Symptom · Dogs and cats
Red or cloudy eye: what it means and when to call the vet
A red, squinting, cloudy or weeping eye should be seen by a vet within a day. Eyes deteriorate quickly, and ulcers and glaucoma can cost sight if treatment is delayed.
By Maya HartCommon causes
- Conjunctivitis from allergy or infection
- Corneal ulcers from scratches
- Dry eye in some dog breeds
- Glaucoma or uveitis
- Cat flu (herpesvirus)
What you can do at home
- Wipe discharge with cotton wool and cooled boiled water
- Stop rubbing with a cone
- Never use human eye drops
What the vet may do
- Stain the eye to check for ulcers
- Measure eye pressure
- Prescribe the right drops
Prevention
- Keep the fur around the eyes trimmed
- Car windows up — wind and debris damage eyes
The details
Squinting is a sign of pain. Some steroid-containing drops, sensible for conjunctivitis, make an ulcer much worse, which is why eyes should be examined before treatment.
Questions owners ask
Is red or cloudy eye an emergency?
Usually it is not an emergency, but your pet should see a vet within 24 hours. Go now if you see: an eye that has popped forward; sudden blindness; a very painful, cloudy or enlarged eye (possible glaucoma); chemical splashed in the eye — rinse with water for 10 minutes on the way.
What causes red or cloudy eye?
Conjunctivitis from allergy or infection; Corneal ulcers from scratches; Dry eye in some dog breeds; Glaucoma or uveitis; Cat flu (herpesvirus).
What can I do at home?
Wipe discharge with cotton wool and cooled boiled water. Stop rubbing with a cone. Never use human eye drops.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts