Swollen Eyes in Dogs

Swollen Eyelids

• Allergic reactions and stings: sudden puffiness of the eyelids, face and muzzle, sometimes with hives. Most cases settle, but vets usually treat with antihistamine and steroid injections. Tell your vet about past reactions.^1,7,17
• Blepharitis: red, swollen, itchy eyelids with crusts or hair loss. Causes include allergies, bacteria, mites, eyelid and eyelash problems, and hormone diseases.^2,18
• Styes and chalazions: infected or blocked oil glands on the eyelid edge^18,19
• Eyelid lumps: usually benign gland tumors in older dogs, often removed if they grow or rub the eye^9,2
• Swelling of the eye's pink lining: can be dramatic after an injury, an allergic reaction or an insect bite, and usually heals quickly with treatment¹⁷

For mild eyelid swelling without other signs, a cone stops rubbing and a cool compress may soothe. Warm compresses for 5 to 15 minutes help blepharitis and styes. Don't give any human allergy medicine unless your vet says it's suitable and tells you the dose.^14,2,20

Swelling Below or Behind the Eye

• Tooth root abscess: the roots of the big upper back tooth sit just below the eye. An abscess there causes swelling under the eye that may burst, and it's often mistaken for an eye problem. It needs dental treatment or extraction, because antibiotics alone won't cure it. See bad breath and dental disease.³
• Abscess or infection behind the eye (orbital cellulitis): a bulging eye, swollen lids, the third eyelid across the eye and pain opening the mouth. More common in large and hunting breeds, sometimes from grass awns, thorns or porcupine quills. Antibiotics usually cure it.^4,12
• A tumor behind the eye: slowly pushes the eye forward, usually without pain, in older dogs^12,16
• Blocked tear duct: watering and conjunctivitis that keeps coming back, sometimes with a draining sore on the lower lid. Vets flush the duct.^21,22

Bulging or Enlarged Eye

• Glaucoma: high pressure stretches the eye over time. It's painful and can cause blindness. See glaucoma.^5,16
• Eye out of the socket (proptosis): an emergency, common in flat-faced breeds after minor trauma. See eye injuries.^6,23
• Pushed forward by something behind it: an abscess or a tumor¹⁶

Third Eyelid Showing

Dogs have a third eyelid in the inner corner of each eye. It normally stays mostly hidden.²⁴ It may show because of:^10,25,11

• Cherry eye: the most common cause, a red lump in the inner corner. See cherry eye.
• Horner's syndrome: a droopy upper eyelid, a small pupil and a sunken eye on one side, from nerve damage. Causes include ear disease, neck or chest injury and tumors, but about half have no clear cause. It's more common in Golden Retrievers.^11,15
• Pain: a painful eye pulls back into the socket, so the third eyelid shows
• Illness or dehydration, which can make the eyes sink
• Something behind the eye, such as an abscess
• Inflammation, such as conjunctivitis, or a foreign body hiding behind the third eyelid

Have your vet check a third eyelid that suddenly appears.¹⁰

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dog's eye swollen?

Often an allergic reaction, sting or eyelid inflammation. Bulging or pain needs a vet the same day.

Can I give my dog an antihistamine for a swollen eye?

Ask your vet first, for the right medicine and dose. Breathing trouble is an emergency.

How long does a swollen eye last in a dog?

Allergic swelling usually settles with treatment. See your vet if it isn't improving or gets worse.

Why is my dog's third eyelid showing in one eye?

Cherry eye, pain or Horner's syndrome are common reasons. Have it checked.

Can dogs get a blocked tear duct?

Yes. It causes watering and repeated eye infections. Vets can flush it.