Why Are My Dog's Eyes Red?

"Why are my dog's eyes red?" If you're asking, it might be time for a visit to the veterinarian. Red eyes usually indicate an underlying health problem — and the sooner it's treated, the better.

Read on to learn common causes of red eyes in dogs, what other signs to look out for and how your vet might treat your dog's eyes.

Why Are My Dog's Eyes Red?

Have you noticed that your dog's eyes appear bloodshot? Your dog's eyes could be red for a number of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:

Irritation

If a foreign object, such as dirt, dust, grass or hair gets in your dog's eye, it can cause irritation and redness. Cleaning sprays and perfume can also irritate your dog's eyes.

Signs of irritation:

• Redness
• Tears or watery discharge
• Itchy eyes (expressed by pawing at their eyes or rubbing their face)

Treatment: You should contact your veterinarian first before any applying any treatment. They may suggest to gently wash out your dog's eyes with lukewarm water. Wait an hour or two to see whether the redness clears up.

Allergies

Just like people, dogs can have allergies, too. They can have seasonal allergies and food allergies, as well as allergic reactions to dust, mold, household cleaners and other environmental allergens. Any of these allergies can cause a dog's eyes to turn bloodshot, says the American Kennel Club.

Signs of Allergies:

• Redness
• Tears or watery discharge
• Itchiness
• Licking and scratching
• Sneezing
• Red or inflamed skin
• Hair loss

Treatment: Don't give your dog over-the-counter allergy medicine or eye drops without first consulting your veterinarian. Proper treatment depends on your dog's specific allergy, which your vet will determine by examining your dog and running tests. In some cases, pinpointing allergens can be a long process, especially if your vet suspects a food allergy (12-week food trials are required to properly diagnose food allergies).

Pink Eye

Pink eye, the common name for conjunctivitis, comes in two forms: infectious and non-infectious. Infectious pink eye is caused by a virus or bacterial infection, while the non-infectious type is generally caused by allergies, irritation, injury, a congenital condition or an illness such as distemper.

Signs of Pink Eye:

• Red or puffy eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Eye discharge
• Eyelids sticking together, squinting
• Swelling of the eyelid lining (conjunctiva)

Treatment: Whether or not your dog's case of pink eye is infectious, it needs to be checked out and treated by a vet. They'll determine whether it's the contagious type before determining and treating an underlying cause. Infectious pink eye must be treated with antibacterial or antifungal medicine. Your vet may also give you anti-inflammatory medicine to administer to your dog.

Dry Eye

Another issue that might cause you to wonder why your dog's eyes are red is dry eye, the common term for keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). This condition occurs when the tear glands don't produce enough moisture, causing the tissues of the eye to dry out, says Cuteness. Dry eye can be a result of eye trauma, an underlying health condition or a corneal ulcer.

Signs of Dry Eye:

• Redness
• Itchy, painful eyes
• Thick discharge

Treatment: Your vet will conduct a test to assess the level of moisture your dog's tear glands are producing. They may also check for corneal ulcers. Dogs with dry eye are commonly prescribed eye drops to keep their eyes moist. You'll need to clean their eyes on a regular basis. While dry eye sometimes clears up on its own, it can also be chronic and require lifelong treatment.