What happens if I accidentally poked my dogs eye? A Comprehensive Guide

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What Does An Eye Infection On A Dog Look Like?

When a dog suffers a scratch to the eye, it will usually show through signs such as:

  • The eye becoming watery
  • The eye developing redness in the membranes
  • Swelling in the tissue around the eye
  • Pain, pawing and rubbing
  • Holding the eye shut, as discussed in the above section.

    • These are all signs that should abate in a few hours or a day at most.

    However, if they last longer and are allowed to progress to a state of infection due to lack of treatment, the following symptoms and changes may take place:

  • Variation of discharge: Clear, fluid discharge around the eyes that becomes thicker or changes to a grayish yellow color can be an indicator of developing infection.
  • Increase in redness: Increased redness in the whites of the eyes and the conjunctiva (the pink tissues beneath the eyelids).
  • Increase in discomfort: If the dog vocalizes, or visibly shows more discomfort through pawing or rubbing, it can be a sign of burgeoning infection. The dog may also hold the eye more tightly as time passes.
  • Changed eye appearance: If the entire corneal region changes color from red to a cloudy bluish tinge, this can indicate an issue.
  • Visible indent formation: Usually a scratch on the cornea will be invisible to the naked eye. However the cornea on rare occasions may erode further due to bacterial causes, causing a hole or indentation to form. This is an extremely serious situation that requires immediate and aggressive vet treatment, without which can result in a complete rupture of the eye.

    • If there is a scratch or ulcer on the surface of the eye, there really isn’t anything that you will be able to do at home to heal your dog.

    Therefore, if you notice any of the above symptoms, it would be best to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible for treatment. Ulcers can and do usually get worse the longer that they go untreated.

    What should you do if you accidentally poke your dog’s eye?

    If your dog has an eye injury, call your veterinarian. Do not attempt to treat it at home without speaking first to the vet’s office. If instructed to administer first aid, a vet may suggest flushing out the eye or applying a cool compress.

    Can eye injury heal on its own?

    A minor scratch should heal on its own in 1 to 3 days. More severe abrasions may take longer. While your eye heals: Don’t rub your eye.

    3 Vet Tips for Scratched dog eye!! (Corneal Ulcer)

    Even the smallest eye injury (a tiny scratch, for example) can develop into an infected wound and loss of vision. Never gamble with your dogs eyesight — always seek immediate treatment, even for minor eye injuries.

    If you see your dog squinting, avoiding bright lights, and excessively blinking, examine her eyes. Tear production is also a frequent sign of problems, as is watery, green, or yellow discharge. At worst, the eye may even be out of its socket.

    Much like in humans, eye injuries often occur when a small object enters or becomes embedded in the eye. In addition, scratching or pawing of the cornea, abnormal growth of eyelashes, and inverting of the eyelids can lead to eye injuries.

    1. If the eye is out of its socket, it should be treated as an emergency. Every minute is valuable if the dog’s sight is to be saved, so act quickly:

    2. If your dog is blinking or squinting excessively and avoiding bright lights, there is likely something in his eye:

    3. If the dog is squinting and tearing up excessively or has red eyes, it is usually indicative of a scratched eye. Check for foreign objects in the eye area. If nothing is found, follow these guidelines:

    4. If the dog’s eyelids are bruised or torn (usually from a fight or other trauma):

    Eye injuries may be caused by fighting, infection, or accidents with chemicals or other harmful substances. Some breeds, such as the pug, are predisposed to eye problems.

    Your vet will be able to tell you how to manage a dog with an injured eye. It is likely that damage-prevention measures (such as an Elizabethan collar) or some follow-up treatment will be needed, either at home or at the clinic.

    There is little that can be done to avoid most causes of eye injuries, although obedience training, which limits the dogs propensity for fighting, helps. Extra care when using chemicals is also essential; if possible, keep your dog in a separate room when using bleach or similar fluids. For more advice on treatment and prevention, see the “Burns and Scalding” article.