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Strabismus (Crossed Eyes) 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 onset with ataxia, Head tilted to one side, nystagmus, impaired consciousness, severe eye pain, or trauma.

Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity

Definition

Strabismus, also known as squinting, is a deviation in eye position where a dog’s eyes are not aligned in parallel and look in different directions. This can lead to vision problems, as the affected animal may not be able to perceive its surroundings correctly.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

Strabismus in dogs can occur for various reasons, with both genetic and acquired factors playing a role. In some breeds, strabismus is observed more frequently, which may indicate a 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.. This includes breeds such as the Boston Terrier or the Shih Tzu, where the shape of the skull and eye sockets could play a role.

A common reason for acquired strabismus is neurological problems, which can be caused by conditions such as vestibular syndromeA syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur together and indicate a specific disease or condition. A syndrome can be caused by various factors and is often complex in its diagnosis and treatment. or brain damage. These conditions affect the nerves that control eye movements, leading to uncoordinated gaze behavior.

Another possible triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. for strabismus is an injury or traumaA trauma refers to a physical injury or damage caused by external force. Traumas can range from simple cuts to severe multiple injuries. to the eye or surrounding structures. Such injuries can result from accidents or fights and affect the muscles or nerves responsible for eye movement.

In rare cases, strabismus can also be triggered by tumors in the brain or near the eyes. These tumors can exert pressure on the nerves and thus disrupt the normal function of the eye muscles.

Typical accompanying symptoms

Unusual eye position: The most obvious manifestation of strabismus in dogs is the misalignment of the eyes, where one or both eyes look in a different direction than normal.
Problems with orientation: Dogs with strabismus may have difficulty navigating their environment, which can manifest as an unsteady gait or frequent bumping into objects.
Behavioral changes: Affected dogs may become anxious or nervous, especially in new or unfamiliar environments, as their visual perception is impaired.
Eye twitching or uncontrolled eye movements: In some cases, uncontrolled movements of the eyes may occur, which are referred to as nystagmus.
Squinting in combination with other neurological symptoms: These may include head tilted to one side, balance disorders, or paralysisParalysis is the complete loss of muscle activity in one or more areas of the body, which can lead to immobility and loss of sensation. Paralysis can be caused by injuries, illnesses, or disorders of the nervous system., which indicate an underlying neurological problem.

When to see a vet?

A veterinarian should be consulted if the squinting occurs suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms that could indicate a serious health problem. This includes signs such as Head tilted to one side, Balance disorders, or noticeable Behavioral changes.

Even if the squinting persists or worsens over a longer period of time, a veterinary examination is necessary to determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment measures.

Since strabismus can also be a symptom of more serious conditions such as brain tumors or neurological disorders, early clarification by a professional is important to improve the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. and treatment options.

Symptom recognition for the pet owner and veterinary diagnostic procedure

It is important for the pet owner to pay attention to changes in the dog’s gaze behavior. An eye pointing in a different direction than the other, or unusual eye movements, should be taken seriously. Behavioral changes that could indicate Visual disturbances should also be observed and documented.

The veterinarian will first perform a thorough physical examination to assess the dog’s general health. In doing so, they will specifically inspect the eyes, reflexes, and neurological functions of the dog.

Additionally, imaging techniques such as X-rays, ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow., or MRI can be used to rule out or confirm possible physical causes such as tumors or injuries. If neurological causes are suspected, a referral to a specialized neurologist may be advisable.

In some cases, a blood testA blood test is a laboratory procedure in which blood is drawn and analyzed to obtain information about the body's health. It can include various parameters such as blood sugar, blood count, liver and kidney values. is also performed to identify infections or metabolicMetabolic refers to metabolism, i.e. the entirety of chemical processes that take place in a living organism to enable life processes. Metabolic disorders can cause a variety of Diseases in Dogs and cats. problems that could lead to strabismus.

What the pet owner can do and professional therapy options

As a pet owner, it is important to keep the dog in a safe environment, especially if they have difficulty orienting themselves. This means specially securing potential sources of danger such as sharp furniture edges or stairs, or restricting access to them.

If the dog shows signs of 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. or anxiety, you should try to offer them as much comfort and security as possible. This can be done through physical closeness and soothing words, or by using calming agents recommended by the veterinarian.

It is of great importance to follow the veterinarian’s instructions exactly, especially if medications have been prescribed to treat the underlying cause of the strabismus. Regular check-ups are also necessary to monitor progress and adjust the therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. if necessary.

In cases where surgical correction of the strabismus is required, the veterinarian’s aftercare instructions should be followed closely to ensure a successful recovery. This includes monitoring the healing process and avoiding activities that could strain the eyes.

