Squinting / won't open the eye in dogs: what to do
Squinting means eye pain — corneal ulcers are common and can perforate if delayed.
What are the common causes?
Corneal ulcer
See a vet within 24 hoursA scratch or foreign body breaks the cornea; prominent-eyed breeds are especially prone.
Conjunctivitis / eye infection
Monitor for 48 hoursRed, discharging conjunctiva — from infection, allergy or foreign bodies.
Glaucoma
See a vet within 24 hoursElevated eye pressure can permanently blind within 24-48 hours — an ocular emergency.
Home care & observation tips
- ✓Use an e-collar
- ✓No steroid eye drops on your own
- ✓Fluorescein staining at the vet within 24 hours
- ✓Clean around the eye with pet-safe eyewash
- ✓Use an e-collar to prevent rubbing
- ✓Never use human eye drops
When must you see a vet?
- ⚠Eye held shut for hours
- ⚠A white spot or dent on the cornea
- ⚠A white cornea or protruding eyeball
- ⚠Purulent discharge that keeps worsening
- ⚠Red + cloudy + squinting together
- ⚠Bumping into furniture (vision loss)
FAQ
Is squinting / won't open the eye in dogs serious?
It depends on the combination of symptoms, how long it has lasted, and your pet's energy and appetite.Note that it can appear in problems that need prompt care, such as Corneal ulcer, Glaucoma. Enter the full symptom combination in our symptom checker for a more specific urgency assessment.
Can I monitor at home first? What should I watch?
If energy and appetite are normal with no other signs, 24-48 hours of monitoring is reasonable. Keep notes on frequency, duration, appetite, water intake, energy and what the stool/urine looks like — vets find this very useful.
What should I prepare before the clinic?
Note when the symptom started and how it changed; bring packaging or residue if ingestion is suspected; bring vaccination and deworming records; and if possible take a video (odd gait, cough sound) — clearer than describing.
Not sure how serious it is? Assess it with the symptom checker
Start symptom check →