Red Spot In Dog’s Eye: Signs, Causes, & Treatment

If you’ve noticed a red spot in your dog’s eye, you’re probably wondering – what is that?! In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes and treatments for this issue so that you won’t have to worry about that red spot in your dog’s eye ever again. 

Table of Contents

• Red Spot In Dog’s Eye: Intro
• What Is That Red Spot In Dog’s Eye? Is It Dangerous?
• What Are The Causes Of Red Spot In Dog’s Eye?
• Most Common Symptoms Of Red Eye In Dogs
• How Do I Get Rid Of Red Spot In My Dog’s Eye?
• Ways To Prevent Red Spot In Dog’s Eye?
• Red Spot In Dog’s Eye: FAQs

Red Spot In Dog’s Eye: Intro

Ah, the love we have for our furry friends is both wonderful, but at the same time it can cause us a lot of heartache. You’ve probably been there – you notice a worrying sign about your pet’s behavior or appearance, and all of the scariest thoughts come flooding into your mind. 

It’s completely understandable to feel a bit worried when you notice a red spot on your dog’s eye. Our canine pals are part of our families, after all! And it can be difficult to manage those anxious thoughts whilst trying to figure out what might be going on with your dog’s health.

So, if there’s a red spot in your dog’s eye, they’ve been squinting lately, or it looks like your furry pal is feeling discomfort when looking around, then keep on reading to find out what might be the issue and how you can tackle it. 

What Is That Red Spot In Dog’s Eye? Is It Dangerous?

If you’ve suddenly (or not so suddenly) noticed that there’s a red spot in your dog’s eye, it could mean a few different things. It could be an injury or infection, or it might indicate that there’s another condition that requires veterinary care. But don’t worry – there are ways to treat it. The main thing is that you’ve noticed it so you’ll be able to take quick action. 

Firstly, if there’s a red spot in your dog’s eye, it could be something as simple as a burst blood vessel. Just like when we get a red spot in our eyes from time to time. This can happen from excessive excitement or strain, and it usually isn’t a major concern.

However, it could also indicate an allergy, eye infection, inflammation, or a condition called cherry eye, where the gland in the third eyelid prolapses and becomes visible. Indeed, if any of those conditions are the cause of your dog’s eyes becoming red, it’s time to book a visit to your vet. Worst case scenario, it could be a sign of an injury or even a tumor. But don’t panic just yet!

The bottom line is, while it could be nothing serious, it’s always better to play it safe when it comes to your pup’s health. If you notice anything unusual, such as a red spot in your dog’s eye, squinting, or pawing at the eye, be sure to take your pooch to the vet for a thorough check-up. They’ll be able to assess the issue and figure out exactly what’s going on. 

Remember, early detection is key with most health issues. So, give your vet a call, get that eye checked out, and hopefully, it’s just a little hiccup in your dog’s otherwise happy and healthy life.

What Are The Causes Of Red Spot In Dog’s Eye?

Needless to say, if there’s a red spot in your dog’s eye, there has to be a cause for it. There are numerous reasons why this could happen. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common causes of redness and red spots in dogs’ eyes. 

Allergies & Environmental Triggers

Oftentimes, a red spot in a dog’s eye can be either due to environmental irritants, such as home chemicals, dust, and pollen, or allergies. In fact, allergies can be caused by those same environmental triggers. However, if there are certain ingredients in your dog’s usual kibble that don’t agree with their body, it could also trigger allergies and lead to red sclera in dogs. (By the way, sclera is the white part of a dog’s eyeball)

Injury

Physical trauma to the eye, such as a scratch or a blow, can cause a red spot in a dog’s eye. In severe cases, these injuries can lead to corneal ulcers. In milder cases, you might simply notice a red spot on a dog’s eyeball. That’s because after an injury, blood tends to rush into the affected area. 

Conjunctivitis

In simple terms, conjunctivitis is called pink eye, which is an inflammation of the eye. It can cause redness, itching, excessive tearing, and discharge. As it can be quite uncomfortable, it’s not uncommon for dogs to start scratching their eyes to soothe the discomfort. Another common thing to look out for with pink eye is frequent squinting. 

Pink eye can be caused by numerous reasons, including genetics, allergies, or infections. A pink eye can also happen when your pup has suffered from a trauma in the eye area. Or, it could be a secondary symptom of more serious conditions like dry eye, entropion, glaucoma, or tumors in the eye area. 

Corneal Ulcer

Corneal ulcers are sores or ‘wounds’ on the eyeball. An ulcer on the cornea, which is the clear surface at the front of the eye, can lead to redness, pain, and sometimes cloudiness. A corneal ulcer is a serious condition that could lead to irreversible damage to your pup’s vision and eye health. 

This condition is often caused by injuries and traumas directly to the eye. For instance, if something has gotten into your dog’s eye or if another pet has scratched the surface of their eyeball. However, a corneal ulcer can also develop if your dog’s eyes have been exposed to harsh chemicals or their fumes. In addition to that, other health conditions can also lead to corneal ulcers. These include infections, diabetes, dry eye, inverted eyelids, and thyroid problems. 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that’s caused by increased pressure in the eye. This often leads to redness, pain, and potentially vision loss. As the eyes produce more fluid that they can drain out, the pressure in the eye increases to dangerous levels. This condition can be caused by genetics, as some breeds are prone to glaucoma. However, other eye conditions and injuries to the eye can also lead to this eye condition. 

Cherry Eye

This is a condition where the gland in the third eyelid prolapses and becomes visible, often appearing as a red lump in the corner of the eye. Sometimes a cherry eye is extremely visible, bulging out of a dog’s eye corner, whereas other times you might only see a little bit of that pink gland. Either way, this condition requires medical attention, and usually the only suitable treatment for this is surgery. If left untreated, cherry eye can lead to other eye problems and eventually even vision loss. 

