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My dog's eyes are swollen and sensitive to light, what should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | 22 lbs

My dog has really bad swelling eyes and he has some sensitivity to light , what could this be ?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 23rd, 2016

Poor Sammie! When a dog's eyes are sensitive to light, that is a sign of pain in the eye. Swollen eyes can be due to an eye infection, trauma to the eye, or allergies. Sammie needs to see a vet right away. Any eye condition should be considered an emergency, as leaving them untreated can lead to vision loss. I would take her into a vet right away. The vet can diagnose what is cause the pain and swelling in her eyes, and can prescribe an appropriate treatment.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 29th, 2018

    It sounds as Chloe is suffering from an eye infection, it is relatively common in dogs. you will need to take her to the vet the first chance you get, the vet will check the eyes, if it is indeed a simple eye infection your vet will prescribe an antibiotic eye drops that will probably solve the problem in no time.

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 12th, 2017

    Poor Starsky! Since you are noticing eyelid swelling, redness of the eye and light sensitivity, may main concerns are that Starsky may have developed a corneal ulcer or eye infection. Unfortunately, neither of these conditions resolve without a trip to the vet for evaluation and prescription-based eye medications. Eyes are fairly delicate structures and can change quite rapidly, so I do recommend taking him in sooner rather than later so that treatment can be started. Be sure to keep an e-collar (cone) on Starsky until his vet appointment to prevent him from scratching or rubbing at his eye, as this could make matters worse. I hope that all goes well!

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