> Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your veterinarian for health-related decisions about your dog.
Quick Summary
Squinting (blepharospasm) or pawing at the eyes in dogs usually indicates pain, itchiness, or irritation from conditions such as corneal ulcers, foreign bodies, conjunctivitis, or glaucoma. Because eye problems can worsen quickly and threaten vision, prompt veterinary evaluation is recommended whenever your dog shows these signs.
What Does Squinting or Pawing at Eyes Look Like in Dogs?
Dogs show eye discomfort in several ways:
- Squinting or half-closed eyelid — One or both eyes partially or fully closed.
- Pawing or rubbing at the face — Scratching near the eyes, rubbing on furniture or the ground.
- Holding the eye closed — Reluctance to open the eye in bright light.
- Excessive tearing or discharge — Watery, mucus-like, or pus-like discharge.
- Redness or swelling — Around the eyelids or the white of the eye.
- Sensitivity to light — Avoiding bright areas or turning away from lights.
Common Causes of Squinting or Pawing at Eyes in Dogs
- Corneal ulcer — A scratch, abrasion, or deeper erosion of the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye). Very painful and can progress rapidly if infected. Causes squinting, excessive tearing, redness, and sometimes a visible cloudy spot. Breeds: Brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus) with prominent eyes are at higher risk. Dry eye or trauma also increases susceptibility.
- Foreign body — Debris, grass awns, or dust in the eye. Sudden squinting and pawing; often one eye. Breeds: long-haired or active outdoor dogs.
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye) — Inflammation of the conjunctiva. Redness, discharge, mild to moderate squinting. Can be infectious or allergic. Breeds: varies.
- Dry eye (KCS) — Insufficient tears; chronic irritation. Thick discharge, squinting, redness. Breeds: Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, West Highland White Terriers, Shih Tzus.
- Glaucoma — Elevated eye pressure causing pain. Squinting, sometimes cloudiness or enlargement. Breeds: Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Chow Chows, Shar-Peis.
- Uveitis — Inflammation inside the eye. Squinting, small pupil, redness, possible cloudiness. Breeds: varies with cause.
- Eyelid abnormality — Entropion (eyelid rolling in) or ectropion (rolling out). Irritation from lashes rubbing the cornea. Breeds: Shar-Peis, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Bloodhounds.
- Allergic eye disease — Seasonal or environmental allergies. Itching, redness, mild discharge. Breeds: varies.
- Keratitis — Corneal inflammation from infection or trauma. Squinting, discharge, cloudiness. Breeds: varies.
- Distichiasis or ectopic cilia — Eyelashes growing in abnormal locations. Chronic irritation and squinting. Breeds: Cocker Spaniels, Pekingese, Poodles, Shih Tzus.
When Is Squinting or Pawing at Eyes an Emergency?
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog shows:
- Obvious trauma (scratch, blow, puncture)
- Suspected foreign body that cannot be gently flushed
- Sudden, severe squinting with pain
- Cloudy or discolored cornea
- Blood or severe discharge from the eye
- Swelling or protrusion of the eyeball
- Squinting with vomiting, lethargy, or collapse
- No improvement or worsening after 24 hours of mild signs
How Veterinarians Diagnose the Cause
Typical diagnostic steps:
- Ophthalmic exam — Eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, anterior chamber, and lens.
- Fluorescein stain — To detect corneal ulcers.
- Schirmer tear test — Measures tear production (for dry eye).
- Tonometry — Measures intraocular pressure (for glaucoma).
- Slit lamp exam — Detailed view of cornea and anterior structures.
- Eversion of eyelids — To find foreign bodies or abnormal lashes.
- Cultures or cytology — If infection is suspected.
- Referral — To a veterinary ophthalmologist when needed.
Treatment Options
Treatment varies with the diagnosis:
- Corneal ulcers — Antibiotics, pain medication, Elizabethan collar; severe ulcers may need surgery.
- Foreign bodies — Removal and flushing; medications if irritation persists.
- Conjunctivitis — Topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or both; antihistamines for allergies.
- Dry eye — Tear stimulants, artificial tears, sometimes anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Glaucoma — Medications to lower pressure; sometimes surgery.
- Uveitis — Anti-inflammatory and pain medications; address underlying cause.
- Eyelid abnormalities — Surgical correction (e.g., entropion repair).
- Abnormal lashes — Removal or destruction of problematic lashes.
Prevention Tips
- Trim facial hair to reduce debris near the eyes.
- Avoid rough play or environments where eyes could be scratched.
- Use a dog-specific eye wash for mild irritation after outdoor play.
- Keep allergies under control with your vet’s guidance.
- For breeds prone to eye issues, discuss preventive care with your vet.
- Avoid exposing your dog to irritants such as smoke or strong chemicals.