Causes of Red Eyes in Dogs: Possible Reasons Explained

Part 1: Why Are a Puppy's Eyes Red?

There could be several reasons why a puppy's eyes appear red. Here are some possible causes:

Firstly, conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the conjunctiva, is a common culprit. This can be triggered by a cold, eye injury, foreign body irritation, or infections like canine distemper. These conditions can lead to bacterial or viral infections in the eye area, causing conjunctivitis. Symptoms of conjunctivitis in dogs include excessive tearing, red conjunctiva, and an increase in eye discharge. The increased permeability of capillaries due to infection can cause the eyes to become red.

Secondly, entropion, where the eyelids roll inward, can also cause redness in a puppy's eyes. This can irritate the cornea and lead to symptoms such as eye pain, excessive tearing, difficulty opening the eyes, and eyelid spasms. These symptoms may also lead to conjunctivitis and keratitis. Entropion in puppies is often hereditary, but it can also occur later in life, more commonly in older dogs.

Thirdly, ingrown eyelashes can repeatedly irritate the surface of the puppy's eye, causing frequent blinking and redness. Ingrown eyelashes can be present from birth or may be a result of poor healing after an eye injury.

Part 2: What Medication Can Be Used for a Puppy's Red Eyes?

If a puppy's eyes are red and there are no other symptoms, you can initially use neomycin sulfate eye drops or other antibacterial eye drops. If there is a lot of discharge, it's advisable to also administer broadspectrum antibiotics like amoxicillin powder to prevent secondary infections.

If the puppy's eye symptoms persist or recur shortly after stopping medication, it may be due to entropion or ingrown eyelashes. Both conditions often require surgical intervention. Corrective surgery for entropion can only be performed once the puppy is between 4 and 6 months old and has stable facial features. The procedure for correcting ingrown eyelashes usually involves removing the lashes to prevent irritation of the conjunctiva. This method is quick and costeffective but may recur. Alternatively, electrocautery or cryotherapy can be used to destroy the hair follicles, effectively preventing regrowth and providing a permanent solution.

To alleviate your puppy's discomfort as quickly as possible, it's recommended to take them to a veterinary clinic for examination and treatment as soon as possible.