Outlook on current research

The field of research into Strabismus (crossed eyes) in dogs is still relatively young, but there is increasing interest in this topic, as understanding the causes and effects of squinting can significantly improve the quality of life for affected dogs. One of the current lines of research focuses on the genetic factors that can lead to squinting in certain dog breeds. Studies have already shown that some breeds have a 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. for strabismus, indicating that hereditary factors could play a significant role. Scientists are working to identify specific genes associated with this misalignment of the eyes to improve diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and possibly the breeding of dogs with a lower susceptibility to squinting.

Furthermore, there are studies dealing with the neurological aspects of strabismus in dogs. Researchers are investigating how the CNSCNS stands for the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and the spinal cord. It is responsible for processing information and controls many functions of the body. (central nervous systemThe CNS (central nervous system) consists of the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for processing information and controls most functions of the body and behavior.) coordinates eye movements in dogs and which deviations can lead to squinting. This research is crucial for developing therapeutic approaches that can act not only symptomatically but also causally. Some of these studies use imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is used in veterinary medicine to diagnose diseases of the brain, spine, and other organs. to analyze brain activity and the structure of the eye muscles.

Another area of research deals with the effects of strabismus on the behavior and quality of life of affected dogs. This involves investigating how dogs with squinting perceive their environment and to what extent the squinting affects their interaction with humans and other animals. InitialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. results suggest that dogs with strabismus may develop adaptive strategies to compensate for their visual impairments, which in turn provides valuable clues for therapeutic support.

In addition, veterinary medicine is looking for ways to refine surgical and non-surgical treatment methods. While surgical interventions can be an option in severe cases of squinting, alternative approaches such as physiotherapyVeterinary physiotherapy encompasses a range of treatment methods aimed at improving the mobility and well-being of animals through exercise, massage, and other manual techniques. and specially developed training programs for the eye muscles are also being researched. These methods aim to harmonize eye movements and improve visual function without the need for an invasiveInvasive describes medical procedures or pathogens that enter the body or penetrate tissue. In medicine, invasive procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery. procedure.

There is also a particular interest in developing non-invasive therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. methods that can improve the quality of life for dogs with strabismus in the long term. Researchers are testing the effectiveness of special glasses or lenses that could facilitate vision, as well as computer-aided training programs designed to strengthen the eye muscles. Such approaches could play an important role in the treatment of strabismus in the future.

Overall, research shows that strabismus in dogs is a complex and multifaceted topic that requires an interdisciplinary approach. Advances in genetic research, neurologyNeurology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system. This includes the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system., and behavioral biology are helping to deepen the understanding of this symptom and develop more effective treatment strategies.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is strabismus in dogs?

Strabismus, also known as squinting, is a misalignment of the eyes where the eyes are not properly aligned and look in different directions. It can be congenital or acquired and occurs in dogs just as it does in humans.

2. What symptoms are typical of strabismus in dogs?

The most obvious symptoms are deviating eye positions, where one or both eyes are directed inward, outward, upward, or downward. In some cases, reduced vision can also be observed, as well as problems coordinating eye movements.

3. How can you tell if a dog is squinting?

Squinting can often be detected through visual observation, especially when the eyes look in different directions. A veterinarian can determine through a thorough eye examination whether it is strabismus and if further diagnostic steps are necessary.

4. Which breeds are particularly susceptible to strabismus?

Some dog breeds have a genetic predisposition for strabismus, including Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, and some Spaniel breeds. However, this does not mean that all dogs of these breeds are affected, but only that the risk may be increased.

5. Can strabismus in dogs be treated?

Yes, there are various treatment options depending on the cause and severity of the strabismus. In some cases, surgical correction may be required, while in other cases, physiotherapy measures or special training programs can help strengthen the eye muscles.

6. Does strabismus affect a dog's quality of life?

In many cases, dogs with strabismus can lead a normal and happy life, especially if the misalignment is mild. In more severe cases, however, vision problems can occur that affect the quality of life. Early diagnosis and therapy can help minimize the effects.

7. Can strabismus in dogs disappear on its own?

In some cases, especially in young dogs, mild strabismus can improve on its own over time. However, this depends heavily on the cause. With acquired strabismus caused by an injury or illness, spontaneous healing is less likely.

8. How can you help a dog with strabismus?

In addition to veterinary treatment, simple measures such as adapting the living space to avoid tripping hazards or using toys that promote the dog's visual attention can be helpful. Regular monitoring by the veterinarian is also important to track progress.

9. Is strabismus in dogs painful?

Squinting itself is usually not painful, but it can cause discomfort if it is associated with other eye problems. If a dog shows signs of Pain or discomfort, they should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out other possible causes.

10. Can strabismus be associated with other health problems?

Yes, strabismus can be a symptom of other health problems, such as neurological disorders or eye injuries. A comprehensive veterinary examination is important to determine the underlying cause and treat it appropriately.