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Dog scratching red, teary eye after mulch. Should I use drops or vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 2 years and 3 months old | 22 lbs

My dog has been scratching his eye. It looks red and teary, but I do not see anything. He has been at home today. The only other thing is that he likes rolling in the patio's mulch. Can I put "blink tears" in his eye or should I take him to the vet.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 12th, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Jack and for providing pictures, they are very helpful. I'm very concerned that he is scratching his eye, and he could really damage it with his claws. I also see in the pictures that he's holding his eye closed, which suggests his eye is painful. I would not put anything in his eye without having him seen by a vet. Any eye problem is an emergency because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. Please take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck.

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