My dog has one small, red eye and blinks constantly. What should I do?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
One eye has become slightly smaller and he keeps blinking in that eye. It's comparatively red but not affected with bright light.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 12th, 2015
I recommend having your pet's eyes examine ASAP. Your dog may have a condition called enophthalmos or sunken eye. This occurs when a retractor muscle spasms and pulls the eyeball back into its socket. When only one eye is affected, the most likely cause is a painful eye, often due to eyelid irritation, corneal abrasion or ulceration, or foreign material in the eye. Following a severe eye injury , the eye can also shrink and sink into its socket. Treatment is based on diagnosing the underlying cause of the sunken eye.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 31st, 2018
That is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 28th, 2016
It is possible she has been irritated by something out walking or may have scratched the eye with a thorn or twig (the other eye will often react as a reflex to pain and irritation). You could try flushing the eyes with cooled previously boiled water to remove anything which is still in them such as dust but if the squinting continues you should get the eyes checked for injury and ulcers by your vet
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 2nd, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. From the picture, it appears that the eye is much large than the left eye, indicating either trauma to the eye or a disease such as glaucoma. I suspect this is likely due to trauma. He may have fallen while at home and hit his head or ran into something and his eye is now wanting to fall out of the socket. I would recommend applying cool and warm compress to the eye to help take down some of the inflammation and placing a plastic cone around his neck so that he does not further traumatize the eye. I would recommend getting him in to see a veterinarian right away when you can so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! I would also recommend giving Well and Good Buffered Aspirin for Dogs (can find at Petco). Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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