Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has green eye discharge, redness, and squints. Vet or home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 6 years and 9 months old | 50 lbs

I noticed thick green goop from my lab/collie one eye. He can open it, squints when I pet his head and it's red in the outer area. Maybe a bit swollen. I can't see a cut or anything. We've never seen a vet, so I'm not sure it's vet worthy or just home treatment. He seems fine otherwise.

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

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

6 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 10th, 2017

If it's just the one eye there may be something going on on the corneal surface that you can't see with the naked eye. A vet would need to stain the eye to see a scratch. I would recommend taking him in to check that and get medications to heal it fast. Eyes can go from bad to worse very quickly. Good luck and kisses to Tucker!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It could be caused by an allergy or an infection. You could gently clean the discharge away with a warm cloth and then try some artificial tears, like GenTeal drops, in his eye and see if that helps. Otherwise, he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. Your vet can do an eye exam, stain his eye, and/or measure the pressure to help diagnose. He may need an antibiotic and/or other medications to treat. If the discharge and/or squinting increases then he should be seen right away.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This looks like mild conjunctivitis. Rinse the eye with sterile eye wash several times a day. If the squinting and discharge continue I recommend a veterinary visit. Tucker could have a corneal scratch which is hard to see. Your veterinarian will use a yellow stain in the eye to check the cornea for a scratch or ulcer. Then they will prescribe antibiotic eye ointment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Tucker.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on March 14th, 2017

    Poor Schnook! Redness, swelling, and greenish discharge like this are most often caused by an eye infection, or an injury to the eye such as a corneal scratch or ulcer. Schnook will need prescription eye drops to treat the problem, so I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 22nd, 2019

    When regular bathing and cleansing does not help after 3-5days, a full eye check by your vet is required to check for underlying medical causes. Dry eye, where there are insufficient tears produced to wash the surface of the eye when she blinks, an infection or muscle weakness are al possible contributing factors and the treatment opr=tions vary depending on the findings from the physical exam. I strongly recommend a senior health check as soon as possible

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Elva Ma DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 11th, 2017

    Thank you for the detailed description and photos. If Maui is not feeling herself, it would be worth taking her to the vet sooner than your scheduled visit tomorrow. This may be a simple eye infection, or it could be something more serious such as a corneal ulcer, which can get much worse if she rubs or further scratches the eye herself. I hope this helps, and your dog is feeling better soon!

    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
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
New Pet
Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?
New pet biting? A Licensed Vet Tech shares expert advice on how to gently acclimate your new companion to their home, reduce stress, and build trust. Get guidance for a happy pet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has a skin issue. Is it mites or ringworm? What's the treatment?
Concerned about Spiky's unknown condition? A certified veterinarian discusses potential mite infestation or ringworm, stressing professional diagnosis and treatment.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My robo hamster is limp, bleeding, and collapsed. Is it wet tail?
Is your robo hamster dragging, collapsed, or showing blood? A Licensed Vet Tech offers urgent advice on these symptoms, including potential wet tail concerns.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is my pet's occasional sneezing and eye crust a URI symptom?
Is your pet Barry occasionally sneezing or showing eye crust? A trusted vet offers insights on common respiratory concerns and when to seek professional advice.
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