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What's causing my dog's swollen eyelid bump? Does he need a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Male | 53 lbs

Hi. I found a swollen kind of bump on my dogs eyelid. It’s kinda making his eye a little droopy looking and swollen. It almost looked like a cut at first it just looks painful and I want him to be okay. I wanted to know if I should take him to the vet or if it will heal on it’s own? I also wanna know what it is. Thank you.

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 22nd, 2018

This appears to be a blocked gland and/or infection of the eyelid. I would have to examine it more in order to tell for sure and it's best to have a vet diagnose it and prescribe the necessary treatment. These usually heal well with treatment, so it will definitely worthwhile to take him to the vet. It's not an emergency, but it's best to have him seen sometime in the next week. For now, you can flush the lesion with normal saline. Saline flush can be bought at the pharmacy, or supermarket in the eye care section. Flush the eye 3-4 times daily and gently wipe away the discharge with a warm/moist cotton or cloth. After flushing, you can hold a warm/moist cloth over the eye for five minutes. Below is a link to a good video that demonstrates how to flush the eye. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lXVNMcPzhs I hope that helps and Duke gets better soon.

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9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Judging form the photos, the area you are referring to appears to be quite small. I do not see any signs of a serious laceration. This can be cleaned by using a diluted formula of betadine and saline and clean the area with the antiseptic solution. I would monitor this area for the next 3-5 days and if it worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at Duke. 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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    8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 19th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Since your treatment isn't helping, I would recommend taking Midnight to a vet. There could be an infection under the surface that needs to be removed and he may need oral antibiotics. There is a possibility of more foreign material under the skin that also needs to be removed. A close up exam by a vet will help determine the next course of action. Good luck and kisses to Midnight!

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 7th, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would recommend having Lilly examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. This may be a cyst or mass on the eyelid that may need to be removed. This mass / cyst may be causing irritation to the eye and if it is not addressed it may cause trauma to the cornea of the eye due to constant irritation. 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 Makenzie Kurth, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 25th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. A picture might be helpful in getting you a more accurate response. If it looks like a single lump on the very edge of the eyelid, it could be a benign eyelid cyst or beingn tumor. These we often leave alone unless they bother the surface of the eye or they are getting large. If it is not very defined swelling (just a general “puffiness”) it could be the beginnings of an allergic reaction, bug bite, etc. You can try some Benedryl just in case but if the swelling gets worse throughout the day, or you see any other signs of allergic reaction (vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, hives), you need to head to the vet right Immediately as severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Best wishes to you and your pup!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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