“Even the smallest eye injury can quickly develop into a serious problem if left untreated.”
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I have a simple answer on this one… if you think your pet has a sore eye – yes in most cases, you should treat it as an emergency.
You will need to get your vet to have a quick look as soon as possible, because even the smallest eye injury can quickly develop into a big problem… and could lead to loss of vision if not treated.
Signs your pet may have an eye injury
If your pet shows any of the following symptoms, it is worth getting your vet to examine him or her as soon as possible:
- squinting
- excessively blinking
- trying to rub the eyes
- watery eyes or tears
- any green or yellow discharge
- eye appears to be bulging
- eye looks cloudy
Causes of eye injuries
Many pet eye injuries occur when small objects enter the eyes. Our pets run fast with undergrowth and bushes at eye level… which makes injury very common. And once these objects irritate your pet’s eye, your pet will often try to remove them by scratching or pawing at the eye causing further damage.
Sometimes an eye injury can be caused by a biological factor, such as an abnormal growth of eyelashes, or an inversion of the eyelids.
Occasionally, more severe injuries occur as a result of a fight with another animal, contact with chemicals, or a large object, such as a stick, entering the eye.
Dislocation or bulging of one or both eyeballs from a blow to the head is a relatively common problem in dogs with large, bulging eyes and shallow eye sockets, such as Boston Terriers, Pugs, Pekingese, Maltese, and some spaniels.
And finally, bulging eyes can also be caused by abscesses, hematomas, and tumours, which all can push your pet’s eye forward.
What can I do to help my pet?
Eye bulging, dislocated or out of its socket
Obviously, this is an emergency and you need to see a vet as quickly as possible.
But in the meantime, if the eye is already out of its socket don’t attempt to put it back in. Instead cover the affected eye with a clean damp cloth soaked in warm water and don’t take it off!
Keep the cloth moist by spraying water onto the bandage, but don’t take the bandage off to remoisten.
Exposure to chemicals
This is another emergency situation and you will need to see your vet urgently.
As soon as you have called your vet, start flushing the eye with fresh water and also check the label on the chemical container to see if any further treatment is recommended.
Remember to bring the chemical container or packaging with you so your vet knows exactly what chemical they are dealing with.
Blinking or squinting excessively or watery eyes
This usually indicates there is a foreign object irritating the eye.
Removing objects from the eye is a specialist skill, so get your pet to a vet as soon as possible.
Green or yellow discharge from the eye
Discharge often indicates an infection if there is no foreign object found in your pet’s eye.
Try bathing your pet’s eye with warm water and see your vet as soon as possible.
“In most cases, a sore eye in pets should be treated as an emergency.”
What if I can’t get my pet to a vet?
If your pet has injured their eye and you can’t get your pet to a surgery, contact your mobile vet and we can come to you.
Try and keep your pet calm and still while you wait for your vet and make sure they don’t rub their eye with their paws and make the problem worse.
Any type of eye injury can lead to blindness in your pet, so it’s always worth getting your vet to take a look as soon as possible
If you have any questions about your pet’s eyes, just give us a call. We’re here to help.
Key Takeaways
- Most eye issues in pets should be treated urgently
Even minor irritation can worsen quickly and may affect vision if left untreated. - Early signs are often subtle
Squinting, blinking, discharge, or watery eyes can indicate a developing problem. - Do not attempt to treat serious injuries yourself
Conditions like a displaced eye or chemical exposure require immediate veterinary care. - Mobile vet care can help when travel is difficult
If you cannot safely transport your pet, a vet can assess the injury at home.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I treat my pet’s eye problem as an emergency?
In most cases, any sign of a sore eye should be treated as an urgent matter. Even minor irritation can progress rapidly and affect vision if left untreated. Early assessment helps prevent more serious complications.
What are the early signs of an eye injury in pets?
Common signs include squinting, excessive blinking, watery eyes or discharge. You may also notice your pet rubbing their eye or showing sensitivity. These symptoms often indicate irritation or injury that needs attention.
What causes eye injuries in dogs and cats?
Eye injuries often occur when small particles, such as grass or debris, enter the eye. Pets may then scratch or rub the area, worsening the damage. Other causes include infections, eyelid issues, trauma or chemical exposure.
What should I do if my pet’s eye is bulging or out of its socket?
This is a serious emergency and requires immediate veterinary care. Do not try to reposition the eye yourself. Cover it with a clean, damp cloth and keep it moist while seeking urgent help.
Can I treat my pet’s eye infection at home?
If you notice discharge, you can gently clean the eye with warm water. However, discharge often indicates infection, and a proper examination is still required. Delaying care can allow the condition to worsen.
What if I can’t safely transport my pet to the vet?
If your pet cannot be moved easily, a mobile vet can assess the eye injury at home. Keeping your pet calm and preventing them from rubbing their eye is important while you wait. This approach reduces stress and helps avoid further damage.