Why Is My Dog’s Eye Swollen All of a Sudden?
If your dog's eye is suddenly swollen, various health issues may be the cause, such as allergies, injuries, infections, or abscesses.
No matter the cause, visit your veterinarian for treatment. Ignoring the issue can be painful for your dog.
Causes of a Dog's Swollen Eye
Depending on the cause, swelling can affect one or both eyes and may happen suddenly or gradually. Here are some common causes, though other conditions may also lead to swelling.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions are a common cause of eye swelling in dogs. Insect bites, stings, or other allergens can make a dog's eyes swell rapidly. Facial swelling along with throat swelling, may occur during an allergic reaction and should not be ignored.
Tumors
Tumors in the mouth, face, or skull can exert pressure on the eyes, causing swelling of surrounding tissues. Not all tumors are apparent; your veterinarian might need to sedate your dog for an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to detect them. Tumors can be painful, with the prognosis varying by type.
Infections
Bacterial infections of the eye and surrounding tissues can cause inflammation and swelling. Viral, bacterial, fungal, and even certain parasitic infections that affect other parts of the body can cause eye swelling.
Abscesses
Tooth root abscesses, despite being inside the mouth, can cause eye swelling. The upper fourth premolar often causes swelling just under the eye due to its long roots. Skin abscesses near the eye can also result in eye swelling.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes increased pressure in the eye, leading to bulging and a swollen appearance.
Dry Eye
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye, results in insufficient tear production, leaving the eyes dry, inflamed, and possibly swollen.
Proptosis
Severe trauma can cause proptosis, where the eye may pop out of its socket or bulge, creating a swollen appearance.
Injuries
Bite wounds, bumps, and scratches on the face can all cause inflammation and swelling. If these injuries occur near the eye, the eye or the surrounding area may become swollen. Dogfights, being hit by a car, and rough play are common causes of these eye-swelling injuries.
Treatment for Swollen Eyes in Dogs
If one or both of your dog's eyes are swollen, call your veterinarian immediately. They may recommend at-home treatments like warm compresses, a saline eye rinse, or oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine until you can get your dog into the hospital. Once they examine your dog and determine the cause, they may prescribe eye drops, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or steroids. Surgery, dental procedures, and other treatments may also be necessary depending on the cause of the swelling.
How to Prevent Swollen Eyes in Dogs
Because there are so many different causes of swollen eyes in dogs, it can be difficult to prevent. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help to detect any problems before they cause the eyes to swell. You should also keep your dog away from stinging and biting insects and situations that may cause trauma to the face.
Basic safety measures will help keep their eyes from being injured and getting swollen. The same goes for regular dental care. Avoid letting your dog chew on things that could crack their teeth, too. This can help prevent tooth-root abscesses from developing.
