Sheltie Scratching and Rubbing Around Her Eye

Rubbing and scratching around the eye, rather than in it, often points to itchy, inflamed eyelids and skin (blepharitis). Common causes include allergies, skin infections, mites, and eyelid or eyelash problems. Collies and related breeds are among those prone to it.

Warm compresses are helpful, so keep doing them for 5 to 15 minutes a few times a day. The most important thing now is to stop the scratching. A cone lets the skin heal and protects the eye from further damage.

Please don't put human creams, ointments or eye drops near her eye unless your vet says they're safe. Some can irritate or harm the eye if they get in it. Your vet can do skin scrapings and other quick tests to find the cause, check the eye itself for a scratch, and prescribe something safe to use.

See swollen and itchy eyelids and eye injuries in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.