreign object

Your dog’s eyes can also be irritated or damaged by a foreign object such as a grain of sand or a small twig. In such cases, the cornea can become damaged. It’s important to have your dog seen by a veterinarian to assess the injury. Damage to the eye increases the risk of a bacterial infection, which may require an antibiotic eye ointment.

A vitamin A ointment like Ophtosan can at least soothe and care for the eye.

TVM Clerapliq eye drops may help support corneal healing and reduce pain. The same goes for TVM Remend 0.75.

An eye infection caused by an infection

If your dog has a cold, the eyes may also become inflamed. This is often due to a viral infection. Only if a secondary bacterial infection occurs is an antibiotic ointment needed. A viral infection can usually be supported with a caring vitamin A eye ointment.

If your dog is prescribed an antibiotic ointment, OphtaPRIME eye drops are ideal to use beforehand. They prepare the eye for the treatment and improve its effectiveness.

Eye infection due to an eye condition

There are various eye conditions that can lead to an eye infection in dogs.

Incorrect eyelid or eyelash position

A common issue is the incorrect positioning of the eyelids or abnormal eyelash growth. These include:

Entropion (inward rolling of the eyelids)
Ectropion (outward drooping of the lower eyelid)
Distichiasis (hairs growing from the eyelid margin that irritate the cornea)

These conditions must be treated by a veterinarian. Surgery is often needed to correct the eyelid position or remove abnormal lashes.

For dogs at increased risk of eye problems, Optixcare Eye Health can be used to help keep the eyes as healthy as possible.

Eye infection due to increased eye pressure

Increased eye pressure or glaucoma can also lead to an eye infection. This condition is very painful and dangerous. A dog can become blind within days due to damage to the retina and optic nerve.

Unlike a regular eye infection, you may see a white haze over the cornea. The pupils may appear enlarged, even in bright light, and dogs may avoid looking toward light. The eyelids are red, and dogs may be sensitive when you touch their head. If you notice this, visit your veterinarian immediately. This is an emergency!

Eye infection caused by Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

A common eye condition in dogs is KCS or Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca. This condition causes little to no tear production due to an autoimmune reaction against the tear glands. The eyes become dry, and the conjunctiva becomes irritated and inflamed. If this dryness continues, the cornea may be damaged, and scarring can occur.

Unlike a normal eye infection, you won’t see excessive tearing, but rather sticky mucous and often pus-like discharge around the eyes. The eyes will also appear dull and dry.

Early treatment is crucial. The sooner you start treatment, the more likely it is that tear production can recover. However, the treatment can be intensive.

It usually involves a combination of medicated eye ointments (such as Optimmune Canis plus an antibiotic eye ointment) with artificial tears (e.g., Lacriforte). If the eyes are very pus-filled, an acetylcysteine drop may be needed to break down the mucus. The eyes will need to be treated multiple times per day, and regular veterinary checkups are essential.

Instead of artificial tears, you can also use TVM Remend 0.4, a moisturizing gel with a dual polymer system consisting of carbomer gel and hyaluronic acid.

Since there are many different causes of eye infections, and the severity varies, it is always wise to consult your veterinarian if your dog has eye problems.

Still have questions about inflamed eyes in dogs? Feel free to contact us at veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.