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My dog has red eyes and colored discharge. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Male | neutered | 5 years old | 50 lbs

Dog Eye drops for red eye and colored discharge

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 18th, 2017

Red eyes and colored discharge can be a sign of conjunctivitis due to bacterial or viral infection, or a result of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or dry eye. A vet exam is needed to determine the cause. Antibiotic eye drops or ointment are likely needed and these are prescription only. You can purchase a sterile eye wash to help rinse discharge from the eyes and use cool compresses to help soothe, but you will need a vet exam for the medication.

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2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 9th, 2018

    This looks like conjunctivitis from allergies or other eye irritants. If he’s squinting then I’d be worried about a corneal injury that would need a veterinary visit, eye stain and prescription medication. As this looks like only a mild conjunctivitis you can flush the eye with sterile eye wash solution two or three times a day. That should remove any debris and reduce the eye discharge. If it doesn’t improve then please do take him in for an exam and treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Churro.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 19th, 2017

    Thisdoes look like he has eye irritation with some discharge. This is conjunctivitis. You can wipe out the discharge with a warm wet cloth and apply sterile eye drops to flush out any debris in the eye and get rid of the discharge. I alsways recommend a veterinary exam for eye issues so they get cleared up quickly. He could have dry eyes, or a corneal injury. They will check for those things during an exam and get Pike medication to reduce the eye redness and treat the conjunctival infection. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Pike.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 29th, 2019

    Place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent pawing or rubbing. Ideally, she should be examined by your veterinarian to diagnose and treat any infection or injury or to remove foreign body. If she has an infection, she may need antibiotics which are by prescription only. Monitor for squinting, uneven pupil size or bulging of the eye. These are symptoms that should be addressed immediately to prevent unnecessary pain or permanent damage to the eye.

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