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Rubbing the Eye in Dogs

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

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

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:

Basics and possible causes

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 like pollen, mold, or 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, viralViral refers to viruses and their effects on the organism. Viral infections in dogs and cats can range from harmless colds to severe, life-threatening diseases., 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 as 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.

Typical accompanying symptoms

Redness of the eyes: Often the rubbing is accompanied by a visible redness, which indicates inflammation or irritation.
Eye discharge: Tearing or a mucous, purulentPurulent refers to pus or the production of pus, which may indicate a bacterial infection. Purulent inflammatory conditions are often painful and may have significant swelling and redness. discharge can indicate an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. 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.

When to see a vet?

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 infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. or injury that requires prompt treatment.

If rubbing the eye occurs suddenly and is accompanied by severe pain or behavioral changes, immediate veterinary help should be sought. This is especially true if the dog can no longer open its eye or if it is extremely light-sensitive.

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 indicationIndication refers to a valid reason or rationale for using a specific treatment, medication, or medical procedure. It is based on the diagnosis and the patient's clinical condition. of a more serious underlying disease.

Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure

It is important for pet owners to observe their dog’s behavior closely. Frequent rubbing the eye, especially when it occurs with other symptoms such as discharge or redness, should be considered a serious warning sign.

The veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive examination, which includes checking the eyes for foreign bodies, injuries, or inflammatory conditions. This often includes a fluorescent dye test to make scratches or ulcers on the cornea more visible.

Further diagnostic steps may include measuring intraocular pressure to check for glaucoma or special laboratory tests if a bacterial or viral infectionA viral infection occurs when a virus enters the body and infects healthy cells, which can lead to disease symptoms. The severity and type of symptoms can vary depending on the type of virus. is suspected. AllergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. tests can be performed to identify potential environmental allergens.

What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options

As a first measure, the pet owner can try to gently rinse the eye with lukewarm, clean water to remove possible foreign bodies. Care must be taken not to use soaps or other irritating substances.

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 infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. 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.

Outlook on current research

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 psychologicalPsychological refers to anything related to the mind or behavior. In veterinary medicine, this can include the study of animal behavior, including stress responses and behavioral disorders. 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 predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. on the occurrence of eye diseases that can lead to rubbing behavior. Specific nutrients and their deficiencyDeficiency means a lack or absence of a necessary substance required for normal bodily functions or health, such as vitamins, minerals, or hormones. 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 psychologicalPsychological refers to anything related to the mind or behavior. In veterinary medicine, this can include the study of animal behavior, including stress responses and behavioral disorders. aspects of rubbing the eye are also being explored in more detail. StressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. 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 determine the causes of eye irritation more precisely. Advances in imaging technology and molecular diagnostics could make it possible to identify specific causes of rubbing the eye more quickly and accurately, thereby improving treatment options.

Overall, research shows that rubbing the eye in dogs is a complex behavior influenced by a variety of factors. Ongoing studies aim to deepen the understanding of these factors and develop effective treatment strategies to improve the well-being of dogs.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why does my dog keep rubbing his eyes?

Dogs rub their eyes to relieve itching or irritation that can be caused by foreign bodies, allergies, or eye diseases. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian to determine the exact cause.

2. Can rubbing the eye cause damage in dogs?

Yes, excessive rubbing can damage the sensitive skin around the eyes and lead to infections. It is important to identify and treat the cause of the rubbing to prevent further damage.

3. Should I forbid my dog from rubbing his eyes?

While it is important that your dog does not rub excessively, you should treat the underlying cause rather than simply suppressing the behavior. A visit to the vet can help make the correct diagnosis.

4. What home remedies can help reduce rubbing the eye?

Clean, damp cloths can be used to gently wipe around the eyes, but it is important to clarify the cause of the rubbing. No home remedies should be used without veterinary advice.

5. Can allergies cause my dog to rub its eyes?

Yes, allergies are a common cause of eye irritation and can cause dogs to rub their eyes. Allergies can be caused by environmental factors or food.

6. How can I tell if my dog has eye problems?

Signs of eye problems include increased blinking, redness, discharge, or if the dog frequently rubs its eyes. A veterinarian can examine the eyes and determine the cause.

7. What can happen if rubbing the eye is left untreated?

Untreated, rubbing can lead to serious damage such as corneal ulcers or infections. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid complications.

8. Can stress cause my dog to rub its eyes?

Yes, stress can lead to increased rubbing in dogs as they try to calm themselves. Stress reduction and a calm environment can help reduce the behavior.

9. How can a veterinarian help treat rubbing the eye?

A veterinarian can diagnose the cause, recommend appropriate treatment, and possibly prescribe medication to relieve inflammatory conditions or infections.

10. What are the most common causes of eye irritation in dogs?

The most common causes are allergies, foreign bodies, eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, and mechanical irritations. An accurate diagnosis requires a veterinary examination.