Why is my dog’s eye red?
The most common cause is conjunctivitis—inflammation of the pink membrane around the eye. Dust, pollen, smoke, infection, and irritation can all trigger it.
Green or yellow dog eye discharge
Thick, ropey discharge that keeps returning—especially in a Shih Tzu, Pug, Bulldog, Lhasa Apso, or Cocker Spaniel—can be dry eye (KCS), not repeated infections. A vet can measure tear production with a Schirmer tear test. Dry eye is often lifelong, but prescription tear-stimulating drops can preserve comfort and vision.
Dog red eye treatment at home: sterile saline, an e-collar, and removal of dust or wind exposure are the only sensible first steps. Medication waits for an eye exam.
There’s a pink lump in the corner—is it cherry eye?
A smooth, pink, fleshy lump at the inner corner is very likely cherry eye: the tear gland of the third eyelid has slipped out of position.
It usually returns. Massage may move it briefly, but it is not a reliable permanent fix.
Reposition, don’t remove. The preferred surgery preserves the gland’s important tear function.
Plan it soon. It is usually not a middle-of-the-night emergency, but earlier specialist advice helps limit irritation.
Typical estimate for gland-tucking surgery in one eye. City, anaesthesia, tests, surgeon experience, and complications can change the quote.
My dog is squinting or keeping one eye closed
A painful eye often means a corneal ulcer—a scratch on the clear front surface after rough play, a cat swipe, a thorn, or self-rubbing. Even a small ulcer can deepen rapidly.
A vet confirms the scratch with fluorescein stain. The orange dye glows green where the corneal surface is missing. A phone camera cannot replace this test.
My dog has a cloudy blue film over the eye
Sudden haze
Blue-grey cloudiness with pain, redness, a wide pupil, or a hard-looking eye can mean an ulcer or glaucoma. Go the same day.
Gradual change
In senior dogs this may be harmless lens ageing or a cataract. Cataracts can also be associated with diabetes, so a blood test may be recommended.
