Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog's eye is swollen and won't close. What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered

my dog was getting treated for an eye ulcer since Wednesday night. Yesterday he must have been itching it and it became swollen and looked like blood behind the eye. Took him to vet ER and they made serum drops from his blood. His eye lid isn't closing on that eye. I can't see an opthemologist today- none working. What can I do to try to save his eye

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 6th, 2016

The eye not being able to close is a serious problem. You need to keep the eye moist. The best is to go to a shop/supermarket or pharmacy and get some artificial tear gel and put plenty of that on a fine cloth or gauze and apply that to the eye and tape it on . This at least will keep the eye from drying out. Of course it would be best to return to the ER (and if it is within 24 hrs, then they may give you a discount or not charge you for the reexam) and have the eye checked and covered.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Keep putting Serum n the eye every 2-3 hours until you can get hi to your vet, as an emergency procedure your vet can perform a 3rd eyelid flap, it's a quick surgical procedure that takes 2 minutes and it could potentially save the eye.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Can I use human contact lens solution as eye drops for my mouse?
Can you use contact lens saline for your mouse's eye drops? A certified vet discusses ingredients like boric acid and potassium chloride. Find safe solutions for your pet!
Updated on December 04, 2025
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 is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
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
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored