Scratching the Eye in Dogs
When to visit the vet?
Urgent see a veterinarian within 24 hours
RED for severe eye pain (squinting), a cornea that suddenly appears cloudy or blue, visible injury or foreign bodies, blood in the eye, loss of vision, or if the eyeball feels "hard" (suspected glaucoma).
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition
Scratching the eye in dogs is a behavior in which the dog tries to relieve itching or discomfort in the eye area with its paw or by rubbing its head on surfaces.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Basics and possible causes
Scratching the eye can be attributed to a variety of causes, ranging from simple irritations to more serious medical problems. Dogs’ eyes are sensitive and can easily be irritated by environmental factors such as dust, pollen, or even smoke. These irritants can trigger an inflammatory response that causes the dog to scratch.
A common cause of scratching the eye is allergies. Dogs, like humans, can react allergically to certain substances. These allergies can be seasonal, such as pollen allergies, or occur year-round if the dog reacts to dust mites or mold spores.
Infection is another possible cause. Bacterial or viral infections can lead to conjunctivitis, which irritates the eye and causes itching. Similarly, fungal infections, though rarer, can cause similar symptoms.
Parasites like fleas or mites can also cause eye problems. Especially ear mites, although primarily parasitic in the ears, can reach the eye area through scratching and rubbing, causing irritation there.
Finally, physical injuries, such as a foreign body in the eye or a scratch, can also cause a dog to scratch its eye. These injuries can result from play, fights, or accidents.
Typical accompanying symptoms
- Conjunctival redness: A distinct redness of the conjunctiva may occur, often accompanied by swelling, indicating inflammation.
- Tearing: Excessive tearing can be a sign that something is irritating the eye or that an infection is present.
- Eyelid edema: Swollen eyelids can indicate an allergic reaction or an infection.
- Changes in eye discharge: Yellowish or greenish discharge can indicate a bacterial infection.
- Sensitivity to light: Dogs with eye problems often withdraw from bright light because it causes pain or discomfort.
- Change in eye color: Cloudiness or discoloration of the eye may be an indication of serious conditions such as glaucoma.
When to visit the vet?
A visit to the vet is absolutely necessary if scratching the eye is accompanied by severe pain, persistent redness, or swelling. A veterinarian should also be consulted if your dog shows other symptoms such as loss of appetite or lethargy.
If you notice changes in the structure or color of the eye, such as cloudiness of the cornea or an altered pupil size, immediate veterinary attention is necessary to rule out serious eye diseases.
In case of signs of infection, such as yellowish to greenish eye discharge, a veterinarian should also be consulted immediately, as an untreated infection can lead to permanent damage.
Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures
As a pet owner, you can easily recognize scratching the eye by paying attention to behavioral changes. Observe whether your dog touches his eyes with his paw more often than usual or rubs his head on furniture. Also, pay attention to changes in the appearance of the eye, such as redness or discharge.
During the veterinary visit, the doctor will first take a thorough medical history and examine the dog for general signs of illness. The eyes will be carefully inspected to detect redness, swelling, or other abnormalities. A special examination with a slit lamp may be performed to examine the structures of the eye more closely.
Depending on the suspicion, special tests such as a Schirmer tear test to check tear production, a fluorescein staining test to detect corneal injuries, or a microbiological examination of eye secretions to identify infectious agents may be performed.
What can pet owners do and professional therapy options
As a first step, you should make sure that your dog does not continue to scratch the eye, as this could worsen the situation. A protective collar, also known as an Elizabethan collar or “cone”, can prevent the dog from getting to the eye with its paw.
Avoid using eye drops or ointments on your own that have not been explicitly prescribed by the veterinarian, as this could worsen the eye problems.
Keep the area around the eyes clean by gently removing the discharge with a soft, damp cloth. Be careful not to cause any friction that could further irritate the eye.
If your dog is scratching due to allergies, reducing allergens in the home can help. This includes frequent vacuuming, washing dog beds, and avoiding walks during times of high pollen count.
Until the vet appointment, you should keep your dog calm and provide him with a comfortable, stress-free space to prevent further irritation or injury.
Outlook on current research
Current research in veterinary ophthalmology focuses on improving diagnosis and therapy methods for eye problems in dogs. Scientists are investigating the molecular mechanisms behind inflammatory processes that often lead to irritation and scratching the eye. These studies aim to identify specific biomarkers that can provide information about the severity of eye diseases and potentially develop new, targeted therapies. More precise diagnosis can help optimize treatment protocols and shorten healing times.
Another branch of research deals with the genetic predisposition for eye problems in certain dog breeds. By examining genetic markers associated with eye irritations and other ophthalmological symptoms, scientists hope to develop preventive measures. In the long term, this research could lead to specific dog breeds susceptible to eye problems being specifically promoted or protected through breeding programs.
There are also advances in the development of new topical medications and eye drops specifically formulated for dogs. These medications aim to reduce inflammatory conditions and promote the healing of injured or irritated eye tissue. Researchers are using advanced technologies such as nanoparticles to improve the effectiveness of these medications and optimize their delivery. Such innovations could significantly improve treatment outcomes for dogs suffering from chronic eye problems.
In addition, the role of nutrition and supplements in maintaining eye health in dogs is being investigated. Studies suggest that certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, may have a protective effect on the eyes. Research in this area could lead to new nutritional recommendations that help reduce the risk of eye irritation and other ophthalmological problems in dogs.
Finally, the effectiveness of non-invasive diagnostic techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) is being explored. These technologies could allow veterinarians to obtain detailed images of the eye structure without the need for surgical intervention. Such advances in imaging diagnosis could promote early detection of eye problems and improve treatment outcomes.