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My senior dog has a red, puffy eye, but seems fine. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 13 years and 11 months old | 45 lbs

I recently notice my 14 year old beagle mix has one puffy red eye, it’s only red and puffy in the sclera. He hasn’t been acting different at all or acting in pain

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 18th, 2017

Hey there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. What you are seeing is a condition called Chemosis (swelling of the conjunctiva). This can be caused from trauma, insect bites, allergic reactions, etc. If this does not resolve after 24 hours, I would have Charlie examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 29th, 2019

    It sounds as though Charlie may be suffering from an allergic reaction from something. I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at him so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. If an allergic reaction goes untreated it can become much worse and potentially life threatening. If you are far from a veterinary hospital, you can give Benadryl for the time being. Please visit this link for further information on Benadryl ( https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/ ). I hope this helps and hope Charlie gets better! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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