Dogs squinting, rubbing their faces against furniture, or leaving small wet spots on the couch—these are often the first signs that something’s off with their eyes. When those red, crusty patches show up at the corners, it’s easy to dismiss them as just irritation, but they might be ulcers. These painful sores form when the outer layer of the eye, the cornea, gets damaged, and figuring out why they start can save your pup from discomfort.
One common culprit is foreign objects—think dust, grass seeds, or even a rogue piece of sand from the park. Breeds with big, round eyes like pugs or bulldogs are extra prone since their eyes sit more exposed. A quick romp through tall grass could leave something stuck, and if your dog rubs at it, that’s when the scratching starts. In some areas, local laws require keeping dogs on leashes in public spaces, which isn’t just about safety—it also helps avoid these unexpected scrapes.
Dry eyes are another sneaky cause. If your dog’s tear ducts aren’t working right, their eyes can’t stay lubricated, making the cornea more likely to get irritated or scratched. Breeds like Shih Tzus or Lhasa Apsos are more at risk, but it can happen to any dog. You might notice them blinking more or their eyes looking a bit cloudy. Skipping regular vet check-ups can let this slip by, but many regions have guidelines encouraging preventive care—catching dry eyes early with a simple test can head off ulcers entirely.
Infections, bacterial or viral, can also lead to ulcers. If your dog spends time around other dogs at a park or daycare, there’s a chance they could pick up something like canine distemper, which affects the eyes. Even a small scratch can get infected if dirt gets in, turning into an ulcer that needs treatment. Keeping up with vaccinations, as required by law in most places, isn’t just about following rules—it’s a key way to protect their eye health too.
Sometimes, it’s a matter of anatomy. Dogs with loose facial skin, like Bloodhounds, might have folds that rub against their eyes, causing constant irritation. Over time, that rubbing wears down the cornea. Regular grooming to keep those folds clean can help, but in severe cases, a vet might suggest a minor procedure to tighten the skin. It’s a good reminder that every dog’s needs are different, and what works for one might not for another.
No matter the cause, ignoring eye ulcers is risky. They can get deeper, leading to vision loss or even needing surgery. If you see redness, discharge, or your dog avoiding bright lights, it’s time to call the vet. They might use a special dye to check for ulcers, then prescribe drops or ointment. In some cases, a cone to stop rubbing is necessary—annoying for your dog, but worth it to let their eyes heal.
Taking care of your dog’s eyes is part of being a responsible owner, and it ties into following local laws and guidelines too. From keeping them leashed in risky areas to staying on top of vet visits, small steps go a long way. After all, those bright, happy eyes are one of the best parts of having a dog—keeping them healthy means more years of seeing the world together, clear and bright.
Skin infections in dogs can show up in all sorts of ways—red patches that make them scratch nonstop, crusty spots behind the ears, or even a yeasty smell that sticks to their fur no matter how often you bathe them.
If you’ve ever caught your pup squinting at the sun, pawing at their eye after a romp in the grass, or noticed a crusty film in the corner of their lid
If you’ve ever leaned in to greet your pup and noticed their eye looks red and puffy, with a sticky, yellowish discharge clinging to their lashes, you’re probably worried—and wondering
If you’ve ever knelt down to wipe your dog’s paws after a walk and noticed their pads feel like rough, cracked tree bark—so thick they almost look like they’re wearing tiny gloves
Picture this: Your golden retriever barrels through Arizona's dusty trails, then stops abruptly, pawing frantically at his reddened eye.
If you’ve ever leaned in to kiss your pup’s forehead and noticed their eye looks pink and puffy, with goopy discharge clinging to their lashes, you’re probably dealing with conjunctivitis.
