Red and swollen eyes in dogs are usually due to eye inflammation for a variety of reasons. Here are some common causes:
1. Eye infection:
Bacterial infections: such as conjunctivitis and keratitis, manifested by eye redness and swelling, increased secretions (which may be yellow or green), eye pain, and photophobia.
Viral infection: Viral conjunctivitis caused by canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus, etc. is often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, nasal discharge, and tearing. Fungal infection: less common, but may cause corneal ulcers or keratitis, accompanied by corneal opacity, eyelid swelling, etc.
2. Allergic reaction:
Environmental allergies: For example, allergies to pollen, dust, mold, smoke, certain detergents or perfumes can lead to eyelid swelling, conjunctival congestion, tearing, and itchy eyes. Food allergy: Rare but may cause eye symptoms such as eyelid swelling and conjunctivitis.
3. Physical stimulation or trauma:
Foreign matter entering: such as dust, sand, plant thorns, eyelashes, etc. entering the eyes, causing irritation, pain, redness and swelling.
Scratch or impact: The eye is hit by an external force or scratched by a sharp object, causing eyelid swelling, bleeding, and pain.
4. Eye structural abnormalities:
Eyelid diseases: such as blepharitis, hordeolum (commonly known as stye), entropion of the eyelids (trichiasis), etc., leading to redness and swelling of the eyelids and increased secretions.
Tear excretion disorders: such as dacryoadenitis and blocked nasolacrimal ducts (eporrhoea), causing redness and swelling around the eyes, tearing, and tear stains.
5. Systemic diseases:
Immune diseases: Such as autoimmune diseases (such as SLE) or systemic infections (such as canine distemper), may be accompanied by eye inflammation.
Metabolic diseases: such as kidney disease, thyroid dysfunction, etc., can cause eye edema.
6. Drug reaction:
Drug allergy: Allergy to certain eye medications (such as antibiotic eye drops), causing eyelid swelling and conjunctival congestion. If your dog’s eyes are red and swollen, you should take it to a veterinary clinic for a detailed examination as soon as possible to determine the specific cause for targeted treatment.
Possible treatments include antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal, and antiallergic drugs, eye irrigation, surgery to correct structural abnormalities, and improvement of living environment.
Before the diagnosis is clear, avoid self-medication to avoid delaying the condition or aggravating symptoms. At the same time, keep your dog’s eyes clean, avoiding scratching the eyes is also an important care measure.