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My dog's eye is red, tearing, and shut after soap. Vet needed?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hello, my dog has an irritated eye, he keeps complaining, rubbing it and is tearing up. The eye looks really red and he can't open it. We bought a "DOGMD Sterile Eye Wash' to reduce his pain and to clean his eye but it doesn't seem to be working. I believe this all happened because we got a bit of soap into his eye while showering. I don't know what to do anymore and need help.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily Fukuzato, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 24th, 2017

I am so sorry this happened to your dog. The painful symptoms you are describing have me concerned that he may have a corneal ulcer/abrasion and/or an infection in that affected eye. It is very important to have it checked out by a veterinarian as quickly as possible so they can determine the severity of his condition. When there is a problem that is this painful to the eye, I always recommend to have him seen as quickly as possible. The more he rubs his eye, the worse it can get. If you have or can obtain an Ecollar to prevent him from rubbing it any more until he is seen that would be best. I would also recommend to not put any other solutions into the affected eye.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds like your dog definitely needs a visit to the vet. I would be concerned he could potentially have an ulcer on his eye. Other possibilities could include a cut or superficial burn on the cornea, conjunctivitis or an infection of the eye, or dry eye. The vet will put special numbing drops on the eye to allow examination of the area with less discomfort for your dog. They may put a special stain on the eye to check for ulcer or scratches. They can test tear production and pressure in the eye if they feel it is needed, and prescribe medicated drops which may include antibiotics, steroids, anti-inflammatories, or other types of medication depending on the diagnosis. The vet can also prescribe oral pain medication if your dog is in discomfort, which it certainly sounds like he is! I would get him in as soon as possible because eyes can worsen quickly if untreated. If he is rubbing at the eye he may need an e-collar (cone shaped collar) to prevent any further trauma to the eye.

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on May 6th, 2019

    I would recommend that you have Apollo examined by the vet to check for ulcers or other defects of the cornea. If there are none, then a prescription eye medication with a steroid will help with the inflammation and discomfort. Until he sees the vet, keep him in dim light and out of direct sunlight to help with the pain.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 27th, 2017

    Teko is so cute! From his facial expression, it looks like his eyes are screwed shut and that may be due to pain. I would try gently flushing his eyes out with cool water, but if they are very red or he continues to keep them closed, then he will have to see a vet immediately. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. If you do need to take Teko into a vet immediately, please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

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