Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog's eye is red, itchy, and almost closed. What can I do at home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 12 lbs

Hello, my dog, Missy has something wrong with her left eye. It is almost closed, very red and itches for she is always trying to scratch it with her paw. Please, help me help her by telling me what I can give her to help her. She's miserable. I cannot pay anything at this time for I am on disability but have no money coming in right now. Please help me.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 30th, 2017

Hello I can't tell you what exactly is going on with Missy's eye but my top concern would be an ulcer on her cornea. Ulcers can be very superficial and easily treated to very severe. Other causes for her squinting could be a foreign object in the eye, conjunctivitis. Unfortunately many of the OTC eye medications have steroids which can make an ulcer much worse so there's nothing I can really recommend to apply to Missy's eye. I recommend contacting your vet and discussing what's going on and your concerns about costs.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor Missy, it's miserable when your eye hurts. Keep her from rubbing it at all costs or she may may things worse. If she is that uncomfortable though, a veterinary visit really may be the only thing to help her. Constant pawing and holding an eye closed are typically signs of pain which can come from an ulcer, foreign body or glaucoma of the eye. In the mean time until you can get her to the vet you can hold warm compresses (wet, warm washcloth) over the eye and keep her from scratching or rubbing in. You can use saline eye wash to try to gently rinse her eye if she will let you. However, If she does have an ulcer or foreign material in the eye it may worsen without treatment. Please do not used human otc medicines on Missy as many are toxic to dogs.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
How do I safely fix my dog or cat's painful hangnail at home?
Ouch! Does your pet have a painful hangnail? Dr. Melanie, a certified veterinarian, provides expert guidance on safe trimming or when to seek professional vet care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?
Pet still itching after treatment? A Petco vet clarifies it may not be ear mites. Discover effective solutions like Revolution or consulting an exotic vet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?
Nike's worsening sores and constant scratching worry his owner. A certified Petco veterinarian offers expert guidance on potential causes like bacterial infections and next steps.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my 5-week-old chick struggling to walk with splayed legs?
Is your 5-week silkie chick struggling to walk, with splayed legs & curled feet? A board-certified vet explains possible causes like Mareks and what to do next.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored