why is my dog squinting both eyes

As a pet owner, you’ve likely observed your dog displaying various behaviors or reactions, such as squinting. If you’ve recently noticed your dog squinting both eyes, you might wonder, “Why is my dog squinting both eyes?” While occasional squinting can be perfectly normal, persistent squinting accompanied by other symptoms may indicate underlying eye problems or discomfort. In this blog, we’ll dive into the common causes of eye squinting in dogs, how to identify potential issues, and when to seek veterinary assistance.

Understanding Dog Eye Squinting

Squinting is the act of partially closing or narrowing the eyes. Dogs may squint for various reasons, and understanding why this behavior occurs can help you determine whether it’s a normal reaction or requires further attention. Squinting can affect one or both of your dog’s eyes and can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as excessive tearing, redness, irritation, or discharge.

Squinting can indicate that something is irritating your dog’s eye or causing pain. It could also indicate a more serious issue, such as an infection, injury, or eye disease. Therefore, if you notice your dog squinting for an extended period, it’s important to monitor any additional symptoms and consider seeking professional help closely.

Common Causes of Dog Squinting

There are many causes of eye squinting in dogs, ranging from mild irritation to serious medical conditions that require treatment. Here are some of the most common reasons your dog may be squinting both eyes:

1. Eye Irritation or Foreign Objects

dog's visionIf your dog is squinting both eyes, one of the first things to consider is whether something irritates its eyes. Dogs are naturally curious and may expose themselves to dirt, dust, or foreign objects that can enter the eye, causing discomfort or mild injury.

If a foreign object, such as a piece of debris, hair, or a small seed, gets stuck in your dog’s eye, it can lead to squinting and excessive tearing as the body tries to flush it out. If your dog continues to squint and shows discomfort, examining the eyes for foreign material is important. If you cannot remove the object or your dog shows increased pain, such as pawing at its eyes, you should consult a vet immediately.

2. Eye Infection

Another common cause of squinting is an eye infection. Infections in a dog’s eye can cause inflammation, discomfort, and pain. Bacterial or viral infections often lead to redness, discharge, and squinting symptoms. If the infection is severe, the eyes may also become sensitive to light, and your dog may try to keep their eyes closed to avoid irritation.

Infections can also cause watery eyes and yellow discharge, further irritating your dog’s eyes. An untreated infection can lead to more serious complications, including permanent damage to the eye or blindness. Therefore, veterinary assistance is essential when treating eye infections.

3. Corneal Ulcers

One of the more serious reasons why your dog may be squinting is the presence of a corneal ulcer. This is an open wound or tear in the surface of the dog’s cornea, which is the transparent part of the eye. Corneal ulcers are extremely painful and often cause squinting, excessive tearing, and redness in the eye.

Corneal ulcers can result from trauma, infection, or underlying eye diseases. If left untreated, corneal ulcers can lead to permanent blindness or the need for surgical removal of the affected eye. If your dog is squinting due to a corneal ulcer, it is crucial to get an eye examination from a veterinarian to determine the severity and appropriate treatment.

4. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

Dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when a dog’s tear glands are not producing enough moisture to keep the eyes lubricated. This condition can cause significant eye discomfort and irritation, leading to eye squinting and excessive eye inflammation.

Dry eye can lead to many other symptoms, including watery eyes, redness, and a thick discharge. It is more common in older dogs and certain breeds, particularly brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs or Pugs), with unique eye structures predisposing them to eye problems. If left untreated, dry eye can result in long-term damage to the cornea and other serious complications.

5. Cherry Eye

Cherry eye is a condition in which the third eyelid (a small tissue fold that helps protect the eye) prolapses or becomes visible in the corner of the dog’s eye. This condition causes the gland in the third eyelid to swell and become inflamed, often resulting in eye squinting.

Cherry eye is most common in young dogs and certain breeds, such as Bulldogs and Cocker Spaniels. While cherry eye is not typically painful, it can lead to secondary eye infections or cause discomfort that leads to squinting. In some cases, surgical removal of the affected tissue may be required.

6. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that occurs when there is increased pressure inside the eye, which can cause severe pain and vision problems. If your dog is squinting both eyes, has redness or cloudy eyes, and is showing signs of discomfort, glaucoma may be the underlying cause.

Glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated, so it’s crucial to seek care from a veterinarian if you suspect that your dog might have this condition. Treatment typically involves medication to reduce the pressure inside the eye or surgery in more severe cases.

7. Trauma or Injury

Dogs can often injure their eyes during play or roughhousing, leading to squinting due to the pain and irritation caused by trauma. Trauma to the eyeball or the eyelids can lead to inflammation, irritation, and squinting as the dog tries to protect its eye. In some cases, the injury may also lead to a tear in the cornea or other eye problems that require veterinary treatment.

If your dog has been involved in an accident or has been hit near the eye, it’s essential to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Even minor injuries can lead to serious complications if not treated properly.

8. Underlying Health Issues

In rare cases, squinting may be a symptom of a more systemic issue affecting your dog’s overall health. Conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or other systemic conditions can impact the tear glands, leading to squinting, dry eye, and other symptoms. If your dog is also showing signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, or other health problems, it’s important to seek care from your vet to rule out any underlying health conditions.

When to Seek Veterinary Assistance

pet's eyesIf your dog is squinting both eyes and showing signs of pain, redness, or discharge, it’s important to seek help from a veterinarian. Dog eye problems can be serious, and delaying treatment can lead to permanent damage to the cornea or even blindness. A veterinary examination is essential to determine the underlying cause of the squinting and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Some signs that indicate the need for immediate veterinary care include:

  • Persistent squinting that lasts more than a few hours
  • Redness or cloudiness in the eye
  • Excessive tearing or goopy discharge
  • Signs of pain, such as pawing at the eyes, rubbing the face, or reluctance to open the eyes
  • Squinting accompanied by swelling or visible injury to the eye

Conclusion

There are many reasons why your dog may be squinting both eyes, ranging from minor irritation to serious eye conditions that require medical attention. While occasional squinting may be perfectly normal, prolonged squinting should not be ignored, especially if other symptoms like red eyes, watery eyes, or yellow discharge accompany it. If your dog shows signs of eye pain, it’s important to seek care from a qualified veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis and avoid potential complications, such as permanent blindness. Most eye problems can be resolved with the right treatment, ensuring your dog’s eye health and comfort.

References

https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/evr_dg_eye_problems_in_dogs

https://wagwalking.com/symptom/why-is-my-dog-squinting

https://vetster.com/en/symptoms/dog/squinting-blepharospasm