Common Dog Eye Problems

by Katherine Khoo September 18, 2025 5 min read

Your dog’s eyes are essential for helping them navigate the world, play, and connect with their surroundings. But just like us, dogs can develop eye problems at different stages of life. Some conditions are common in puppies, others in adults, and many show up as dogs get older. Most of these problems can be managed, sometimes even prevented, if you know what to look out for and act quickly. Let’s break down the most common eye issues by life stage, how to spot them, and what you can do to help your dog keep their eyes healthy.

Eye Problems in Puppies

A puppy’s eyes can be surprisingly delicate. Because their immune systems are still developing. Some breeds are prone to eyelid problems, and puppies tend to experience certain eye issues more often than adult dogs.

Common Problems

Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”): This is inflammation of the tissue around the eye, leading to redness, swelling, and discharge. Puppies are about five times more likely to develop conjunctivitis than older dogs.
Eyelid disorders (entropion and ectropion): Entropion happens when the eyelid rolls inward, causing lashes to scratch the eye. Ectropion happens when the eyelid droops outward, leaving the eye exposed and dry. Puppies are nearly nine times more likely to develop these problems compared to adult dogs.
Tear stains: Tear stains can occur in dogs of all ages, but are more common in puppies due to teething and developing facial structures. Certain breeds are also predisposed to tear staining due to their anatomy, regardless of age.

How to Manage Them

Vet check-ups: Early veterinary visits are crucial. Many eyelid problems can be spotted right away and corrected before they cause long-term damage.
Treat infections promptly: Conjunctivitis is usually treated with topical antibiotics and soothing eye drops.
Surgery for eyelids: In severe cases of entropion or ectropion, surgery may be needed to fix the eyelid’s position.
Breed screening: If your puppy comes from a breed prone to hereditary eye issues, ask your vet about screening tests. Responsible breeders often screen entire litters for congenital eye conditions.
Grooming and hygiene: To prevent and manage tear stains, keep the hair around the eyes and nose trimmed short to prevent hair from trapping moisture and trapping tears, which can lead to staining and irritation. Use specialized pet wipes or tear stains removal solution like this NaturVet Tear Stain Remover Topical Aid (Plus Aloe) for Cats & Dogs to gently clean the area around your pet's eyes daily to remove tear residue.

Eye Problems in Adult Dogs

As dogs grow out of puppyhood, some inherited or immune-related conditions start to appear. This is often when long-term eye diseases begin to develop.

Common Problems

Dry Eye (KCS – Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): This happens when a dog’s tear glands don’t produce enough moisture. Symptoms include redness, squinting, thick discharge, and a dull-looking cornea.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A hereditary condition that causes gradual vision loss.
Glaucoma: Caused by increased pressure in the eye. Some breeds (like Cocker Spaniels and Beagles) are especially at risk.

How to Manage Them

For Dry Eye (KCS):

Diagnosis is done with a simple Schirmer tear test at the vet’s office.
Treatment includes artificial tears, immune-modulating drops like cyclosporine or tacrolimus, and antibiotics if infection is present.
Research is exploring nerve growth factor therapy as a promising new treatment.

For Inherited Retinal Issues:

Annual eye screening for at-risk breeds helps catch problems early.
Genetic counseling is important. Dogs with hereditary eye conditions should not be bred.

For Glaucoma:

Monitoring eye pressure is key, especially for breeds predisposed to the condition.
Treatment may involve medications to lower eye pressure or, in severe cases, surgery.

Eye Problems in Senior Dogs

Just like people, dogs’ eyes naturally change as they age. Some changes are harmless, while others need veterinary care.

Common Problems

Cataracts: A cloudy lens that blocks light from entering the eye. Common in older dogs and strongly linked to age, especially in neutered or spayed dogs.
Glaucoma: The risk increases with age.
Retinal degeneration: The retina gradually loses function, leading to vision loss.
Refractive errors: Dogs can develop nearsightedness or farsightedness as they age.

How to Manage Them

Cataracts:

In the early stages, cataract dissolving eye drops like Lanomax Cataract-Dissolving Lanosteral Eye Drops for Dogs & Cats may help. In the later stages, surgery is the only way to restore vision. A cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one.
Regular check-ups help detect cataracts before they progress too far.

Glaucoma:

Requires close monitoring and early treatment.
Both medication and surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure.

Retinal Degeneration:

While not curable, research shows that antioxidants like Astaxanthin, and omega-3s can slow progression and support retinal health.
Daily Life Adjustments: Increase ambient lighting at home, keep furniture in the same place to help your dog navigate and avoid clutter that could trip up a dog with poor vision.

Hereditary and Genetic Risks

Some eye problems are strongly linked to genetics. In fact, scientists have identified at least 29 genetic mutations tied to canine eye diseases.

Screening: Dogs used for breeding should have annual eye exams and certification from veterinary ophthalmologists.
Breeding advice: Avoid breeding dogs with inherited eye conditions such as PRA, certain cataracts, or glaucoma. This helps reduce the risk of passing these painful and debilitating conditions to future generations.

If you’re considering getting a puppy, ask breeders for proof of eye screening results in their breeding dogs and litters.

Dog Eye Injuries

Injuries to dogs’ eyes are extremely common. Since our pooches explore the world face-first—hanging their head out the window as we drive, stuffing their face into a hole in the backyard, or pushing their nose into every thorn bush they can find—facial injuries are a regular occurrence. And because the eyes are delicate, they often take the brunt of a poorly planned adventure. Most veterinarians consider eye injuries to be emergencies, so a good rule of thumb is that eye problems should be seen immediately by a veterinarian.

Eye problems in dogs can be scary, but many of them are manageable and some are preventable with the right care. The most important things you can do as a dog parent are:

Watch for changes. Redness, cloudiness, squinting, or discharge should never be ignored.
See your vet regularly. Annual check-ups are essential, and more frequent visits are recommended for senior dogs or at-risk breeds.
Be proactive with prevention. From genetic screening in breeding dogs to adding antioxidants and omega-3s in senior diets, small steps can make a big difference.

Your dog relies on you to protect their vision and a little attention goes a long way. Spot the problems early, manage them well, and you can help them enjoy bright, healthy eyes for years to come.