Causes of Red and Swollen Dog Eyes: Possible Reasons Ex
Red Eyes in Dogs
One: High Levels of Exercise
After a vigorous play session with your dog, you might notice their eyes appear red. This is often due to the increased blood circulation in their bodies following intense exercise, which can lead to the redness. Rest assured, this is a normal occurrence. Once your furry friend calms down and their body temperature returns to normal, their eyes should return to their usual, clear state.
Two: Excessive Internal Heat
Too much internal heat, or "upward fire" in Chinese medicine, can also result in red eyes and excessive eye discharge in dogs. This is essentially a case of "being overheated." To help your dog, adjust their diet by avoiding human foods and encouraging them to drink more water. Incorporating more vegetables and fruits into their diet can help clear up their eyes more quickly.
Three: Foreign Objects in the Eyes
Foreign bodies like dust or eyelashes can irritate a dog's eyes, causing redness. Eyelid inversion can lead to eyelashes scratching the cornea, making the eyes uncomfortable and potentially red and watery. To prevent this, consider trimming away any extra eyelashes to avoid such irritation.
Four: Fungal or Bacterial Infections
Infections caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, or parasites, or even foreign objects that enter the eye, can cause discomfort and lead to red eyes. If your dog scratches their eyes excessively, they might accidentally scratch them, causing redness. For mild cases, you can gently wash your dog's eyes with saline solution 3 to 5 times a day and apply antibiotic eye drops. However, for more severe cases, it's best to consult a veterinarian for proper examination and treatment to avoid serious complications.
Five: Battle Injuries
Dogs are known for their playful aggression. If your dog's eyes are red due to a fight with another dog, it's likely that their eyes were scratched. If this is the case, it's advisable to take your pet to a veterinarian for treatment.
Six: Dacryocystitis
Redness in a dog's eyes can also be attributed to dacryocystitis, an inflammation of the tear glands. This condition leads to excessive tear production, and if the tear ducts cannot clear the excess tears, it can result in a buildup of tears and eye discharge, causing redness. It's best to have your dog examined by a vet, who can prescribe medication based on the doctor's advice.