01 Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye — is the most common eye problem in dogs. It can be bacterial, viral, or allergic in origin. Signs include redness, swelling of the tissue around the eye, and discharge ranging from clear and watery to thick and yellow-green. Bacterial conjunctivitis specifically needs antibiotic eye treatment; the wrong product won't resolve it and may cause further irritation.

02 Allergies

Environmental allergies can cause watery, itchy eyes alongside other symptoms such as paw licking and skin itching. The eyes tend to look mildly red and produce clear discharge rather than coloured discharge. Allergy-related eye symptoms often occur alongside other seasonal signs and may respond to allergen management, though a vet should confirm the cause before any treatment is started.

03 Dry Eye (KCS)

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) — commonly called dry eye — occurs when the tear glands don't produce enough tears to keep the eye surface properly lubricated. Without adequate lubrication, the eye becomes inflamed and is vulnerable to secondary infection. Signs include thick, sticky, or mucoid discharge, redness, and a dull or hazy appearance to the cornea. KCS needs ongoing veterinary management, usually with prescription lubricating drops or immune-modulating medication. It doesn't resolve on its own.

04 Blocked or Overflowing Tear Duct (Epiphora)

Epiphora is the overflow of tears down the face, often causing tear staining — visible as a reddish-brown stain on the fur below the inner corner of the eye. It can be caused by a blocked nasolacrimal duct (the duct that normally drains tears away), the shape of the face in brachycephalic breeds, or excess tear production from irritation. While tear staining is primarily cosmetic in some dogs, a blocked duct or underlying cause should still be assessed by a vet.

Brachycephalic breeds — including French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Pugs — are particularly prone to this due to their flat facial anatomy.

05 Entropion

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or skin to rub against the surface of the eye. It causes persistent irritation, discharge, and discomfort. It's a hereditary condition seen most commonly in breeds such as Shar Peis, Chow Chows, Bulldogs, and Rottweilers. Surgical correction is usually needed.

06 Cherry Eye

Cherry eye is the common name for prolapse of the tear gland associated with the third eyelid (nictitating membrane). It appears as a round, red or pink fleshy mass in the inner corner of the eye and looks alarming, though it isn't immediately painful. It's more common in certain breeds including Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Basset Hounds. Surgical repositioning of the gland is the standard treatment — attempting to push it back manually at home can damage the gland and worsen the problem.

07 Corneal Ulcer or Scratch

A corneal ulcer is a wound on the surface of the eye. It can be caused by a scratch, a foreign body, a dry eye, or infection. It causes significant pain — signs include intense squinting, a watery or cloudy appearance to the affected eye, and pawing at the face.

08 Foreign Body in the Eye

Grass seeds, dust, grit, or hair can get into the eye and cause sudden irritation, discharge, and squinting. If you can clearly see something on the surface of the eye and it's not embedded, a vet can flush it out safely. Don't attempt to remove anything embedded in the eye yourself, and avoid using cotton wool or dry tissue which can cause further scratching.

09 Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a build-up of pressure inside the eye that causes pain and, without prompt treatment, irreversible damage to the optic nerve and permanent blindness. It can develop suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Acute glaucoma is an emergency.