Rubbing the Eye in Dogs
When to visit the vet?
Urgent see a veterinarian within 24 hours
RED flag for sudden severe pain, 'eye closed', corneal opacity/bluish haze, visible foreign body, blood in the eye, or suspected corneal ulcer.
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition of
Rubbing the eye in dogs is a behavior where the dog rubs its eye with its paw, an object, or in another way to relieve discomfort or itching.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
- Blephar Inflammation in Dogs (Blepharitis)
- Stye or Chalazion in Dogs (Chalazion / Hordeolum)
- Cherry Eye in Dogs (Prolapse of the Gland of the Third Eyelid)
- Chorioretin Inflammation in Dogs (Chorioretinitis)
- Abnormal Eyelash Growth in Dogs (Distichiasis / Ectopic Cilia / Trichiasis)
- Inward Rolling Eyelid in Dogs (Entropion)
- Inflammation Around the White of the Eye in Dogs (Episcleritis)
- High Eye Pressure in Dogs (Glaucoma)
- Pus in the Front Chamber of the Eye in Dogs (Hypopyon)
- Lens Luxation in Dogs (Lens Luxation, Luxatio lentis)
- Corneal ulcer in dogs (Ulcus corneae)
Grundlagen und mögliche Ursachen
Rubbing the eye can have various causes, ranging from harmless to serious. Often, it is a sign of irritation or a Foreign body in the eye, such as dust or a small insect. These irritants can affect the sensitive structures of the eye, leading to itching or even Pain.
Another common cause is an allergic reaction. Dogs can be just as sensitive to environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, or house dust mites as humans. In allergic reactions, Redness of the eyes is often observed in addition to rubbing.
Inflammatory conditions like conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, can also lead to this behavior. This inflammation can be bacterial, viral, or allergic in nature and often causes accompanying symptoms such as redness, discharge, and swelling.
Glaucoma, a serious eye disease caused by increased pressure in the eye, can also lead to rubbing because it causes Pain and discomfort. Untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.
Injuries to the eye, such as scratches on the cornea from play or fighting, can also lead to severe itching and Pain, which the dog tries to relieve by rubbing.
Typische Begleitsymptome
- Redness of the eyes: Often the rubbing is accompanied by a visible redness, which indicates inflammation or irritation.
- Eye discharge: Tearing or a mucous, purulent discharge can indicate an infection or a foreign body in the eye.
- Swelling: Swollen eyelids or a swollen conjunctiva are common accompanying symptoms of inflammation.
- Light sensitivity: The dog may squint or avoid light, which indicates increased sensitivity or Pain.
- Behavioral changes: The dog may appear lethargic or change its normal behavior to avoid discomfort.
- Clouding of the eyes: A change in the clarity of the eyes could indicate serious problems such as glaucoma.
Wann zum Tierarzt?
A visit to the vet is urgently required if rubbing the eye is accompanied by other symptoms such as severe redness, swelling, or discharge. These signs could indicate an infection or injury that requires prompt treatment.
If rubbing the eye occurs suddenly and is accompanied by severe Pain or Behavioral changes, veterinary help should be sought immediately. This is especially true if the dog can no longer open its eye or is extremely sensitive to light.
Likewise, it is important to see the veterinarian if the problem does not disappear or worsens despite short-term self-measures, as this could be an indication of a more serious underlying disease.
Symptomerkennung für den Tierhalter und tierärztliches diagnostisches Vorgehen
For pet owners, it is important to observe the dog’s behavior closely. Frequent rubbing the eye, especially if it occurs with other symptoms such as discharge or redness, should be regarded as a serious warning sign.
The veterinarian will perform a comprehensive examination, which includes checking the eyes for foreign bodies, injuries, or Inflammatory conditions. This often includes a fluorescent dye test to better visualize scratches or ulcers on the cornea.
Further diagnostic steps may include measuring intraocular pressure to check for glaucoma or special laboratory tests if a bacterial or viral infection is suspected. Allergy tests can be performed to identify potential environmental allergens.
Was kann der Tierhalter tun und professionelle Therapieoptionen
As a first measure, the pet owner can try to gently rinse the eye with lukewarm, clean water to remove any foreign bodies. Care should be taken to ensure that no soaps or other irritating substances are used.
To prevent rubbing, an Elizabethan collar (protective collar) can be used to prevent the dog from further irritating and potentially worsening its eye.
It is important to keep the dog’s eye as clean and dry as possible to reduce the risk of infection. If an allergic reaction is suspected, the veterinarian may prescribe anti-allergic medications or eye drops to relieve the symptoms.
In no case should pet owners independently use medications or eye drops that have not been expressly recommended by the veterinarian, as incorrect treatment methods can worsen the situation.
Ausblick auf aktuelle Forschung
Rubbing the eye in dogs is a commonly observed behavior that can be attributed to a variety of causes. Current research is investigating how this behavior can be influenced by both physical and psychological factors. One of the main focuses of research is how environmental factors, such as allergens or pollution, can exacerbate rubbing the eye in dogs. It is believed that dogs living in urban environments with higher air pollution are more prone to eye irritation, which can lead to increased rubbing.
Additionally, recent studies are examining the influence of nutrition and genetic predisposition on the occurrence of eye diseases that can lead to rubbing behavior. Specific nutrients and their deficiency or excess could play a role in the development of eye diseases in dogs. Researchers are working to identify connections between specific diets and the frequency of eye problems to develop better nutritional guidelines for dogs.
The psychological aspects of rubbing the eye are also being explored in more detail. Stress and Anxiety are known factors that can lead to increased scratching and rubbing in dogs. Studies are investigating how stress-induced behaviors, including rubbing the eye, can be reduced through behavioral interventions or the use of calming agents. This research could lead to new approaches in the treatment of stress-related symptoms in dogs.
Another area of research is the development of new diagnostic tools that allow veterinarians to more accurately determine the causes of eye irritation. Advances in imaging technology and molecular diagnostics could make it possible to identify specific causes for rubbing the eye more quickly and precisely, thereby improving treatment options.
Overall, research shows that rubbing the eye in dogs is a complex behavior that is influenced by a variety of factors. The ongoing studies aim to deepen the understanding of these factors and develop effective treatment strategies to improve the well-being of dogs.