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My dog's eye is swollen, bloody, and painful. What should I do now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Male | neutered

I have an 8 year old cockerlier, his eye looks swollen and almost shut. It seems to be bloody and maybe blood coming from corner. I can’t even touch it with out him whimpering. I tried using a antibacterial wipe

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 21st, 2018

Poor guy! That does look painful. Get him in to an emergency hospital if at all possible, and if there is not one near you, call your vet's office for advise on how to receive care after hours. A few things could be going on--he may have an abscess of a tooth root, he may have an abscess behind his eye (retrobulbar abscess), he may have an injury to the eye itself, or glaucoma (increased pressure inside of the actual eyeball), or he may have been bitten or stung by an insect or other pest. You can try to put a cool cloth on it, as that may feel good once its on there (although he won't want you to put it there to start with.). Put an E-collar (cone of shame) on him so that he cannot rub at the eye or rub his face on the ground. If you happen to have some antibiotic EYE drops or EYE ointment at home (WITH NO STEROID included in it), you can put some of that into the eye while you are waiting to get him in to see a vet. Please do not give him any over the counter pain medications, as there really is not a safe option that you can give at home. Once you get him to the vet, they will prescribe some safe and effective pain medication for him. Best of luck with him! thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It looks as Bailee is suffering from an eye infection, it is relatively common in dogs. you will need to take him 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 Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 8th, 2019

    It could be that Alaska has injured her eye leading to the swelling and bleeding. I would take her into a vet first thing in the morning. Any eye problem should be considered an emergency because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 28th, 2017

    This looks like a serious eye injury and very painful. I would not wait to have Judas seen by a vet. I would consider this an emergency. Can you imagine having this eye injury and not get treatment for 12+ hours? Ouch! Also, the longer you wait the more likely he is to have permanent eye damage and/or loss of vision. I don't suggest you put anything at all in the eye. The best you can do is ice the swelling above the eye for 5-10 minutes. I strongly suggest you get to him a vet ASAP. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 7th, 2017

    Opossum should be seen by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER. An exam can diagnose injury or infection. Opthalmic issues should be considered veterinary emergencies and should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage, loss of vision or unnecessary pain. If he is pawing or rubbing at it, place an e-collar (cone) on him until he sees the veterinarian.

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