Uveitis, Inflammation, Eye Infections, & Tumors

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It can be caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, diabetes, high blood pressure, trauma to the eye, or even tumors in the eye area. A common symptom of uveitis is that a dog’s eyes become increasingly red all over. That being said, other eye infections and tumors in the eye area could also be to blame for the red spot in a dog’s eye, even if there’s no uveitis present. 

Most Common Symptoms Of Red Eye In Dogs

Red eyes in dogs can manifest in several ways, depending on the underlying cause. Here are the most common symptoms you might notice:

• Redness: The most obvious symptom is redness in one or both eyes. This could be a generalized redness or just one or few red spots in a dog’s eye.
• Excessive Tearing and Discharge: Excessive tearing is one of the most common symptoms of an underlying eye problem. Even if it’s just a simple trauma or allergy. However, you may also notice clear, yellow, or greenish discharge coming from your dog’s eye. This can sometimes signal an infection.
• Swelling: The eye area might appear swollen or puffy due to the inflammation in a dog’s eyes. 
• Blinking or Squinting: Dogs with eye discomfort will often blink excessively or squint. They may also be reluctant to open their eyes, or avoid opening their eyes in bright light. 
• Rubbing or Pawing at the Eye: If your dog’s eye or eyes are itchy, inflamed, or painful,  they may try to rub it with their paw to soothe the discomfort. 
• Cloudiness or Change in Eye Color: Changes in the appearance of your dog’s eye, such cloudiness or color change, typically indicate that there’s a more serious eye condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.
• Changes in Behavior: If your dog is experiencing pain or severe discomfort, they might become lethargic, less playful, or even lose their appetite. 

Remember, these symptoms could indicate a variety of eye conditions, some more serious than others. If your dog displays any of these signs, we urge you to consult with your vet as soon as possible. 

How Do I Get Rid Of Red Spot In My Dog’s Eye?

Regardless if there’s a red spot in your dog’s eye due to a slight allergic reaction or a more serious eye disease, you should never opt for at-home remedies to try and get rid of the spot on your own. 

First and foremost, take your pup to the vet as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary, including a simple red spot. As we said, it’s best to stay on the safe side, even if it means slight inconvenience having to take your dog to the vet. Only a trained professional can properly examine your dog’s eye and determine the cause of the red spot. 

Now, depending on the cause, your vet might either prescribe special eye drops or ointments that help tackle the issue. That’s the usual route for minor eye infections and inflammations. For minor irritations, your vet might recommend a dog-safe eye wash to help clean out the bad bacteria and any irritants. In this guide we actually have a few good recommendations lined up for you. 

On the other hand, if your vet diagnoses a cherry eye or a tumor, they’ll likely have to perform a surgery under general anesthesia. Likewise, if the red spot in your dog’s eye is caused by another underlying medical condition, the treatment plan can be lengthy and include various treatments and medications. 

And, of course, don’t forget to pamper your pup as much as possible when they’re healing from any type of eye condition. Make sure your dog gets that much needed rest and prevent them from scratching or rubbing the eye area to prevent the issue from getting worse. 

Ways To Prevent Red Spot In Dog’s Eye?

Dogs are, well, dogs, and we can never stop them from getting overly excited or unfortunate accidents happening with them. Case in point, if your pup tends to get a bit too rambunctious during playtime, dirt can just as well cause a trauma to their eye, leading to that dreadful red spot. 

Nonetheless, there are some steps you can take to prevent a red spot on your dog’s eye, or at least prevent any eye conditions from worsening. 

Firstly, regularly check your dog’s eyes so that you can catch any worrying signs early on. As we’ve already said many times, the sooner you notice any changes, the easier it usually is to either treat or manage the condition. Likewise, take your pup for routine vet check-ups, as your vet can catch any potential issues early on before they progress into more severe diseases. 

Secondly, don’t neglect your pup’s grooming and hygiene routine. We recommend you regularly clean your dog’s eyes with a damp, clean cloth. Gently wipe away any discharge around the eyes daily to keep your pup’s eyes clean and prevent tear stains. You can also opt for dog-safe wash pads, eye rinses, or tear stain removers. Additionally, you should keep the hair around your dog’s eyes neatly trimmed at all times to prevent long hair from scratching and irritating the eye area. You can either learn how to do it yourself or have your pup professionally groomed. 

Thirdly, make sure that your dog is never exposed to common irritants like household chemicals and their fumes, smoke, or even dust. If you have to use harsh chemicals for cleaning, have your dog safely waiting in another room until the fumes have evaporated. In addition to that, if your dog is allergic, limit their exposure to dust, pollen, or other environmental triggers. You can also use lubricating eye drops during high seasons. 

And lastly, feed your dog a healthy and balanced diet. That’s not only beneficial for their overall health, but can also reduce any allergic reactions. We also recommend you avoid any sub-par dog food formulas that contain artificial preservatives, flavors, colorants, or filler ingredients. That being said, some dogs can become allergic to common ingredients like chicken or wheat. If that’s the case, you might have to switch out their usual kibble for a new one. 

Red Spot In Dog’s Eye: FAQs

Red Spot In Dog’s Eye: Final Thoughts

A red spot in your dog’s eye can be worrying, but there are some common causes that you can address with the help of your vet. From allergies to an infection, there are many potential reasons for the redness. There are also some simple ways you can prevent a red spot in your dog’s eye, such as avoiding environmental irritants or allergens as much as possible, keeping their eyes clean and healthy, and visiting your vet for regular checkups. At the end of the day, whether it’s a minor thing or a major medical issue, your vet is the best person to talk about your concerns and ensure that your pup is getting the best treatment in a timely manner.